BK Pilates

A few oddities give this studio a bottom ranking on my list of Pilates location in New York.
I attended a Saturday later morning class and nobody was at the front desk to check in or greet. I was confused and assumed I must be in the wrong place, but a gruff older man barked «Pilates?» at me, and communicated that I was in fact in the right place.
The workout was fine for me, but it wasn’t for some of the other students, hence my rating. The room set up is very awkward; not all of the reformers are in the same room, so if you don’t get one in the main room, you’ll be in a separate room entirely with no way to see the teacher, which leads me to my main issue…
I completely understand that Pilates typically doesn’t have a reputation of «feel good» instructors, something I’ve always liked. That said, the teacher at my class really just wasn’t appropriate. First, she never provided any demonstrations, but her English was not strong enough to be able to give detailed instructions. I’ve done Pilates a number of times, so I didn’t need to the extra explanation, but that wasn’t the case for everyone. I should also note that this class wasn’t categorized as not beginner. One woman struggled through the exercises, and the instructor essentially bullied her the entire class and was annoyed the entire time that this woman couldn’t figure out the positions based on her descriptions. Working out is supposed to make you feel good, and it’s painful to see someone picked on publicly like that. There’s just no need.
There’s way too many other fantastic Pilates studios in the city for BK to get away with rude instructors and awkward set ups. I’ll be heading to Sal Anthony’s next time.

I never get bored with this class ! Marina always changes the workouts — this Pilates studio always feels so intimate and has such great people.

Had another amazing workout with Sylvia O. as always. This class was so different from her others– her exercises were completely new and unique (not surprising) she told us she was up at 2 AM the morning or I should say night before, working out new exercises to try, which I so appreciate, and she was so excited about. Let me tell you my abs are hurting today and I can feel then popping out! Thank you!
This class & this studio is so welcoming and so enjoyable I always hope it never ends but it goes so fast! It is one full hour on the reformer machine which you don’t really get anywhere, usually you have to switch to a Cadillac or chair or tower … something. And at other studios the reformer classes are so basic and for open levels I feel very unchallenged,
I take the 1 PM Saturday advanced class and let me tell you there is no mercy takin. You can stop if you need to that is fine you can take a breath if you need to, I have no shame in that. I have been fighting a sinus infection for months which finally came out, so this was my first class back and my breathing was not great, and I grumbled a bit ;) We did some jump board and my asthma kicked in but I fought through because it is only 1 hour and I know I can pull back if I need to. Sylvia won’t boot camp yell at me to keep going, degrade me, point it out in front of the class or make me feel bad or tell me to push myself… work harder. I know my body, she knows me. Done and done. This is a very unusual but great feeling to have an instructor that knows you know your body and are not wimping out. There is a huge difference and you should never be in PAIN or let someone tell you what to do.
I am really feeling it today and though I had to modify, it’s all good. I so miss her at Sal Anthony Movement Salon just for her energy, because I honestly love that space too, except for the fact that there are cats roaming around (which I think that might be a health code violation especially for me who is allergic and has asthma) but I digress …
I can’t even tell you they made such a huge mistake in letting her leave…
Anyway my luck like I said she is at a new studio and I have the best of both worlds I am just writing this to reiterate how great having Sylvia at BK is and how lovely the studio in the back of a massage parlor is that is so quiet and peaceful, as you can see by my pictures, where the teachers are very conscientious and it’s a small class, so form is corrected and there’s not a lot of noise going on, or people coming and going. THAT it is complete opposite of A LOT of the Pilates studios in New York, and I have to say quite a pleasurable relaxing experience.
Thank you again Sylvia for a lovely Saturday afternoon I wish I could see you more!

After posting my review, management contacted me and added an additional class to my account because I had to cancel late once when I got food poisoning. I was unable to use all five classes on my Gilt offer due to this, but now it’s as if I can! Great customer service from this company!!!

