Coming back with an update to confirm I became a regular. I'm now into intermediate Pilates. I still frequent Zaina's class! She challenges you to your limits which is what we want from a workout class. I also love Alexandra Ambrico! She is super friendly and offers a balance of complex moves with good stretches. I come here about once a week! read more

Toolbox Pilates Art Studio - Reformers - Pilates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Toolbox is a beautiful studio nestled in the Dupont Circle area and it is also an art gallery. The location is a bit hard to find since it's in an alleyway but once you find it and enter in you are surrounded by a bunch of artwork on the first level and then a pilates studio on the second floor. They offer everything from the reformer to the cadillac to the chair. They host group classes as well as privates. When I stopped in I took an Intermediate Pilates class. The class was well balanced with movements focused on the core, upper and lower body. I can't recall if music was playing if it was it was very low. There were mirrors throughout the space so that you could check your form. My only hesitation on coming back is that the space didn't feel very diverse and the instructor was not friendly. The energy was giving stuck up and it made me feel like I was not welcomed there unfortunately. read more

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Came through ClassPass and had a challenging, but rewarding class! I'd been to the location in NoMa a few times but heard good things about this location with my friends. They have an art gallery where yoga takes place, upstairs are the reformer machines and showers, and as a bonus, behind the building is a table next to a cute rat mural! read more

A beautiful Pilates studio with two levels and amazing paintings hung everywhere. Came here with my friend for a chair Pilates class and it was challenging in all the right ways. The instructor made sure or form was proper to avoid any kind of injury. This was our first chair Pilates class but the instructor made sure we understood all the movements to be able to have the most efficient class possible. Definitely give this place a try! read more

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A bit hard to find, as it's tucked away in an Alley way and the Ubers get routed incorrectly, but the studio is above an arts studio. It's clean, bright, spacious. They are also on ClassPass which is how I found it. There isn't a front desk person when you arrive, but simple enough once you find it. The value on CP is great too depending on when you book. Machines are great and full size and plenty of accessory equipment. read more

This place is the real deal. Iva and Carlos are my favorite instructors. Iva is quite challenging. Carlos is more thorough and careful with his cues. The studio is a beautiful art and events venue, tucked away in an alley right in the heart of Dupont circle . I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys reformer Pilates classes and wants to be sore. If you're a beginner with reformers, I'd recommend taking a few beginners classes elsewhere before coming here. read more

My daughter just had her wedding here and it was absolutely wonderful! It may be hard to imagine that a Pilates studio can be a perfect wedding venue but it really is fantastic. The place is extremely clean and well maintained. From the pre-wedding reception, through the ceremony and followed by a night of dancing and partying, this place was perfect. The 75 guests had a blast. The wedding was during a heat wave and I was worried that the AC would be challenged but it was very comfortable even after hours of dancing. The staff was so helpful before the wedding and during the event. We highly recommend the Toolbox. read more

Best Pilates Studio Ever! Iva is a professional, friendly instructor who truly cares about her clients,very good quality of live stream classes. The studio consistently providing fantastic online mat classes:) I feel empowered each and every time! read more

Simply the best! Huge space with many varieties of pilates machines well distanced from one another and the staff is top notch. You can't go wrong booking the owner, Iva, who is phenomenal. read more

Toolbox is a unique fitness experience. It is a combination of first class Pilates and one of the most beautiful spaces in Washington DC. This is my third year of Pilates with Iva. I am down two pant sizes and want to wear tank tops all winter to show off my arms! Iva encourages, motivates, inspires and sometimes prods and pushes me to be my personal best. Iva and Alex have created a space that is sleek, modern and sophisticated and with exposed brick walls and antique wood floors and fabulous art is also warm and welcoming. You do not want to leave! read more

