CORE40 Nob Hill

LOVE this place. This was my first ever reformer Pilates class I’ve taken and I’m so glad I found it.
After a month or two of taking this on average once a week, I had better muscle tone all over. I’m now trying for twice and week and I see results super fast. Instructors are energetic and motivating which comes in handy the first few times when you fear you might pass out. Don’t be afraid, newbies! They patiently explain how it all works for first timers!
This studio in particular is the perfect size and super clean and sleek.
Tips: bring a towel because your reformer will get sweaty and hard to grip during all those forearm planks. Also, drink water! You’ll swear. A lot.
P.S, Melody is kick-​ass! Thank you for not sticking to the traditional script and making the class go super fast!
P. P. S. Ditto with Jon! The class went by so quickly — mainly Bc of the high energy and Brittany mix!

I’m a fan! I first popped my Megaformer cherry at Brooklyn Bodyburn months ago, and interestingly enough, the instructor at Core40 was wearing a hoodie from BK Bodyburn. He told me that the workout at Core40 would NOT be as crazy challenging as Bodyburn, which I was very happy about.
I love that the class clocks in at 40 minutes and tones every part of your body while being low-​impact (hence easy on the joints). A lot of the moves targeted my abs/​obliques and inner thighs/​glutes, which are trouble areas for many women. The instructor was lighthearted and fun but attentive, and whenever I struggled or didn’t know what was going on, he would come over and help me.
If it’s your first time, I would recommend grabbing a spot in the back so you can watch the people around you. The Megaformer can be confusing, but once you get the hang of it it’s a highly effective workout. It’s similar to barre in the sense that it’s all about slow and controlled movements, and you get that really great burn.
Let’s just say I’m still sore two days later…

I attended my second cycling class through class pass and it was amazing! Loved the variety and incorporation of weights and upper body movements.
I only ever come in, work out, and leave so I can’t speak to the facilities beyond the nice water filter (chilled water).
Like many Class Pass studios, I can’t afford the individual classes so I use classpass to get an experience I wouldn’t have otherwise.
I’m terrified of the reformers so Im gonna try that out soon ;)

Signed up Ty’s class while I was visiting San Francisco. He’s a wonderful instructor. He’s very encouraging and pushes you to give 120%. If he would guest teach in LA, I would definitely take his class again!

Holy H-​E-​double hockey sticks.
Let me preface this by saying I work out about 5 days a week, two days are usually pilates reformer. So I am no stranger to reformers or being in shape. But I’ve never used a Megaformer before. Within ONE MINUTE of using this machine I was breathing heavily. Within FIVE MINUTES I was shaking. Within TEN MINUTES I wanted to quit (which I NEVER feel during a fitness class, no matter how hard it is). The only thing that kept me going (and not crying) was the teacher Ashley who came around a bunch and adjusted the machine for me, helped me complete the moves, or just generally gave encouragement. Luckily, it was over in 40 minutes (the longest 40 minutes of my life, though I was still surprised when it was over). When I walked out and down the street my leg muscles were still quivering. Three days later I was wincing when I even LEANED against anything. So yea… you’ll get your money’s worth with a class from here. I just wish they had studios in DC; I would be the most sore but most toned person ever.

Jamie rocks out every class! I’m sore in all the right places for days! She has a lot of passion and knows how to inspire you to keep going and push through the pain!
It’s an amazing workout but as a beginner it took me about 6 classes to really feel confident with the machine.
I originally started because of back and shoulder injuries, I immediately felt a difference in my body and by the 3^rd week I was pain free. I’m truly grateful to all the teachers that have helped me and made it a really fun experience!

Jamie is an amazing cycling instructor! Although I’d rather come here for the lagree full body classes.
I really like how different each class at CORE40 is, depending on who is instructing the class.
I like this facility a bit more than the lower pac heights one because there is a separate locker room and a little more space to segregate the people waiting and those who are taking the class.
I am starting to get very hooked on this workout! It is worth mentioning that Brittany teaches a great class! I loved her positive energy last night. Thanks again CORE40! You never disappoint :)

Extremely underwhelmed. There was few corrections given, a Rudimental album on repeat, and a poorly taught workout.
The woman who taught our class lacked enthusiasm– maybe because she taught a class prior, maybe she was feeling moody? There less little instruction for my boyfriend and I to comprehend thus leaving us sad and wanting to go on a Trader Joes binge to make us feel better. (At least this location has that advantage) There were almost no corrections given, especially since it was our first time, and we accidentally positioned ourself in the front of class. They make no note of «if you’re a beginner, you should be on these reformers.» Also– the woman at the front desk was running around giving people corrections. I would prefer if the instructor did this, and I wasn’t satisfied with what she was telling me to do. It didn’t feel any different from the workout being asked of me.
I give this 1 of 5 stars– Minus one star for the lack of instructors knowledge. Minus another for the interference of front desk personnel. Minus another for the sweaty reformer that I was asked to work on for they duration of class. Minus another for 40 minutes wasted on a workout that did nothing for me physically or mentally.
Try again, boutique workouters. This is not the place to see a change in yourself.