Came here though an online deal and it has been a great experience. All of the instructors I encountered are all very knowledgeable and friendly.
The facility is tucked behind a spa, don’t let it throw you off. Its almost like a speakeasy of Pilates classes. Walk straight to the back and you will walk into an intimate room with 5 reformer machines, NY makes the best use of their spaces.
All the machines are all in great condition, and cleaned after every class. They also have a number of different props the instructors incorporate to help better your Pilates experience.
Instructors know what they are doing and they enjoy doing it. Another thing j appericate about the classes is that they will ask the class what they want to work on, so its almost like a customized class.
Your body will feel the burn after every class! Highly recommend.

I have taken Pilates consistently for about 3 months now at different studios. At BK Pilates I have taken the Reformer class and the Reformer 2 and I thought both were great. Reformer with Jamie is more basic but focuses on technique. Reformer 2 with Marina is definitely more intense and a great work out. The location is great and they have classes at all hours early and night. I’m definitely going to be back!

This is an update to say that BK Pilates has really turned it around since my last review! Between Marina being 100% committed to resolving my concerns and hiring Sylvia (who is the best, THE BEST), I will be making this my go-​to pilates studio.

If you’ve been doing pilates for years, or you are a newbie, this is a great studio to visit for a challenging and body changing workout. I’ve taken privates & classes here.
Marina, the owner & instructor is a pilates ROCKSTAR in my book. She motivates you to move beyond your preconceived notions of how strong you can be. Pushing you to go farther with each workout routine but never to the point that could cause injury.
I like Alison’s class at this location too. Lots of stretching & a great workout on a Monday night.
I’m so glad to have an option in this neighborhood.
FYI, no changing room or showers here, but the bathrooms adjacent to the studio are large enough to change in and out of your gear. The studio is leasing space from the Essential Day Spa, but it isn’t part of the spa.

Took my first class of my 5 class package and j loved it. Marina is hardcore but she was very supportive and helped me with adjustments when needed. I am definitely sore and expect to be sore all week. I was so sweaty after. I complete forgot how effective Pilates reformer classes are. Definitely returning! I love the studio and I like how small and intimate the class was.

I usually go to BK Pilates in Brooklyn, but needed a place for a quick work out during lunch or right after work. I was super excited find out that my favorite studio in Brooklyn is opening another location.
This Pilates studio is truly a unique gem in a middle of midtown. Because the studio shares it’s space with a spa, the minute I walked through the door — there was an immediate relief from the busy hustle of the city, exactly the change of the beat one would expect after a day at the office. Relaxing music, scent of burning candles, dimmed light… perfect.
The studio space is great — cozy, high ceilings, good equipment. The class was amazing, the instructor was great. She made sure that everyone was challenged but comfortable, she adjusted the resistance levels I ensure they were appropriate for our abilities (first place anyone has ever done that) Super effective workout. I am definitely coming back!

By far this is the best workout!!! I feel like I’m using muscles I didn’t know I had, and every session feels like a new workout so I never get bored. Marina is a great instructor with amazing energy and personality! A class can be completely full but you will always feel like you’re the only student there as she makes sure to give everyone personal attention.
The studio itself is really nice and has with all the latest equipment. The location is extremely convenient, being right by train. The Brooklyn location is also beautiful and has all the latest machines! Both studios have a wide variety of class time, making it available to fit into just about anyone’s schedule and being able to book classes online is also extremely helpful.
I recommend BK Pilates to everyone looking for a great workout.

I was a regular in Marina’s Brooklyn studio… And now that she’s moved to the city… I’m so excited! Love the studio and the personalized attention that you always get when you’re here. She’s the best:))

Marina is amazing! I’m so glad her studio popped up around the corner from my office. I went in for a private session today — she made sure she understood my medical history, was excellent at coaching me, and pushed me so that I really performed.
She’s also incredibly friendly and caring.
Definitely check this place out!