Pilates In The Heights

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.

08/03/08

Terrific pilates studio and instructors

by CV140

I can't say enough good things about Chris and Ana and Pilates in the Heights. First, as instructors, Chris and Ana are very engaged and interested in helping each student work at his or her best level. I have been working with Chris for the past year and this has been my first real experience with pilates. I was nervous before my first session but Chris may it very easy and to this day still talks me through every exercise and makes sure that my form is good. These sessions have made a huge difference with some chronic low back soreness that I was experienceing and my overall muscle tone is 100% improved. I would strongly encourage anyone interested to give pilates a try with Chris and Ana -- Pilates in the Heights is a warm, friendly studio and the instruction is excellent.

12/19/07

I love Pilates!

by womfra

Pilates in the Heights is the first pilates studio that I have experience with and I was really impressed with it. I started about 8 months ago and I am already addicted to it. Not only pilates is a great way to exercise and get your body in perfect shape, but also Ana and Chris are wonderful teachers, besides being incredibly friendly and nice. They know exactly what is going on in your body, how to teach you every single exercise and how you can improve doing it. Furthermore, every exercise is aimed at your own body needs; if there is a part of your body that bothers you, you just tell them and they know exactly what to do to help you fix the problem! They are truly amazing. Although, I have a very busy schedule, being a working (and commuting) mom, I would never give up my pilates classes with Ana and Chris.

So?do not hesitate, try it! Why not? It would be the perfect gift for yourself and/or the person(s) that you love!

• Pros: Personalized workout, expert teachers, very friendly environment
• Cons: None