Toolbox Pilates Art Studio - ToolBox Pilates Art Studio - Pilates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I took the core align class with Vivian. While the studio is beautiful (it looks more like an art gallery than workout studio with exposed brick walls and hanging lights and art work on the walls), I did not enjoy the workout or instructor at all. The core align class uses this workout machine with sliding squares that you stand on/kneel on/put your hands on and uses band resistance to target specific muscle groups. I assume many people have never used this machine before so I expected the instructor to be understanding and patient but she was the opposite. Our class of 6 had 5 first timers, and Vivian was super impatient and rude. She would call people out for doing the exercises incorrectly, saying things like "what are you doing" instead of being constructive and helpful. It honestly made you feel stupid and like an idiot because you were struggling with the exercises. She was not encouraging at all. I left the class feeling more stressed out and frustrated than when I came in. I would not recommend this class or instructor to anyone. It is a fine workout but the instructor made the environment super unpleasant and aggravating. read more

I'm gonna be fair and rate this on my class experience, instead of on my "pre-class" experience. Here's the first thing you need to know - Toolbox Pilates is located in the ALLEYWAY BEHIND CONNECTICUT AVE. I spent 20 minutes running around like crazy trying to find this place because they apparently don't answer their phones or even have a proper business voicemail set up. You'll need to go around the corner, down R, and down the alley to find it. If you manage to get past the hassle of finding it, you should be set from there. I took the Beginning/Intermediate class with Vivian, and it was clear there were a mix of levels. The class was very intense and fast-paced. Vivian gave plenty of very clear (and pretty funny) instruction, but if you are hopelessly unfamiliar with even basic Pilates exercises, you may find the experience a bit stressful. Two floors of classes in relatively open-air spaces. There is one bathroom on the first floor and two on the second floor where you can change, etc - the two on the second floor also have showers. Beautiful brick space, plenty of natural light, new/nice equipment. read more

We were looking for a non-traditional wedding venue and stumbled on Toolbox's info. After visiting the space and checking it out we knew it was perfect for the size and scope of our wedding! Alex and Iva (and Cece!) were amazing to work with and gave so many fabulous recommendations for vendors and local connections, which really helped our effort to maintain a budget friendly wedding without sacrificing quality! Cece went above and beyond to provide the most amazing day-of coordination support and kept things moving beautifully, even with some last minute schedule adjustments. Overall we felt so supported, and post-wedding we have gotten nothing but rave reviews from our guests about the venue and overall space as well as the flow of our wedding day. Highly recommend checking out Toolbox for any event hosting needs, but the space was absolutely magical for our wedding. 10/10 would do it again! read more

Don't call them for private event space; Very rude and nasty.

I've been practicing here for about 6 months and I love the Pilates reformer classes. This studio is the most gorgeous place one could ever wish to work out in. The art work and ambiance really allows You to become calm and balanced. My reformer practice has really improved since visiting toolbox and I owe that to Suzanne and Carlos who are both awesome instructors. The studio itself has three single restrooms, two with showers and is a little tricky to find (I always enter through the alley on 19th). read more

Taking Vivian's class was by far the worst workout experience I've ever had. While she seems to know pilates well, she was unnecessarily rude and aggressive. This was a beginners class, and I am very clearly new to reformer, however she acted as if it was pathetic that I didn't immediately understand her instruction. There was a move in the beginning that I didn't completely understand. She proceeded to call me out and say that she was "wasting brain cells on me." She then asked me in front of the whole class how many classes I've taken before, and stated that I should avoid challenging myself with some of the moves. For the rest of the class, she constantly picked on me for every move. Of course I'm open to advice on adjusting the moves and doing them correctly, but frankly I felt like I was bullied for the whole class. Vivian should not be a workout instructor. She lacks patience and basic politeness. read more

