Nalini Method

Nalini Method is an excellent workout for barre fans looking for a more intensity. A few points:
— Rupa is a fantastic instructor. She’s all about the students and is constantly giving corrections, modifications and challenges. She’s the best barre instructor in the city, hands down.
— Workout has a little more intensity than other barre classes, which I love. Every section is very, very challenging and if you’re starting to get used to it, Rupa will give a modification to make it more challenging for you. The hour will completely fly by!
— Studio itself is good and set up prior to the start of class. I personally really appreciate when all the equipment is set up ahead of class so that there isn’t awkward crowding.
— That said, the facilities on 68^th st aren’t great, especially compared to peers. There’s a shower and locker room, but its not like the beautiful spaces at Bar Method or Physique 57 that you might be used to. You’ll need to bring all your own toiletries!
Four stars for being the absolute best barre class in the city, taking one away for the meh facilities.

I’ve just taken my first Nalini Method class and really enjoyed this fast-​paced, targeted workout. It’s a challenge and I’m sore but I know if I continue this workout I will actually change my body. Rupa gives great corrections and if I couldn’t do something all the way through I didn’t feel like a loser. She really encourages you to do each exercise correctly and rest if you need to. Great class.

I don’t often write reviews, but I HAD to write one for Nalini Method! This class is so fantastic, I’ve been coming for years and Rupa is pretty amazing. My body has definitely changed for the better since I started taking this class. I’m always surprised how just when I think I know the signature moves of this class, Rupa throws something new at me that is very challenging. The class goes by so quickly but you feel the effects the next few days (in the best possible way).

Good workout that challenges the entire body, but isn’t so tough that you’ll be totally sore the next day. You usually start out with a basic warmup, followed by arms, legs, and core/​abs. The legs portion is especially tough because you work with ankle weights. There’s not a lot of cardio, so I like to take this class to supplement a spinning/​cardio class.
Rupa makes lots of corrections during class, which I really appreciate since it motivates me to keep moving.

Since I discovered the Nalini Method, I’ve been hooked. The Nalini Method is a unique workout that incorporates upper-​body, arm, leg, and ab work all while keeping a block between your legs. There is also a barre portion that can leave your legs shaking. Each part of the class ends with stretching.
The instructor, Rupa, keeps a watchful eye over the class to make sure you are doing each movement correctly. Her positive energy helps keep me moving during the 7am class. While there are some signature parts to class, each week changes are made to the routine to keep things new and interesting.
The location on W 68^th is very convenient for me and I’ve never been to the studio at MMAC on W 60^th. The Nalini Method must be catching on around the city, because classes have become more full since I first started taking them.

I am IN LOVE with this class!!! As a person who normally hates barre classes (because they are just so boring and repetitive to me; no offense barre-​lovers!), I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this class!
It is the perfect combination of barre, floor work, weights, and stretching. Rupa is the sugar on top– she has an amazing energy/​approach that is upbeat and motivating. The class is always a challenge! She has such a great eye for corrections and really gives individual attention to each and every person in the class. Can’t wait for classes to start again in September! I need Nalini Method back in my life!

I am a fan — this class was really fun!
Pros — extremely upbeat and engaging instructor, lots of personal attention /​corrections, quick changes and new exercises to keep you focused, everything I could want from a class. There’s the use of ankle weights which I wasn’t used to, but liked.
Cons — shower facilities are severely lacking, MMAC location a little bit out of the way, but only felt that way because it was cold and snowy.
Front desk staff and Rupa are amazing. Both are very friendly and helpful, even when I was being super annoying with needing to go back and forth for shower toiletries and trying to find a hair dryer etc (would’ve gone home to shower but had plans afterwards and it was below freezing so i really needed to dry it… if you read this, thanks for putting up with me!) and they answered every question I had about the facility and class.
Already looking forward to my next time back

Rupa Mehta is what makes this class extraordinary. Many of the exercises are similar to those in other barre classes, but Rupa is obsessed with form, personal attention, and making sure your time is used as well as possible. She has a gift for explaining how to do a particular exercise, what to imagine to help you get in the right form, and what something should feel like. She corrects everyone as needed, and encourages everyone — newbies as well as class regulars. The class is super challenging but people of all abilities and ages are there and get a lot out of it. It call comes down to Rupa and how talented she is at leading a class. Rupa could teach anything, and i would love it.

intense barre class.
Rupa keeps the tempo quick
provides lots of individual attention
helps transition between exercises
to keep you from getting bored.

Didn’t love the venue/​space, but class was really tough workout

This is — hands down — the best work-​out in New York. Even if you hate working out. Classes are fun, diverse and, perhaps because all the switching up from stretches to high rep low-​weight lifting to barre exercises, the time just flies. The result is a svelte, trim, toned body and a very positive mindset shift. Rupa is a guru. Go to this class!

