I have taken classes are Union Pilates and they are always top notch. The owner, Ashley, is amazingly strong and focused and is a joy to learn from. I often feel self-conscious about my physical abilities and flexibility and am intimidated by going to work out classes. However, Ashley provides a comfortable environment for all bodies - no embarrassment about my lack of flexibility at Union Pilates. I have also done a 1:1 session that was very helpful. It's good to have some personalized feedback on what my needs are and what I can do to make improvements. read more

If you're looking for a challenging and fun workout, sign up for one of Ashley Newman's classes at Union Pilates. I've experienced a number of different pilates instructors and Ashley is by far the best. She helps and motivates me to stretch a little further, reach a little higher, even when I didn't think I could. The result is a workout that gets me to sit and stand taller, be aware of my posture more often and is bringing life back into my frozen shoulder. Sign up for one a class at Union Pilates today. You and your muscles will be glad you did! read more

I love the mat classes at Union Pilates! Ashley keeps it fun, supportive, and encourages us to push ourselves. Her beautiful studio brings people together creating an inclusive community. I wanted variety with my workouts and was curious to try pilates. I started off taking private session with Ashley to understand the movements and familiarize myself with the techniques. I quickly transitioned into group mat classses, and I love them! I highly recommend giving Union Pilates a try! read more

A little background - I started out as someone who just didn't get Pilates. I was skeptical of the whole thing. I have back pain so I knew Pilates was supposed to help, but every class I attended, I'd walk out feeling like I didn't quite do the exercises right and my neck was the sorest part. I first took a class with Ashley when I became a member at Club Zum. My mind was blown. I'd always thought Pilates was glorified ab workouts; I realized that it is actually the foundation of strength training from which you can build ANY other physical activity or sport. I suddenly didn't mind sitting at my desk at work. I found muscles I didn't even know I had. I felt, frankly, really strong for the first time. I think the difference with Ashley is she knows people's bodies super well and sees your strengths and weaknesses very quickly. She's also incredibly encouraging and remembers what you're working on from class to class, so you pick up where you left off. I've since moved away from Seattle and haven't found an Ashley yet...open a Union Pilates in Minneapolis, please! read more

My experience in pilates has been pilates DVD's at home on a mat (occasionally). I decided I would try out Union Pilates on Eastlake. After my one-on-one session with Ashley, I felt muscles in places I haven't felt in a long time! Based on my goals, we did some exercise work on the reformer (equipment that was a little intimidating at first), as well as some tower and mat work. I plan on a few more one-on-one sessions with her, and then try some of her group sessions. Ashley was patient, informative, and encouraging. The space is clean, well laid out and conveniently located. Thank you Ashley, for reintroducing me to pilates! read more

I love Union Pilates! Here, the focus is on the individual - the instructors work with us so that we can get the most out of the exercises, from beginning level to, I assume, the level of competitive athletes that I see before or after my sessions! I'm in classes with competitive athletes and broken-down bodies like my own; somehow, Union Pilates figures out how to make classes work for all of us! I've had some other Pilates classes, and - Union is The Best. Absolutely. Eastlake is easy for a lot people; it's not for me, and I go, twice a week. Give it a try, wherever you are. Your body will thank you. "Why, you're welcome. Do you like being able to play softball at age 62? Yes, in fact, I do!" Check it out. For real. read more

After being on bedrest for over 7 months, my body was useless. I did 3 rounds of physical therapy and still didn't recover to the point of being able to safely exercise or do many normal activities. After 7 years of dealing with weakness, constant pain and poor fitness, I came to Union Pilates. And after only 6 sessions, I am stronger than I have been in 7 years!!! I can do daily activities without any pain and I am on track to be able to start other types of exercise soon, play the way I want to with my 6 year old daughter and do the fun things I miss so much - like dancing!! I planned on it taking a year, but it seems I may be able to do all this in less than 6 months!! Ashley has the best training, skills and knowledge. She customizes the workout to meet you at your level. I sent a friend there who is a rock climber and very fit and she said it was a very challenging and awesome workout. So clearly Ashley knows how to serve the weakest and the strongest equally as well. I am so grateful I found Union Pilates, (and there is parking to boot!!) read more