This review is for the Pilates class... Toolbox is such a amazing space! When you first wall in, you are in a beautiful art gallery/event space with wood floors and exposed brick. Upstairs is the pilates area, also with exposed brick and wood floors - it's decorated with twinkle lights, fluffy white cottony clouds, and other calming décor. It's also filled with light as there are windows. The space has a nice feel - not gym like at all! Such a nice ambiance for a workout. Okay on to the class.... Using ClassPass I signed up for a beginner reformer group class at Toolbox. The CP reviews had been mixed regarding difficulty, and while I've had many reformer classes, I am out of shape and now a newbie....again. Crystal is a great instructor....she made sure the newbies (there were a few first timers in the class) were given the proper instruction, but she also made sure the others were challenged. We did most of our work on the reformer and finished with some ab work on the mat. Overall, I felt like a had a good workout. Amenities... Should you need, there is a restroom/shower and cubbies for your shoes/bag/etc. Since it's a single shower, I am not sure how many people use it, but it's there should you need. I am looking forward to going back next week and will update my review if needed. Cheers! read more

Stunning studio. One of the most beautiful I have ever been to and so serene. The class was intense yet relaxing and rejuvenating. The instructor was great at explaining the exercises and exactly how to place yourself. I can't wait to go back!! read more

Toolbox Pilates Art Studio - Studio - Pilates Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This was a wild class. The most important thing to note is that this studio is located in an alleyway off R, before connecticut ave. My friend and I were late to our class because their listed address is technically inaccurate and their website does not list this as a potential issue (Which they should really add). The place inside is super cute, however, there are string lights hanging everywhere and it had a very calm feeling. We took the pilates reformer class and it was quite unique. It was only about 6 other people and the instructor was super sweet and had a relaxing tone throughout the workout. They also hold private pilates sessions, but I really liked this space, it has good small classes that really do give you a nice toning workout. I'd recommend it! read more

I came here on ClassPass which is awesome btw, but that isn't what this review is about! It's a bit hard to find in an alley off of 19th, but they have a sign on 19th pointing the way and a bright red door. Downstairs is an art gallery which is nice. There isn't really a reception, but by process of elimination I figured out to go upstairs. The space is nice there is a separate room for mat, 3 cadillacs and several reformers and chairs. They have two bathrooms with showers which is a plus if you go to a morning class or want to freshen up before going out. I have been twice. Both times there were only 2 people including me in the class. I'm not sure if that is a fluke or what, but it was great. The first time was with Eva and since there were only 2 of us we did half chair half reformer which was awesome. And it was HARD!! I do pilates reguarly and I was really challenged. She was really friendly correcting our form too - big points for personal attention. The second class I took was with Greg in the morning. This time it was a full reformer class. It was somewhat different than what I'm used to, but still good. I will definitely be going back and maximizing my 3 times per month on class pass. read more

We had our wedding at Toolbox Art Studio. We had viewed a few other venues before walking into Toolbox, and once we did we immediately put down a deposit and canceled our other appointments. The space is very industrial, filled with art, and just had a feel that we didn't see anywhere else. The owner, Alex, was amazing to work with. He would respond to questions within a few hours, gave us some great vendor recommendations, and was really committed to making sure that we loved the space as much as he does. The wedding felt intimate while still being big enough for people to spread out and enjoy the space. When we think of our wedding it's impossible not to think of the venue being a significant part of it and we're so happy that we decided to have our big day at Toolbox. read more

I love Toolbox! I try to go once a week but their classes get booked quickly, they have quite a popular following. They're very welcoming and its like a little family, they know a lot of the regular students by name. The studio is a beautiful space, I am thinking about hiring their designer.. it's super cool If you book a class - Take Pinling. She's funny and great! read more

Oh Toolbox.... If only I could find enough words in the English dictionary to THANK YOU, Irina, Iva & Alex for such an amazing experience for our wedding this past Friday, April 10th. From the very beginning in booking the venue, Irina was extremely communicative and answered all our questions as needed within a 24 hour turn around period. We ended up booking the 1st floor for our very intimate party of 65 guests and were able to occupy the back alley way entrance for the food truck. What a great little cove for those who are interested in a city-feel-themed wedding. The exposed brick inside the venue with the amazing dark wooden floors gives Toolbox such a spunk with a speak easy-feel that is untouchable. Our DJ placed up lighting in 3 areas of the venue simply to give it an extra touch of color which was perfect in showcasing the art work. My now wife, and I are so immensely grateful for all the hard work, time and care the owners of Toolbox put into this masterpiece. I was never one for a wedding, but after seeing the results of ours, I am so grateful we chose this hidden little gem in such a busy city. Irina - Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your professionalism is appreciated and your attention to detail is exactly what we needed. Our special day went without a single hitch thanks to you. Thank you Toolbox for the life long memories :-) read more