Nalini is awesome, super great teacher and fun music. I went on a gilt deal. I just wish it was less expensive. Feels like only the rich people in NYC can take these great classes … oh well. I would take them all the time if I could. She’s great and smart and just an overall great teacher.

Although the class was a decent class, for what they offer: very limited scheduling, terribly inconvenient location (MMAC), having to change in a storage closet, having to clean the equipment you used during class, the price ($ 30/​class) is not justified. That means $ 300/​month if you wanted to work out only 10 times that month. You could join an unlimited luxury gym or take any of higher-​end barre classes at this price point and receive additional perks and ambiance that Nalini just doesn’t offer. Like I said the workout was good — a mix of barre, weights, short cardio burst, and stretching in between — but it needs to be more affordable for what they are offering.
Also, although I took this one class on a Classitivy deal, I saw a pretty affordable, extended deal on Gilt City the next day. I asked if they would extend the offer to me (since it said «new clients only» and I had only took the one class) but flat out refused. For a gym that needs to offer discount coupons and still only fills up about ¹⁄₃ of the class, you would think they would be willing to work with people to drive loyalty and turn them into full time customers. Total turn off.

I came here through Classtivity because I’ve never tried a barre class before. After reading reviews and articles, I was scared about the intensity level here, especially since I’ve been so sore from all my other workout classes from the past week.
Luckily, Rupa, the founder and my instructor, emphasized getting the form and posture right even if it means using lighter weights versus incorrectly performing moves with heavier weights. I really appreciate this teaching philosophy as I’ve had other instructors at different gyms not care about form as much as how heavy your dumb bells are. There is a huge selection of weights starting from 2 lbs and you are encouraged to grab 2 sets of weights (usually 4 lbs and 5 lbs). The emphasis here is more on doing multiple reps within a set with light-​medium weights (toning) versus maxing out after a few reps on heavier weights (bulking).
Although there’s not much of a cardio section (just a few jumping jacks and jump squats to warm up), within 10 minutes, I was reduced to a puddle of sweat. The class highlights certain areas (e.g. legs, arms, butt, abs) to do strength and resistance exercises in and moves on once that section is done. Which means, when you’re done with legs, you can sigh hallelujah and feel accomplished that you’ve completed it and not have to fear repeating those exercises during the second half of the class.
Another teaching style I really like at the Nalini Method is the emphasis on correctly stretching as well after each section (e.g. legs, arms, butt, abs) is completed. I feel like too often in exercise classes, stretching is a last-​minute afterthought thrown in as something everyone knows you should do but instructors don’t really want to «waste» time on. Here, Rupa stresses correct form as well, elevating the importance level to the same as a wall sit or a plank. I feel like stretching is especially important for this class as you can feel the lactic acid building up in every thigh squeeze of the block.
As everyone said, this is a very welcoming environment for both regulars and newbies. Rupa immediately commits your name to memory and writes it above your bar position. The crowd isn’t cliquey and everyone in my class, for the most part, is fit and in their twenties to early thirties. This was probably one of my favorite Classtivity courses!

I love Bar classes.
I have done 4 out of 5 of my classes from a special I bought and I have to say I am quite pleased. I have 5 stars but I would say 4.5 but that’s because IF I could pick a few things to perfect it, I would BUT not enough to change the rating down to 4.
Classes: Pretty solid Barre class but actually quite unique moves. Same general theme as all barre classes but different and I don’t know what she’s doing next. Some classes you know and dread what’s next and these classes totally catch you by surprise. The cardio at the beginning (very short) sucks because I am lazy and don’t want to jump and squat but I know at the end of class I’ll be glad I did. Different from many bar classes– sometimes I just need to stop during the reps. I think I am in pretty good shape but that burn is killer! All good things. Classes are smooth and well thought out. Some different props than other Barre classes. As we know all barre studios have something different. I don’t hate the abs here probably because there is no wall work which I hate because I cannot do it.
Music: Great music. Very important when your body is working. My kind of tunes.
Instructors: Rupa is adorable. A beautiful woman with a great gift for teaching. She will correct form and pay individual attention and try to learn your name right away. I also had another woman and she was wonderful as well.
Space: The space is shared with other dance and arts classes so there are a lot of people around depending on when you take class. No locks– bring your own. Womens and mens rooms within a locker room. Many teenagers in the locker rooms– again depending on time. Actual studio, clean bright, good space.
Ambience: Supportive, hard working. Nice people, not cliquey. No egos, no gym-​wear fashion show. Front desk people always very pleasant.
What would I change? I would make it in its own space with own bathroom etc. Also, socks… since I have ugly runners feet nobody needs to see that. A wine bar inside. OK now, I know I am pushing it but wouldn’t wine and cheese be nice after?
I would love to quit my current job and have an exercise studio as a career so I admire Rupa for having a successful business… Bottom Line: If you like Bar classes or want to try a fun way to tone and get strong, I highly recommend giving this Method a try!

