11/04/08

Best Pilates studio in NYC

by GKafri

If you ask me, Pilates in the Heights is the best Pilates studio in NYC. Whatever shape you?re in, whatever your physical ?quirks? or needs are, this is your place. The studio?s students come in all shapes, ages and sizes, and all develop a (very healthy) addiction to Ana and Chris? teachings. Whether you go for private or shared sessions (2-3 students per instructor, each receiving caring attention as a favored child), you are in for an experience that will change you from head to toe.

For me, Ana and Chris? extensive experience as professional dancers had a significant advantage. Not being merely graduates of a Pilates instructors ?crash course?, they apply their deep knowledge of the body and its workings to a careful method of instruction and construction. They tailor sessions to each student and his/her own needs and abilities. I?ve seen new mothers shed pounds, office workers straighten their backs for the first time in years, couch potatoes develop muscles they didn?t know existed, and dancers that forgot they ever were ones feel as though they could go back on stage.

And to those of us who are not big fans of the over-crowded, huge-spaced, pick-up bar environment of big gyms, this studio is such a treat. The studio?s cozy space with great views of NYC, together with Ana and Chris? warmth and gentleness, inspire a welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making you look forward to the sessions as to a hang-out with friends (while working your abs!).

Don?t take my word for it. Try it yourself.

10/28/08

Best Pilates

by Operatash

When I first went to Pilates in the Heights, I was a mess. I was in pain 90% of the time and was 10-15 lbs heavier than I like to be. With 2 children under the age of 4, I would literally collapse in my bed after they were finally asleep at night, waiting for my husband to come home from work so he could bring me dinner in bed - because, literally, I could hardly move.

Now, less than a year later, I do pilates 3 times per week, I have pain free days, and I've lost about 20 lbs. I look fabulous - even the other moms at my son's preschool have commented jealously - what could be better than that?

Chris and Ana have very different styles that compliment each other beautifully. She is very hands on - and literally repositions your body into the right shape with her hands while you do the exercises. Her sessions feel like a workout interspersed with massage and her hands have a magical touch. Chris is meticulous about form and forces you to use your mind to command muscles you didn't even know you had. The result is a deep seated (literally) strengthening from the inside out.

Of course, I wanted a bikini ready body when I got serious about pilates last Spring, but as I got involved, I thought less and less about the outer transformation of my physique and caught on to Chris and Ana's approach which views your improved appearance as a side benefit. The focus is finding balance and strength from head to toe so that you can live your daily life efficiently and energetically.

Pilates in the Heights has changed my life profoundly and will certainly continue to do so.

09/30/08

Best Pilates Studio

by mziv

I can honestly say that Pilates in the Heights has changed my life. I started going because I was having running related injuries, and so was referred by a friend. I bought a pack of classes, assuming that if I liked it I would find a studio closer to my home in Brooklyn. But after one session I was hooked. The minute you step into the studio all stress melts away and you forget everything else--the subway, the workday, and I knew after my initial sessions were over that there was no way I could ever go to another Pilates studio. Ana and Chris really care about each individual patient, and devote an extraordinary amount of time and attention to every person. I go in, I tell them what's wrong, and they instantly know what to do. I trust them 200% and feel that I get a huge amount of support. All my friends that attend other Pilates studios are jealous.

5 months after being at Pilates in the Heights I did a half marathon and felt terrific during and after. In addition to helping me feel better and look better, it's also an amazing, and I think, unique, personal and friendly environment. Not only do I not mind the subway ride from Brooklyn to the heights, but I actually look forward to it.