I love, love this studio! It is definitely the most gorgeous fitness studio I have ever practiced in. It is definitely really difficult to find. Basically you head east on R St from Connecticut Avenue and take the first right into an alley. It looks scary and dirty and deserted, walk for about 1 minute until you see a stand alone building to your left in the middle of the parking lot/alley. Downstairs you check in, fill out a waiver, etc. There are studios upstairs - a reformer studio and a mat studio. I have only done reformer classes which are AWESOME. Really great teachers who I have taken at other venues around town though the space here is more beautiful than the other venues. I've practiced in the reformer studio while it was raining - gorgeous to see the skylights in the rain. I'm glad this studio is on classpass because classes are super pricy otherwise! read more

Such a cute studio! It's tucked away in an alley. I've really enjoyed the intermediate mat classes with Iva--she's hilarious. I find the class challenging and a great workout. I love the studio itself, lots of brick and cool art on the walls. read more

We were here for a wedding and this studio is just the cutest hidden gem. Aside from the lack of parking or near the location it would be a cute place to visit. There is public parking a couple blocks away and street parking if you can find it. The Toolbox made such a cute location for a wedding and the reception. The bride did a beautiful job picking the vendors that could pull off a multi-level venue work for her wedding. The atmosphere is quaint and charming, you could not tell this is a Pilates studio in addition to being an art studio. Five stars for being a perfect wedding spot. read more

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We had our 4th of July wedding there. OMG. THE BEST. Alex made everything so easy by telling us which vendors to go with and where our guests should stay. The love that he and his wife pour into the venue is apparent the moment you walk through The Toolbox's doors. The beautiful artwork and intimate setting created such a unique vibe for the wedding. It is the perfect wedding venue. I will definitely be telling all of my friends who are getting married soon that if they are looking for a venue, The Toolbox is where they should do it at. THANK YOU SO MUCH TOOLBOX FAMILY!!!!! read more

We viewed what seemed like every possible wedding venue in DC. After stepping foot inside Toolbox, no other venue could compare. For anyone who is looking for a warm and cozy space for a wedding that will be uniquely yours, this is the place for you. In addition to the gorgeous exposed brick, hardwood floors, and stunning artwork, the service of the staff here is really unmatched. During our original meeting with Alex, he showed us around the venue, and spent about 2 hours with us talking over options for decorating, sharing personal stories and laughter, and making us feel at home. In addition, he shared valuable money-saving advice to help reduce wedding costs. Did I mention this was BEFORE we had a contract? We also chose to hire Irina as our Day of Coordinator. This was the BEST decision we made for our wedding. If you're DIYing it, and it is your first wedding, you may have several questions about timelines, negotiating with vendors, etc. Irina and the Toolbox crew were always available to answer questions for us, and help think through the logistics of the day. She was an invaluable resource to have in the planning process - I cannot imagine doing it without her!!! As I mentioned, we knew Toolbox was the place for us from the moment we walked in, but when we arrived for the wedding, we were absolutely blown away. The space looked unbelievable! Irina's hard work and attention to detail really paid off - everything looked amazing, was impeccably designed, and in order. She helped coordinate the efforts of our other vendors so it all came together perfectly. She and the Toolbox crew did everything they could to make sure the event was exactly what we wanted and totally worry-free. We couldn't have asked for anything more. Aside from us, so many of our guests fell in love with the space - we received so many compliments on the venue's unique and quirky characteristics that made it so unique, cozy, and fun! It was such an amazing night, and we have the Toolbox Team to thank! read more

