CORE40-Little Italy

I have been a member since day 1 and will go nowhere else for pilates! Not a chance they come to this level of intensity. The trainers are knowledgable and help correct your form so you maximize the 40 minutes you have there and it is worth every last cent. Alona is my personal favorite but Salina and Mabel also kick your butt while helping you along even if you are not new. I am a lifer for sure~

Phenomenal low-​impact but strength building workout.
I highly recommend Alona’s classes.

This place is amazing I have tried other studios before but none like Core40. Their equipment is top of the line and the place is just so swanky I really enjoy the workout there, but the instructors are what really sets it apart. I go to the studio in Little Italy and my favorite instructor is Salina her energy and commitment to the class is so contagious, and she always has the best beats to work out to which she changes constantly. I consider myself a pretty fit guy as I have always lifted weights, I’ve done full marathons, and I did a triathlon last year, however I’ve taken Salina’s spinning, combo, and Pilates classes and they always kick my butt in the best way. Alona and Liz are also great instructors as they are always making sure you are being challenged while performing the exercises safely and correctly. Thanks to these girls I can say that at 31 I am in the best shape of my life.

My first class was the combination — the spinning isn’t great and the bikes they have aren’t great either. The instructor kept telling us to go a ### of rpms, but they have no gauge on the bikes.
The actual core workout was fabulous and I just wish it wasn’t so expensive to take their classes. (Single classes are $ 35 and go down by package, but even the lowest class was still a little under $ 20 /​class.) I would absolutely come back if I found a groupon or something along those lines because the amount of work you get on those machines they have is just great.

Really cool new machines, the M3 I believe. Since I’ve never been on the M3, but I’m super into the megaformer I had to try it. 40 minutes was a little short in my opinion. Nice studio which was a surprise since it’s on the second floor strip mall like deal. Good — not the best, but if you live local you have to try it.

As always, let’s be clear where this place is, and where you can park.
Core40 is in the old McClintock Building, at the west corner of Kettner and B. There is a small banner on the building, but it’s at second-​floor level, right by the B St. crosswalk, so it’s easy to overlook. Walk into the main lobby and take the elevator (it’s on the right) to the second floor. Core40 will be on your right as you exit.
I got lucky with parking, and found a nice shady spot up the street (Kettner) between Ash and Beech. There is a covered parking lot right next to the McClintock building, called (not surprisingly) ‘McClintock Parking.’ The sign says it is for ‘Tenants and Guests.’ One of the other reviewers (Jenny K) said that you can drive in (so no RFID chip needed, I guess), and park for $ 1. I’ll try that next time, and see what happens.
*** UPDATE: July 8, 2015 — You can indeed park inside, and it’s just One Dollah !! ***
The workout itself was top-​notch, very challenging. My instructor was Jennifer (a San Diegan now, originally from Ecuador), who was incredibly patient and helpful with a N00B like me. She was encouraging and ‘tough-​love’ at the same time. The workout is 40 minutes non-​stop core, and I do mean non-​stop. Loved the equipment — Pilates reformers on steroids, and the machines were beautifully maintained.
I will definitely make this one of my go-​to places for training.

I absolutely love Core40! They are the only ones with a megareformer. Not your average Pilates reformer, way different. You have to try for yourself! It’s more challenging but more fun too! Great music and their instructor Salina is the best! She always makes sure you get in a great workout and she’s so sweet too! I have some experience with the megareformer from when I lived in NYC (SLT and Brooklyn Bodyburn) but I think anyone can do it! Really love this studio and the workout.