Great spin class with Coach Ada this morning! Super motivational and she had a great playlist and set for the class. Not surprised she had a full class! Will be back soon!

Just started coming here, I’ve taken the foundation and full body classes. It is such an awesome workout! Love that they pack everything in in 40 minutes so you have no excuse. Every instructor has been great.

So, I’m a Unilocal-​posting virgin-​but I love this class/​Dominique so much, I had to change my ways.
First of all-​all of the Core40 instructors are challenging as the work out is HARD! That said, Dominique blows everyone else out of the water. She somehow makes it fun through the pain and is mysteriously motivating and I’m able to do at least 3x as much work in her class as I’d anticipated and always walk out sweaty yet happy.
I generally don’t love structured classes, yet somehow her class seems so individualized with the best soundtrack ever, that it inspires one to not even cheat! And on days when I really wanted to cancel, I found myself looking forward to class as she kicks your ass, by always introducing new moves/​routines (so you aren’t ever bored) and has adorable anecdotes.
She’s amazing and if you want to get strong, enjoy it, have someone committed to safe form, as well as have the most efficient work out ever-​sign up for Dominique’s class ASAP.

So, I took this class bc I wanted a quick and easy workout and didn’t feel like doing heated yoga and washing my hair, again (#girlissues). Let me tell you — the only thing easy about this class was my 2 minute walk to get there.
Core40 is like pilates reformer on steroids. I took the foundations class, which is geared towards beginners. I’ve been pretty lazy about working out, so I am definitely a newbie but I even saw the advanced people struggling at times. The class focuses on core (hence the name), glutes, legs, and arms… and in the end… I was shaking! It’s tough but in a good way!
Overall, I feel like I had a successful workout (aka broke a sweat but not enough to make me want to wash my hair), and a great start to my Friday morning. I definitely will add this class to my ClassPass rotation list but next time around, I won’t go with the same mentality as I did today.

Holy moly this place is difficult! My holy grail of Pilates in SF is Burn, which I find to be challenging mostly in its cardio (HIIT). Although I’ve tried a few pilates studios around the city through Fitmob, and some were good, I had yet to settle on one that was challenging enough for me. Enter Core40.
I don’t have a lot of experience with reformer, or in this case the famous Megaformer, but I had heard that it would be difficult. Core40 will definitely fire up your core, glutes, and every other muscle in your body in ways you do not expect. It’s also a modified form of Pilates, so don’t expect any mat or springboard action in these classes.
You’ll be spending all 40 minutes of class on the reformer machine, lying, planking, standing, squatting, you name it, and because of the resistance and counter-​resistance springs, you’ll be struggling to push, pull, and balance every step of the way. Although there’s no cardio and very little weight-​training, you’ll still be panting for breath and shaking during the class, which to me is the hallmark of a good workout.
My first class was with Jamie, who was so sweet, helpful, and definitely a great instructor. She goes from person to person to adjust their forms and give assistance as needed, and has that peppy energy that’s necessary for that extra push during classes. She also honored the first free class deal at Core40, although she did let me know that they just stopped doing the deal, and now first classes are $ 10.
The studio has one room with 12 reformer machines, another room for spinning, a giant locker/​changing room, and a couple of bathrooms. No shower on premises. They also have a location in SOMA and one opening up in Lower Pac Heights.

I took a COREcycle class last week and thought the ride was good. Since all workouts are as challenging as the energy you put into them, I was definitely exhausted and dripping in sweat when I left. I just didn’t find the ride very engaging or exciting. Maybe it’s because I’m more accustomed to rhythm-​rides where you’re doing choreography to the music. My instructor, Gabrielle, was incredibly friendly, though.
I didn’t think the studio itself was laid out very thoughtfully. The front desk isn’t set apart from the studio with the reformers so when I came in I had to shout loudly and could hardly hear the girl checking me in. I also felt like I was disrupting class because a lot of people looked up from their workout, including the instructor. The room held for spin class is tiny, and has a large pillar in the middle. This caused a bit of an inconvenience since the bikes are all crammed in together, which prevented me from doing any of the weight exercises without bumping into the person on the bike right next to me. I felt really cramped.
If I came back to CORE40, it would only be to try the Lagree Full Body workout.

