True Pilates New York

Doesn't Recommend

jenniferstimson2346

Joined 6 years ago

Should have died with Joe. True Pilates, formerly Drago's Gym, may be the original home of the late Joseph Pilates' empire -- but it's definitely gone downhill. I've done pilates for many years and was excited to visit the studio, but what a disappointment! The physical space is a picture of neglect, with scuffed beige walls, worn brown carpeting, and nowhere to secure one's personal belongings. (To make matters worse, when I returned to the locker-less room to put on my clothes, someone had splashed them with an unknown dark substance -- let's just hope my dry cleaner can work wonders.) There's too much equipment in too small a space, and visiting apprentices are falling over one another to keep out of the way of clients. Worst of all, the much-touted "authentic" instruction was rote and ill-considered, so much so that I left with injuries (twice, two different instructors). True Pilates is like a rundown old hotel that caters to foreign tourists who've relied on stories of past grandeur. Much better and more authentic pilates instruction is available elsewhere in the city, for much less. Don't bother to pay your respects at the "shrine."

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godrazor

Joined 7 years ago

Best Pilates Workout.... EVER!. Oh boy, was I impressed. Ive done various Pilates, with various studios, with various schools of teaching, but the Romanas Pilates teachers at True Pilates New York are the best in the world. Instead of feeling slightly hurt after a workout I finally feel rejuvenated, and while we all know Aanold didnt get big doing Pilates I sure as shucks am why stronger.

P.S. You have to love the characters behind the desk, and what a great location. Just dont undo what you just did by running straight into Manga right after a work out.

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bubbsl

Joined 8 years ago

Best Workout. Such a great environment for pilates. It is layed back but each instructor is totally concerned with what is good for the individual student. A lot of energy in the morning, more layed back in the afternoon. Each teacher i've had is completely dedicated to the method and well worth the money. Gymnsatics is totally entertaining as well. Not the most trendy place ever, but what are you really there for?

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baccorn

Joined 8 years ago

Not consistent. This place may feature Romana, who is no doubt a national treasure, but most of the teachers are only trainees who are not even fully certified yet, and they charge you full price. Also, can get very chaotic. If you are not advanced- look for another studio.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Eastern European gymnastics are supplanted by Pilates--big-time.. The Scene
There aren't many places you can go to see geriatric ladies swing from trapezes; yet, even so, the younger clientele focuses elsewhere--namely, on Joseph Pilates acolyte and senior-ranking instructor Romana Kryzanowska. The acknowledged heir of the late Pilates' methodology, this octogenarian attracts an international coterie of apprentices who line the wall as she and her assistants (daughter Sari and granddaughter Daria among them) guide students through the various exercises of a program once billed as Contrology.

The Workout
The rings and the balance beam have fallen from favor since the 1970s when Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci attracted young girls to the sport; nowadays gym-owner Drago Mehandzic tells his Russian trainer to go easy on literally senior students as they tumble on wall-to-wall blue mats. As for Kryzanowska, a golden girl herself, this living legacy keeps business booming with a certification program that's respected all around the world.