First of all, I have been relatively active my whole life and am always searching for a new workout to try just to keep things interesting and shake things up a bit. I live in Little Italy and had been getting tired of the same treadmill and floor routines in my complex’s gym. I started to look up some studios that were close to home and found Core 40. I had never tried pilates on a reformer before but had always been interested in trying it out so… going along for my free class was a no brainer.
They recommend beginners go to a Foundation class. I loved it… I felt that my core was immediately working as soon as I stepped on the machine. The instructor was super nice and helpful and didn’t make me feel insecure or inadequate even though there were several moves that I struggled to do.
Note: If you have never been on a reformer before you will certainly feel like a baby deer struggling to walk for the first time. It’s ok though — everyone is like this at first as it requires some balance to even get started. After a couple of moves you will start to get the hang of how the moving carriage, springs etc. work.
Anyway, back to my experience, after my first Foundations class I definitely wanted to come back and they offered me a great intro deal of 4 classes for $ 40.
I decided to go Tuesday and Thursday mornings and this is where the workout really got kicked up a notch.
As you know by the reviews on here, Alona is one of the most popular instructors at Core 40. I have to tell you, though; I was and am still really blown away by how great a teacher she really is. From my very first class with her she made an effort to know my name (the class was packed and I don’t know how many classes she teaches but that’s got to be tough)…I was very impressed. She also will help you in any move and pushes you to get the most out of work out. She gives everyone equal amount of attention. No matter what level you are in class. Her classes are tough but in a good way which I respond well to.
I also enjoy Salina’s spin classes on Saturday morning. She has really great music selection which correlates well with each section of hills or sprints. She has a lot of energy too which helps you get in the zone when you are still half asleep and trying to work out how you are now in a spin studio and not your cozy bed.
I really love how Core 40 offers a lot of sales and will make sure that you know about them when your package is nearly up. I really appreciate the emails from Mabel informing me of the next great sale that would suit my needs. I have been members of several gyms and studios before and never experienced this type of individual attention before.
After the last 6 weeks I have noticed several changes in my body. I definitely feel leaner but also a lot stronger, especially in my core area. It has been just the workout that my body needed and I am officially hooked. I can’t say enough great things about Core 40. Sign up for your free first class today — you won’t regret it!

I love Core40!!! My favorite are the Combo classes that combing spin and Pilates. They even have a solid class of cycle for all you spin junkies! This place will change your body! Do it!!!

First of all, I never right reviews, because I’m lazy like that… with writing reviews that is. Not lazy with working out though! I just needed to write this review because its just so worth sharing with the world how great, challenging, and effective Core40 is for me.
I’ve always been physically active, and have done a myriad of workout classes, ran a multitude of 5K to half marathon races, but what I realized when I attended my first Core40 class a year ago was that I didn’t have a core!!! I walked in thinking «I’ve got this, I’m in decent physical shape» and boy was I SO wrong, I shuffled outta there literally dripping with sweat and eating humble pie! I did not have any history of doing any yoga or pilates types of exercises so this was VERY new to me. I hated every second of it, in a good way, so much so, that I’m still attending classes.
I’ve been attending classes 2 – 3 times a week for the last year and I’m proud to say that I now have a core! I’m not gonna lie, the classes are still extremely challenging for me but I can see and feel that I’m getting stronger mentally and physically each and every class. Not to mention it helps with my other workouts and races.
This location has excellent instructors, all of the ones that I have taken are great. You cannot go wrong taking classes with any of them. Alona’s classes are the ones I take the most because it fits into my schedule. Her style is tough, and her classes are brutal but she makes sure that your form is correct, and if you need modifications, she is very helpful. She sometimes will mix in some unorthodox moves that I’m sure she conjured up in her sleep, but it does the trick in making muscles that you didn’t even know you had sore for days. I take the spinning classes with Salina and she’s awesome! She’s great at coordinating the music to the spinning intervals it makes her classes fly by. The instructors encourage you to push past your mental limits, and I personally really need that push sometimes.
They have many class packages to choose from to make it financially feasible and every now and then they have a great flash sale to make it even more affordable.
Don’t waste anymore time reading this review, go sign up for your free class! So worth it! (I would recommend a «foundation» class if its your first time)

This is my third go-​around with Core40. I started in 2011 at the Solana Beach studio and became hooked immediately. I loved the intensity and efficiency! 40 minutes all out, and I was done! During the 7 month stretch during which I had a monthly unlimited package, I was in the best shape of my life. I really enjoyed the combo classes, particularly with Kellie H.
In 2013, I did another 5-​month stint at the Little Italy studio. Again, I got into awesome shape. I enjoyed Jen B.‘s classes a lot. I definitely have my favorite instructors, and those whose classes I am not as excited about. However, it’s simply a matter of personal preference. No matter who is in charge, the workout is amazing. Salina, Mabel, Kellie H., and Jen B. are all fantastic!
3 weeks ago, I re-​joined for my third time! I live in Kensington and drive to the Little Italy studio 4 times a week, because, I have realized that no workout is more efficient. I have dabbled in yoga and sculpt, but I feel that Core40 gives me the best return on my investment. It is more expensive than I would like, but, it is so worth it! Hopefully, I can write back in a few months and claim that I am in the best shape of my life (again!).

