BodyTonic Pilates Gymnasium

I adore this studio! It has such a calming atmosphere and because it is on the smaller side, the classes never feel over-​filled (there is a 8 person max) and you always get a ton of personal attention from the instructors. I leave here feeling so calm and centered, and about a foot taller!
I find it a bit odd that a previous reviewer complained about the small size of this studio when that’s what most people love about this place (and all of the photos on Unilocal and BodyTonic’s website make the studio’s size pretty clear…). I’d much rather have a small, personal feeling studio that enables you to get your money’s worth vs. go to a giant studio that feels impersonal.

I just tried this studio for the first time via Class Pass, and I had such a blast. It was actually both the first time I had ever used my class pass and the first time I had ever done Pilates with machines (instead of just straight Mat pilates). I had such an amazing experience. As a big girl trying to get into shape, I always worry about looking foolish or simply being unable to do the moves required for the class. I specifically chose the open class for all levels, and I was super lucky that (because of the snow) only 5 of us were in the class, and everyone was at the beginner/​intermediate level (so I didn’t even have to modify)!
Now for the specifics. This is a small studio. Very intimate, which I actually like, because there’s a cap of seven or eight people per session, so you get a lot of individual attention. However, if you want a fancy studio with lockers/​showers/​etc, this is not for you. That being said, the studio is very clean, nice, comfortable, and there is a cupboard for your coat/​purse/​etc and a restroom for changing. Becca was working the front desk, and she was so nice and welcoming!
As for the class itself, I enjoyed myself immensely. Will you be sweating like you do in a cycling class? No, of course not, but, that’s not the point of pilates. I definitely felt the work in my core, in my arms, legs, inner thighs and, most importantly, I got an amazing stretch in my spine. I walked out feeling an entire foot taller and had so much energy, even with the blizzard outside. My instructor was Merav, and she was excellent. She gave everyone individual attention, corrected form and posture, and was encouraging and never condescending.
I will definitely be making this one of my favorite studio for my class pass. It’s so soothing, provides a great stretch, and works your core. I loved it.

I have been attending body tonics classes for years and I have only good words about the place and the instructors. The classes are small and the instructors are professional and very clear in their instructions. When needed the instructors are correcting and provide modified version of the exercise. The online signup system is very easy to use. The only thing I would have loved to see is more group classes on the calendar, especially on weekends as these get fully booked pretty quickly. Other than that’s it’s perfect!

This is a great studio whether you want to drop in and try a few classes or embark on a life-​changing experience. I have been going for over 2 years. Started out with classes and then husband got me a gift pack of personal sessions and never looked back. I had taken lots of mat classes around gyms but wanted to try the equipment. My background is ballet training from kindergarten — college and in recent years escalating aches and pains from standing at work and doing heavy lifting. Definitely not in any condition to jump back in to ballet classes and such. I work in health care/​orthopedics.
It’s easy to see in classes and personal sessions there are lots of corrections going on and the instructors really care that you have proper form. They really want to know your feedback about recovering injuries and modify things accordingly. Beginners and advanced clients all can get a lot out of it because they are in tune with your experience level. Their knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy is extensive! Better than most medical students!
The results I saw were stronger core, elimination of the aches and pains (trapezius, neck, hamstrings), better posture, and although my weight is steady, a lot of comments that I looked slimmer with more definition. We found upper body strength I never thought I had. The sessions are as mentally challenging as a dance class where you have to really concentrate on what you are doing and you de-​stress. Currently I’m in pre-​natal mode taking the classes and some semi-​privates and it has been tremendously helpful.
It is inspiring to see how much can be learned here even if you think you are coming in with good awareness of your body. Pilates is going to be part of my life for the long term and this is a world-​class place to practice.

I love body-​tonic! I started taking group classes with Megan & Jen, which were awesome, and got to see a lot of results. I continued to take classes and pre-​natal semi-​privates during my pregnancy, and later went on to postnatal private sessions with Laura.
Every teacher/​instructor I’ve had at body-​tonic has been great!

I had been suffering from tennis elbow for over two years. I have tried physical therapy, ice packs, hot soaks, salt soaks, massage, acupuncture, and the list goes on.
Working with the owner Jennifer De Luca over the past few months has completely healed me. I am not even kidding a little bit. I have full range of both my elbows and am pain free.
Bodytonic has changed my life, and now I can lift my daughter up and give her a big hug without wincing in pain.
Also, my abs are looking pretty good, and I feel so much stronger.
Thank you, Bodytonic!