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Space is beautiful. I went on a Monday to try Zumba, and it was a fun, fast paced class that incorporated both latin music and hip hop. My one complaint is that there was no one down in reception- the bottom floor is an art gallery, which was deserted, and I went up to the top hoping to find someone and awkwardly hanging out watching the other pilates class. Since I use class pass and you can be charged for late cancellations, I was definitely worried, as there was no sign in process, that I could potentially be charged. Note to first timers- entrance is in an alley way. If it is your first time going, definitely leave a few extra minutes to find it. read more

So, let me be honest, I hate working out. I loathe it. However, a friend convinced me to try Pilates and said it's way better than anything else. So, I went. I LOVE IT! I take an evening Reformer Class with Carlos and he is wonderful. In previous workout classes (Yoga, Barre, Sweatin' To The Oldies, you name it) I look at the clock. The difference with Pilates, when each class ends, I'm like "Ummm....that was awesome, can I take another?" The workout is fantastic. I've now been doing weekly Pilates classes with Carlos at Toolbox since February and feel a change not only in my core, but in how I sleep, my mood and my energy level. Carlos is a great instructor and keeps things fresh and new...and he has a GREAT sense of humor -- I call it "Pilates with personality!" Iva, the owner is so awesome. If you are lucky enough to do a class with her, you will feel it for days. She knows her stuff...guess that's why she owns the place. Go here. Get in shape. Stop bitching. I DID. read more

This is the coolest Pilates studio I've ever stepped foot in. Though a little hard to find, there is a sign out front on 19th street (back entrance). You have go through an alley and then you will see the sign for "Toolbox" with red doors. I love that it is an art gallery/ event space on the bottom floor and Pilates studio on the top floor. The events manager/ receptionist was very sweet and helpful and told me a lot about the studio. Fun fact: the studio owners are Bulgarian. There is one bathroom downstairs and two upstairs. There are also showers, and cloths provided which is a major plus. There are cubbies in between the two rooms. One is the reformer room and the other is the mat room. I love the ambiance of this place. Kind of mood lighting with paintings in both Pilates rooms from the gallery downstairs. I bought a mat class as part of class pass. My mat class only had 4 people which was great since the instructor gave us a lot of personal attention. It was definitely challenging! I definitely will be back and highly recommend this place for anyone looking to do a mat class, reformer, or private lesson. read more

Chic and elegant are the two best words to describe this brand new concept that Toolbox brings to DC. Have been here for the grand-opening and had the pleasure to meet one of the partners named Kiril, who is also the artist of the art studio. You would be amazed with his work and current gallery. From wood flooring to pilates on the 2nd floor, Toolbox is a must for any DMV locals or tourist. read more

Well, Toolbox's response to my review is predictably lacking in customer service and fails to take responsibility for management's failings. To wit: "To be honest you haven't really experience anything because you haven't even been to the studio." Wow!!! First, a person can have a bad experience with a place before physically stepping foot in it; customer service starts before you get customers in the door, and if you mess that up, potential customers have valid complaints regardless of whether they've made it through the door. And second, how amazingly crappy is it that I haven't even made it through your door, and have nonetheless spent $30 on your "services." Third, the response entirely fails to mention one of my primary complaints: that Toolbox never contacted me, despite the fact that I reached out to them both by email and by phone. Apparently I'm not worth their time.... until I leave a scathingly honest Yelp review. Fourth, just because ClassPass gyms don't charge clients directly doesn't mean that the gym has no role in causing me to be charged. It is only through the gym itself reporting the client as a "no-show" that ClassPass is even aware that a person didn't attend the class and can then charge them. You don't get to hide behind the ClassPass wall just because the fee comes from them. If Toolbox would not have reported me to ClassPass as a "no-show," I wouldn't have been charged an extra $20. Seriously, that reply is a joke. All it does is underscore my review. read more