Ashley really takes the time to assess her clients' needs and form a comprehensive plan. In the past, I've had pretty bad experiences with Pilates classes, with teachers who don't pay attention to injury or tell me to push through pain. But after a car accident, I was looking for a rebuilding exercise regimen and found my way to Ashley's studio. I look forward to going to our 1-on-1 training sessions every week, and her studio feels homey, clean, and comfortable. If you've had an injury or want to step away from impersonal wellness experiences, check out Union. read more

I must admit, I haven't had much success with yoga classes or gyms. But, at Union Pilates, I found my place. The classes are tiny so it's the ideal balance of a group experience and 1 on 1 guidance. The owner, Ashley, is paying attention to you and offering relevant, specific guidance without the focus being totally on you. I LOVED it and plan to go back on a regular basis. It truly was the most comfortable, motivating and useful fitness class I've ever had. Hot tip- wear form fitting clothes. read more

Ashley is so passionate and authentic about Pilates, if you don't like the gym and/or have suffered an injury recently you should meet with her to get back into the flow of things. She will tell you that injuries/body issues are just a part of life and you don't have to let it hold you back. She helps her clients navigate the physical and emotional road blocks and reach their full physical and mental potential. Stop by her studio and get educated on Pilates exercise and learn how it can improve your life. read more

Ashley has changed the way I look, move and most importantly how I feel in my body. After lifting weights and practicing yoga for over a decade I was looking to change it up. Pilates has absolutely changed the way I work out, I have learned to access new muscles and am learning how to actually engage the muscles I had no idea I wasn't. My posture has improved, my balance and core strength are the best they've ever been and I am finding my abs are kicking on during other exercise without even trying. Ashely is a phenomenal teacher. She pushes you, and not in the traditional sense of heavier, faster, more. She makes sure you are using correct form, engaging the exact muscles you are suppose to with the exercise, because if you're not even working the right muscle who cares how many reps you do. If you are bored with your workouts, are dealing with an injury, or just want to find a sustainable, supportive workout that won't leave you wiped out and limping, Pilates is for you. And Ashley should be your teacher! read more

Ashley Newman, who is my instructor from Union Pilates was wonderful. I tend to have back issues and after taking her class my back had less pain and felt stronger. I look forward to taking more classes once my schedule changes. read more

Union Pilates is a gem of a studio nestled in East Lake Union. Ashley Newman, owner and instructor has an incredible ability to make everyone feel as though they are getting one on one attention. She will help you understand what your body is doing on a daily basis that may be causing you pain or weakness and how to isolate, strengthen and heal those places. Classes are fun, friendly, and organic. My understanding and enthusiasm for pilates has sky rocketed after taking classes at this studio. A must try! read more

After being a regular gym goer for years and then falling off the exercise wagon I was looking for a way to get back into shape so decided to try Pilates. It's a whole new thing to me, where the equipment seemed daunting and its operation obscure. But after leaving the first session feeling taller and straighter I decided to sign up! I'm now a regular and love it. Ashley is great; very knowledgeable about Pilates and exercise physiology, is very professional has a warm personality and quickly assesses and plans a program for your body. Its seems easy at first but oh boy there is plenty of challenge available in this studio! If you are sick of lifting weights, bored at the gym or trying to get your body working again, the emphasis on core strength, flexibility and control are a breath of fresh air. I sound like a convert I know, but do check out Union Pilates. It's also in a great location, and you can actually see Lake Union from there! read more

I've been coming to Union Pilates since the doors opened about two years ago, but I've been following Pilates instructor, Ashley Newman, all over Seattle for much longer! Ashley is fun, personable, caring, and of course, amazing at what she does. She's often more in tune with my own body than I am, narrowing right in on my trouble spots and working with me to strengthen my body. I get so much out of my weekly sessions with Ashley, and she makes sure to give me plenty of easy stretches and exercises that I can do at home. I continued my private Pilates sessions with Ashley through nine months of pregnancy, and I truly think that is a big part of my speedy labor! Ashley makes working out fun and rewarding, and I'd recommend her to anyone looking for a good Pilates workout, whether you've never tried it or are a Pilates veteran! read more

This is by far the best Pilates studio I have ever trained in. I started there less than one year ago, and I can already see and feel the changes in my body. Ashley makes you work hard, but the results are worth it. There is also a genuine community vibe that she helps create. The environment is warm, welcoming and nurturing. Don't pass this one up. read more