- Address:1305 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Phone:(617) 945-7317
- Website:http://www.fitlabpilates.com/
- Rating:5.0
- Hours:
Tue | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Wed | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Thu | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Fri | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Sat | 08:00 am -03:00 pm |
Tue | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Wed | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Thu | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Fri | 07:00 am -08:30 pm |
Sat | 08:00 am -03:00 pm |
If you are at all interested in pilates, I could not recommend Fitlab Pilates more highly! I attended two classes a week at Fitlab for over a year before moving to Western Massachusetts. I am not exaggerating when I say that Fitlab classes are one of the things I miss the most about Cambridge/Boston. I could probably write a dissertation on why this studio is exceptional, but I'll do my best to stick to the highlights.
First, the atmosphere of the classes is pretty unique. They focus on building strength rather than burning calories. I don't think I heard any reference to losing weight even once during my time in the studio. This is reflected in the clientele; people of all genders, sizes, and ages attend the classes regularly. They also do not play music. While many people like listening to music as they work out, I found that the lack of music allowed the instructors to focus on helping me do the exercises correctly and on getting to know me as a person. Again, not for everyone, but was definitely refreshing and helpful for me.
Second, the instructors at Fitlab are the most knowledgable and attentive fitness instructors I've ever experienced. (And I've gone to a lot of different classes! Spin, yoga, 305 Fitness, Zumba, personal training -- if it was "in" at some point in the last 5 years, I've probably tried it.) Cilla and Amanda have different styles, but they are both excellent at giving very specific and thorough instructions for every aspect of the class. Reformer pilates can be intricate, so their detailed instruction is critical to the success of their classes. They are also both excellent at finding multiple ways to explain the same move. Amanda taught most of the classes I attended and she did a great job of repeating exercises that built strength and mixing up the routines so that I never got bored. (Honestly, twice a week for over a year and I never got bored!) Diane (the owner) had just hired a third instructor when I left, who unfortunately I didn't get the chance to work with, but I heard good things from other attendees.
Third, the owner provides exceptional customer service. Diane responds to emails as seeming lightening speed. She also has an incredible understanding/memory of each of her member's class preferences. More than once she emailed me to let me know that a spot in class opened up when I had mentioned to her over a month before that I was interested in switching! The MindBody app can be clunky and a bit annoying if you are a member, but Diane is so attentive and helpful that for me it was a non-issue. She also keeps the prices at an exceptionally reasonable rate. My monthly membership at Fitlab meant the individual classes were cheaper than any other fitness class I had tried out in the area. Given the specialized attention that comes with a 6 person maximum class, the value for that expense was by far the best.
My final thought is that if you have never tried pilates before, don't give up! Reformer pilates can be very frustrating at the beginning. The reformer is a crazy contraption that can be used in what seems like 50 million different ways. For the first three months, we did something totally new with it at every class I attended. There's a lot of set up involved for each of those new things and it felt like I had to learn a new language just to work out. It's also hard. But, the staff at Fitlab Pilates were so encouraging and helpful that I know I could go into any pilates class now and hold my own. I built more strength and felt more confident in my body than I ever had before. It was completely worth getting through the learning curve.
Very well trained instructors and very professional! Super friendly, clean and an excellent experience overall!
A wonderful, cute pilates studio. Instructors are super nice and knowledgable. Check it out!
A wonderful, cute pilates studio. Instructors are super nice and knowledgable. Check it out!
Sarah is an awesome instructor. I am a big fan of her dance classes. It is amazing how she gets the whole class to learn cool "music video" style routines in just 1 hour! I always impress my friends at parties later ;) I've also really found that the equipment pilates classes have helped improve my posture, so I feel taller and more elegant. The parking lot behind the building makes the studio very convenient.
I just had my first Pilates class at FitLAB, and am already hooked. The instructed did a great job of customizing the workout to meet each of our individual levels, without interrupting the workout's flow. The location can't be beat - lots of parking, and walking distance from Inman Square, Lechmere, and Kendall Square area. This is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
I just had my first Pilates class at FitLAB, and am already hooked. The instructed did a great job of customizing the workout to meet each of our individual levels, without interrupting the workout's flow. The location can't be beat - lots of parking, and walking distance from Inman Square, Lechmere, and Kendall Square area. This is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Sarah is an awesome instructor. I am a big fan of her dance classes. It is amazing how she gets the whole class to learn cool "music video" style routines in just 1 hour! I always impress my friends at parties later ;) I've also really found that the equipment pilates classes have helped improve my posture, so I feel taller and more elegant. The parking lot behind the building makes the studio very convenient.