Beyond Studios

My ideal workout is something that can get me sweating with a good amount of cardio yet also balance with some toning work. Typically, exercises that focus on toning the body (e.g., barre, pilates, etc) don’t really get me sweating, and cardio isn’t always the most targeted approach to toning.
Well, Beyond Studios truly believes in having your cake and eating it too! Err, except in a healthy workout kind of way. I can’t say enough good things about their Run & Reform class, which is a balance between (you guessed it) running and the Pilates reformer. The classes are structured in a way that it’s like interval training so that your first set consists of the curved treadmill for cardio and then alternate to the reformer for toning work (or vice versa). In total, you’ll perform two circuits of this set. And trust me, by the end of it, you’ll be sweating, and all the right places will be sore :)
The studio itself is very small, but it’s extremely sleek and clean. At most, a Run & Reform class can accommodate only ten participants, but I enjoy the more intimate feel. My only complaint is the close proximity of the Pilates reformer sets next to each other since you might awkwardly bump into your neighbor during certain moves. However, I think it’s just the nature of how little space there is in the studio.
In terms of amenities, there are little open cubbies at the front to store your valuables. There is also a water fountain in case you bring a bottle and need to refill. So glad that ClassPass brought me to this place as I think I’ve found a new studio to add to my workout regimen! :)

I took this class after a friend recommended it to me, since I just recently moved back to Dallas after nearly ten years of living in the Midwest. I had previously tried Pilates Reformer machines (great way to efficiently/​effectively hit those hard those small muscle fibers, by the way) and wanted to give this a whirl since I’m on ClassPass. I signed up for the «Run and Reform» circuit with Kristin (Tuesdays) and while running isn’t really my thing, I would say that doing so on a fast-​twitch/​tabata basis really gets me in my groove.
The workout is normally structured between a «curve» treadmill and the reformer machine, but on this particular occasion, Kristin integrated a third strength station (primarily squats, kettlebell weight optional) to prevent the 50 minute class from becoming too monotonous. Today, we’d be doing three rounds of 8 tabatas at each «station:» curve/​treadmill, strength and reformer. For those of you unfamiliar with Tabata, it is 20 second intervals of max-​intensity output on a single exercise/​muscle group followed by ten seconds of rest, repeated 8 times, with the goal of sustained metabolic burning afterwards for the most time-​efficient fat-​burning and muscle toning results.
I’ll start with the Curve treadmill — that thing is a BEAST! I have never, in my life, encountered a treadmill of that type before, and I’m a fairly active guy. Essentially, the machine is curved in a U shape such that the higher you place your steps on the incline, the faster the machine will power, thereby adjusting speed entirely based upon your power/​input. The learning «curve» (heh-​heh) wasn’t too steep for me and I got the hang of it pretty quickly. This was definitely the most challenging piece — you’ll definitely get your cardio in at this section and work up a sweat. The good news is, for avid runners, its not always Tabata — Kristin told me that the workouts alternate constantly — so one could be on the treadmill for as long as 10 minutes before switching to another station.
The strength circuit was fairly straightforward, so not much to touch on. In hindsight, it did add some nice variety and attention to working the lower body muscle groups, so I am glad she touched on this.
Finally, the Reformers station was fairly standard — it is constructed via cables and pulleys to help build resistance for working the core and muscle groups. The workout can be really effective if done properly, and we did some pretty high-​exertion movements, including bar pushups (try doing all 8 Tabatas on your feet and your chest and tris will feel it within hours!) regular curls, wide rows and tricep kickbacks.
By the end of class, I felt like I got a really good workout done in 50 mins. Quick and dirty.
The instructor, Kristin, was very approachable, friendly and kept the class moving at a great pace. She incorporated a «throwback Tuesday» playlist that was high-​energy and well-​suited for the class. The studio is unfortunately not equipped with showers nor locker rooms, but classes are fairly small and there did not seem to be any outside foot traffic when we were working, so I wasn’t concerned about any theft issues.
In summary, if you are looking to shed some excess weight, tone muscle groups, build muscle (especially for guys) or incorporate a more challenging sequence that incorporates cardio and strength training (that is where I find value in workouts like this) then this is an awesome studio to check out. I will definitely be returning.

Just finished the Pilates Reformer and Chair and it’s my new favorite thing! This class is easy on your joints and they recommend it as an «active recover day», so if you’re body is sore from yesterday’s workout, this class will allow you to get work done, but not kill muscles completely! This is also a GREAT class for beginners!
Kali was my instructor, she’s super friendly and motivational — and since I was crazy and booked a 6am class, I needed all the motivation I could get! She took her time explaining the movements and transitions and was making adjustments as needed for students who may not be as flexible as others.
This particular location is VERY tiny and tight. All of the equipment is close together. I don’t think I would enjoy a full class here, but since there were only three students it was fine.

Love this location. Classes are as great as the original location! I recently did he run and reform and it might be my new favorite