First off, one the most beautiful spaces for pilates in DC. After taking pilates in NYC for years I thought I would never find a space with such an artsy and historic vibe to workout in again! Toolbox definitely offers a creative environment conducive to working out in. Just a great energy overall. Now on to the real stuff. I have only been there once for a private session with Eva, one of the owners, but it was great. I traditionally stick to classical pilates technique but Eva's style was a welcomed change. The subtle variances offered new challenges to my body. Eva was energetic and I could tell she really really wanted to be tough on me but was holding back. Then she actually told me she was being gentle on me because it was my first time. I'm looking forward to the challenge of the day she actually kicks my butt on the reformer. While I will always prefer classical pilates, I will definitely work a day or two a week with Eva into my pilates regimen. Pricing was really really great. In NYC a private session went for approximately $80 per session. This is what Toolbox charges as well so its right in line with what I was expecting and not the crazy $100/session some places charge. They were running a special and so I ended up purchasing 10 sessions for $560. Pretty awesome deal when it comes to privates sessions. read more

I had a formal event here with 200+ people, and my class had an excellent experience. The space was a gorgeous brick space, with two floors. There were beautiful lights on the second floor against the brick that made for excellent pictures. The location is also excellent, as it is located quite centrally in DuPont Circle. Our event had passed hor's d'oeuvres, which worked very nicely with the space. The bartenders and hor's d'oeuvres waiters were all very attentive and friendly. The space can also easily hold a band, as we had at our event. It seems funny that this is classically used as a pilates studio, but I'm telling you it worked so perfectly for a nice formal event! I would be interested to go back to take a pilates class there too! Highly recommend renting out this space for any event you need! read more

The studio is beautiful, BUT -- I found the instructor, Vivian, to be cruel. No one who treats paying students so poorly should be employed as a pilates instructor. She singled out two girls in class and hounded them with constant criticism until the class was over, never offering constructive feedback, just being MEAN. One girl was on the verge of tears after Vivian commented on the size of her belly and rolled her eyes and laughed when she couldn't get a movement right. She could cause harm to someone struggling with their self-esteem. Most people work out to feel better about themselves, not to be criticized to the point of tears. Vivian gives you a workout, but her instruction style is bizarre and her attitude makes the class unpleasant for everyone. read more

This place is a gem hidden in the Dupont Circle vibrant neighborhood! The combination of art gallery and Pilates studio is just breathtaking. Every time I show up to my classes, I can sneak pick into some new art work and see happy eyes of couples looking for a place to get married ! Really, their beautiful and modern studio is a hit between couples looking for a place to tie the knot! I have to mention that I rented out the space for my friend's going away party :-) One of the reasons that Toolbox impressed me , is that they are not just like my old Pilates place. They always have events going on ( which the students always get invited) and there are many classes that you can take advantage of (pilates, yoga, zumba and even painting classes). My teacher Iva is the queen of reformer Pilates and my body has been changing thanks to her patience and strong support. Together with her partner, artist Kiril Jeliazkov, they brought to DC a unique space that's connecting people through art, mind and spirit. read more

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I have been attending Toolbox for about a year and have found it to be a solid, reliable place to get in a good workout. I you buy 20 classes at a time the price comes down to a reasonable $25. I wish they offered more classes on the chair or the ladder, but overall the weekend classes are always great and I enjoy going there. Would also recommend an upgrade in the equipment, but instructors make the best of what they have. read more

Crystal is a great teacher. I enjoy her Monday night class a lot and it is definitely very effective. My only issues is that I wish it were a little cheaper so that I could do it long term. read more

This review is for the Toolbox as a wedding venue. Alex, Irina, Crystal, and the Toolbox team were delightful to work with. Their experience working with other wedding parties was invaluable to us, as it allowed us to host a wonderful wedding for our guests with little stress. Their ideas and recommendations took away most of the guesswork, and Crystal made the day much easier with great attention to detail and her tireless effort as our Day of Coordinator. Our wedding guests have already let us know that we created an unforgettable experience and Toolbox was the centerpiece! read more