HOLY CORE!
I went in to try this place out and it was awesome! Its a boutique studio that is just right! the classes are small– about 8 or so people intimate enough that everyone gets personal attention and corrections. And everyone is there to work on themselves– its a very friendly atmosphere– not pretentious at all like other places in park slope.
But besides that– the work out was tough– not something that destroys you for the rest of the day– but I got up and it felt like I had rediscovered that I had a core. And I felt strong! This attention and technique worked my core in a more complete way than anything else ever has. I’m on my way to a summer six pack!
see you soon bodytonic!

Up until about 2 years ago, I was a dedicated weight lifter and runner, as it was about 2 years ago that a disk herniation precluded me from doing those things with any comfort whatsoever. After my doctor got me upright again and cleared me to exercise, I finally decided, after years of hearing how fantastic it was, to take the plunge into pilates. I simply thought it might help with my back and get me back to a point where I could get back into the gym.
Put «getting back in the gym» aside for a moment… From a purely rehabilitative standpoint, I credit the instruction I received at Body Tonic with me standing upright today. One-​on-​one, the instructors there, helped me to strengthen, stretch, and focus on my body in a whole new way. After having shoulder surgery earlier last year, I turned to Body Tonic again for rehab. Again, was amazed with how closely attention was paid to my individual needs and body, and again, that shoulder, like my back, is much, much, better due to it.
I never really did go back to the gym. I’m convinced that any athlete should be doing this and Body Tonic has very dedicated, knowledgeable people. I’m sure pilates studios are easy to find; hell, I know of 3 that are within walking distance of me in Park Slope. However… Body Tonic is a good experience, and from my personal experience, a great place for a beginner and a great place for rehabbing injuries.

The best pilates studio i have ever been too. I love how serious they take every movement made!

I’ve been a Bodytonic fan for years. There are lots of options in terms of instructors and classes/​privates/​semiprivates – so you can really tailor your workout to both your personality and your pocketbook. The folks at BT have gotten me through three pregnancies and back into shape. A great combination of nurturing and challenging!

I feel guilty rating Bodytonic low because everyone else seems to love it and the instructors I interacted with seemed nice. But…
This studio is VERY SMALL. I haven’t been to many pilates studios in New York City, but this is by far the smallest of any pilates and/​or yoga studios I’ve ever been to. I would guess that the entire studio takes up no more than 550 sq. ft.
I signed up for a pilates mat class purposefully. I have no interest in the various apparatuses. Unfortunately, due in part (I assume) to the small size of the studio, the class incorporated the use of springs, bars, and equipment that I found detracted/​distracted from my experience. I thought that there would be a separate room for mat classes, but no, we just hop right on the equipment — much to my dismay. This is primarily a personal preference — the studio is probably better suited for someone who prefers the use of such equipment.
I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the instructor. I think her explanations of the various movements/​poses could have been more precise.

I am so very grateful to have found Bodytonic. I am getting married next summer and after years of stop.start. attempts to be a gym regular I figured I would give some personal training a try. My mom has been going to pilates for years so I thought I would skip the gym this time around and try something new.
I fell in love with my sessions with Jen right from the start. She is tough, patient, encouraging and the practice felt so purposeful and logical. After getting more comfortable with the basics I added some semi-​private weekly sessions with Tracey. She is also an incredible teacher. Just seeing the strong bodies on these beautiful women is motivation to keep up with my training! I have also had the pleasure of working with Amber on a few occasions and found her instruction equally as rewarding.
Unlike the gym, going to pilates feels like a a special gift I give myself– not something I dread showing up for. Even after only 5 months I feel so much stronger and aware of hold I hold and use my body in my every day life (sitting in a chair, walking down the street). It is not a cheap route for sure, but in my opinion it is worth twice the cost. I feel confident I will look amazing at my wedding next summer, and will continue on after it is over.
Park Slope is lucky to have this place, and so am I!

I don’t even know where to begin– This place is fabulous! Pilates has totally transformed my body. Body-​Tonic has tons of options: mat classes, workshops, privates, and semi privates. I even took an atnatomy workshop.
I’ve been to other studios in the hood, and this is by far the best. My teachers gently push and scaffold my learning and my body’s muscle memory. I am so much stronger than I was a year ago. And the shape of my body has changed dramatically.
I’ve worked with Traci, Emily G., Emily T., Peggy, Monica, and Hristoula. All are awesome women to work with!

Wonderful pilates studio. This is where I first started doing pilates and I continue to work out there. They offer privates, a few classes, and also have great deals and packages. The owner, Jennifer, and all of her instructors are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and professional.