«Yeah, it hurts sooo good!»
Those were the words that came out of her mouth after my first class here with Cat C.
She cray.
The entire 40 mins. I was on that torture device, I was screaming silently in my head while trying to hold the positions. You know you’re in for it when you warm up with the plank. Then you’re told to transition into the skater (whille squatting, you slowly extend your right or left leg out, going against the resistance on the machine) or the bungee (on all fours with a bungee cord resting on your heel and you lift your leg up, up, up!) And you won’t even have time to think to rest in between because WHO WANTS TO BE A SISSY WHEN IT’S ONLY 40 MINUTES!!!
Some reviewers here compare the Core40 workout to a pilates class. Total B.S. If it was, then it would be a piece of cake! (cake sounds good right now .) It’s a full body workout, ABSolutely (see what I did there?) focusing on your core, while working out your glutes, thighs, arms, shoulders, EVERYTHING. You want to get a nice booty? Forget doing hundreds of squats, ain’t nobody got time for that!
The studio can feel crowded because of it’s layout. But I like that it’s clean, the locker room is bright and the bathroom is well stocked with feminine products, lotion and even perfume. The downside? they don’t provide towels so bring your own.
Core40 was invented by this celebrity trainer guy named Sebastian Lagree and he’s now making tons of money off of you because he had the bright idea developing this workout that incorporates resistance equipment which helps strengthen core and boost flexibility. All I know is he’s taking my money (well, my bf’s! thanks love!) and I’m STILL working hard for it.
There’s simply no justice in this world …

The Lagree fitness method at Core40 is my favorite way to get sweaty! I usually frequent the SOMA location on weekdays, (
) and Nob Hill’s on the weekend. I can’t wait for the Lower Pac Heights location to open soon. Parking is sometimes frustrating at Nob Hill, but it hasn’t been too bad every time I’ve been (just gotta get there before 10AMish and you should be good). I’ve been doing this workout since October and have seen a transformation in my body already. After the first 2 ½−3 months I had already lost 5 pounds, and for someone who is generally on the smaller side, this is no easy task, plus for a Unilocal Elite/​massive foodie too. Also I’ve been told that my booty is more shapely now (take that Asian flat booty genes)! I’ve met great people from this workout, including one guy who has been doing it for a year and lost over forty pounds. He told me as well that he has never plateaued from this workout, and I feel the same way too! This workout still kicks my butt and is still hard for me to do at times without a little breather. And those of you who say it’s pilates, definitely need to check yourself, because it’s so NOT!
I prefer the layout at SOMA a little more, but the instructors I’ve had at both locations are awesome and this continues to be my favorite workout ever. Curious? What are you waiting for? Try it! I’ve also noticed how Core40 is more affordable than other lagree studios elsewhere in the Bay Area. Though Core40 offers a slew of discounts from time to time as well, making it even more affordable.

I have taken two full body classes and one spin class and they have been decent — similar workout style as BodyRok on Lombard (except BodyRok is more challenging and has better instructors).
This review would be at least 3 stars if it weren’t for these miscellaneous issues:
Issue #1 — Changing Classes Last Minute (not that annoying):
A couple weeks ago, I had signed up for a spin class and when I got there, the girl at the front desk said that the spin instructor couldn’t make it so she would teach a Full Body class instead. This wasn’t a big deal at all to me but a few others who seemed to be spin enthusiasts, were a bit irritated.
Issue #2 — Being Locked Out (very annoying):
I decide to sign up for a spin class last Sunday at 7:40am. I’m not a morning person so I knew it would be challenging to get out of bed early on a Sunday morning. My alarm went off at 7am and I grudgingly got up and ready. I took a Lyft to Core40 (pretty far from where I live) and got there at 7:42am only to find that the front door was locked. There was no one at the front desk but I could see the lights on in the spin room through the closed door. I knocked several times and after waiting several minutes outside in the cold, I finally came to the conclusion that I woke up and left my warm bed for nothing. I disappointedly called a Lyft home.
This is not supposed to be an angry rant, but to help management/​owners realize that there are some administrative issues that should be addressed in order to retain customers. Who would want to sign up for a class knowing that they might go all the way there only to be locked out and left in the cold?

KILLER workout (in the best way possible).
I come to core40 via classpass and have been about 5 times. Can’t do this more than once or twice a week because the class is so intense! I do feel an incremental difference each time I go though, as long as I go regularly. It definitely makes you feel like in your glutes and thighs after (thankfully my core usually feels fine, even though it’s called core40!) Planks on the ground seem sooo easy after doing them for so long on the core40 reformer! The instructors here are also always very nice, even to newbies. I dragged my boyfriend along since it is free for first timers and he said it was a very challenging class!
I think it could be pretty expensive if you don’t join using classpass, though (something like $ 20 – 25 per class?)

Every time I take this class my body feels like I got a complete workout. Not only is it harder than regular Pilates reformer, it kicks my butt!
I love that it’s 40 minutes because I have a life and need to get my workout in and keep it moving. There is no other workout out there that is as good as Core40!
I wish I had time to do the class everyday because I think I’d have a perfect body! I love this class!!! Elaine is a great instructor, take her class!!!
Can’t wait to see how my body transforms while I continue my core40 journey!

Core40, thanks for making me look and feel awesome. That burn that I feel is the best I’ve ever felt in a work out.
I have noticed amazing results, I feel stronger… I’m no Arnold of Terminator, but I feel damn good.
Quick shout out to Jennifer– you’re so awesome, so accommodating and I definitely wouldn’t like core40 as much if it wasn’t for the prompt email responses and accommodations.
Prospective core40’ers, this is one hell of a tough work out, get ready to feel the burn.