Best pilates studio ever! I have nothing but great things to say about this place (okay may it’s a bit pricey but honestly it’s totally worth it in my opinion). The instructors, the megareformer, the feel and the overall workout are all so great! I’ve been consistently taking classes for about two months now and I must say that after every class I’m super sore. I’ve noticed a positive difference in my physical strength and agility. The best part of it all is that the classes are only 40 minutes long! It goes by so quick, yet you do so much in that time. The studio’s whole philosophy is to exhaust 600 muscles in 40 minutes… and trust me my muscles are exhausted at the end! The instructors utilize every second of the 40 minutes to make sure your muscles cannot perform anymore.
The studio is well-​maintained and clean. Each instructor has a slightly different style, which adds a nice variety. If you are new to pilates or to this studio, I’d recommend starting with the foundation class, which is easier to follow. Even though it’s an easier class, you still may feel like you’re totally out of shape and won’t ever be able to balance yourself on the megareformer (that was me at first), but don’t worry, after just 2 – 3 classes you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll start seeing a difference in your strength and body right away!

This review is due to the fact that you send me at least 2 spam emails everyday. It’s SO annoying!!! Yes I unsubscribed, but seriously why do you want to do that to your clients?

Wow! Amazing!
Before going to class: 40 minutes, easy peasy!
After class: Longest 40 minutes of my life. No pain, no gain!
I will eventually be back. I like to put my body through various tortures and not work out the same muscle groups.

First class is free, so I decided to check it out. The instructor was Mabel and she was amazing. She was nice but definitely made you work hard. She also did a great job between balancing leading the class and giving individual corrections.
overall core40 was a great class, those megaformers were clean, and easy to use. Highly recommended.

Although this studio is compact, is it clean and all the instructors are very nice and the classes are challenging. They offer classes throughout the day and the classes are small enough that you feel safe and comfortable asking questions.
Park in the garage for $ 1 (drive right up to the garage and the door will open), there’s a payment machine inside and leave the receipt on your dash.

Great boutique studio with mega reformer pilates and spin classes on the 2^nd floor of a live/​work loft building. Your first class is free, which is a great way to try out the studio, and their pricing is very reasonable. even better if you’re only booking spin classes ($ 10/​class). Instructors are upbeat and make the 40 minute class go by super quick. My only complaint is I wish they had more spin classes, right now there’s only 3 classes per week.

Did the spin /​cycle class. Very cool and modern building and interior. All of the equipment is the latest and very high end quality.
Instructor was amazing… very challenging, but excellent workout. Staff is great too.
Highly recommended. Thank you

Core 40 is really hard core! At least for the non initiated! 40 minutes packed of Pilates exercises done with the help of a very effective machine. I loved the opportunity to try out a first class for free and got totally hooked up. Mabel, the fitness instructor, was awesome both in accommodating and explaining every exercise. She remembered the names of us newbies (which always makes you feel welcome, I need to learn how to remember names, that creates a huge impact in my opinion). I like all the exercises we did, classical pilates but with the machine and props you feel the work is more deep and intense. Everybody at the class was super fit, so very motivating! I can see this is excellent not only for the core, but areas difficult to work like inner things, for example.
Location: very close to Santa Fe depot, on the way to Little Italy but off the action. You would not notice unless you live there or you frequent Stone brewery (new one) downstairs. They are located in a historic building, where there is a mix of work/​live studios. Very nice, modern interiors. The studio itself is spacious without being too big, very good and recommendable experience. You have also many options, like pay per visit or buy unlimited monthly visits packages.

All the classes are challenging, make you sweat and you feel great and energized. I love the reformer work and spin classes. Great 40 minute workout you wont regret.
I have tried various instructors they are all knowledgeable and help to accommodate on the megaformer.