DAMN. I went in all like «oh I do Bikram yoga so whatever no sweat, oh I ride my bike 15 miles per day, so my legs can take some BS bodyweight work.» No. Just no. 10 minutes in and it felt like someone was holding a blow torch to my quads. Another 10 minutes I was shaking like a leaf. Then I’m dripping sweat all over the floor in a plank while squeezing my eyes shut and half-​heartedly praying. Then I limp over to the bars and my abs are worked until they are literally failing me. Then, it’s over. Everyone breathes a sigh and collapses.
And all I can say is I want to go BACK! It was such a great workout and as others have said, the instructor, Rupa, is fantastic. She encourages, pushes, corrects and motivates everyone in the room. It’s a little pricey, but it definitely won’t disappoint as a workout. For me, if I’m going to drop this kind of money for an exercise class it’s going to be here over anywhere else.

Nalini Method is an absolute must-​try for NYC fitness enthusiasts! It’s intense and unique without being impossible (for context, I’d describe myself as intermediately fit) and Rupa herself (the founder) is a lovely, warm, inspiring and all-​around fantastic leader and instructor.
My class, taught by Rupa, was on a Wednesday morning, and there were about 8 of us which allowed for a highly personalized experience. Rupa recognized regular clients and gave us newbies tons of attention and guidance through the exercises, which consist of thigh-​burning barre work, an ab section where my abs literally gave out, about a million pushups and 3 cumulative minutes of planks, this killer glute exercise where we placed hand weights on our hips and lifted our butts off the mat approximately a million times until my muscles burned like crazy, and arm work with free weights. The class also employs other props like blocks, ankle weights and balls. I never felt burdened, slowed down or confused by how to use any of these things thanks to Rupa’s great instruction.
Rupa is a joy to be in class with. Energetic and friendly, she compliments students individually when they perform movements well (and writes your name above your spot on the barre, which is a nice touch), and doesn’t let you give up even when you think you’ve passed your physical limit. As a consequence, my legs shook, my abs were killing, my arms felt like they couldn’t bend another time, but I surprised myself with what I was able to do and was sore for days afterward. This is exactly what I look for in a workout — something that motivates me beyond what I’d push myself to do alone working out in a gym, and adds value to my routine.
I subtracted one star because the locker room/​shower situation was sort of awkward (it’s shared with another facility) and not easily intuitive to a newcomer (towels are kept in the studio classroom, which is not attached, and you have to go to the front desk to ask for shower supplies if you don’t provide your own).
Overall I loved Nalini, and will definitely be back. I look forward to working it into my fitness routine!

First off, there’s 2 entrances. One side is the Café, the other is for Nalini Method. They all wrap back around so it’s all good. I noticed there was chaos. There are kids & mommies everywhere, eating at the café. This is the lobby of the apartment building. Now it all makes sense.
There are lockers which are shared by the residence of the apt building. I brought my own lock to use. There are also lockers inside the bathroom as well. No need to bring your own yoga mat. They provide everything for you here.
Rupa taught our class. She’s energetic & calls you out (everyone) when she sees you doing something wrong. It’s not in a bad way, she’s being helpful. She also praises each person too if they are doing well. We used weights, yoga blocks, balls & the rubber bands. The movements are challenging & she’ll make sure your muscles are working. We did floor work, weight work, & barre work. It was a little bit of everything. If there was something I couldn’t do (shoulder injury), I would either not do it, or just stretch out for a little bit. It’s a great way to start your day.

BEST WORKOUT IN NEW YORK CITY!
The Nalini Method is as good as it gets, possibly the BEST work out in New York City. Rupa, the owner, is a wonderful leader, whose warm, friendly personality keeps you focused and motivated for 60 minutes that fly by.
What sets Nalini apart from other gyms and classes is Rupa (did I mention she is amazing?) and her ability to provide you with a personalized workout in a group setting. My personal experience with Nalini has been nothing shy of life-​changing; my posture has improved, I’m more limber, stronger (hello holding a plank for 1-​minute!) but most importantly, I have definition/​tone in my muscles I didn’t think was possible (yeah triceps!)! Results came quickly and are still coming thanks to the mix of stretching, weight and resistance training. If you are looking for individualization attention, a clean welcoming work-​out space and a challenging but motivating class this is for you.
I cannot begin to recommend Nalini high enough, it’s improved my life and I owe it all to Rupa!

I just came back from a workout here and yep, intense as advertised.
Gotta say though Rupa was a great teacher and was just the right amount of motivational and helpful and makes sure to call everyone out rather than just me the newbie which was nice for a change.
They don’t have locker rooms here really, so if you need to change there really only is a bathroom there to change into, which is not the ideal situation.
I’d rate the place higher if the $ 35 a class was really justified. I feel like the simple amenities of having a locker room to change in should be standard for a place that charges this much but maybe that’s just me…