Pilates ProWorks

Great gym if you are looking for a variety of premium classes. I am addicted to Lagree pilates and had a hard time finding a similar workout in the East Bay (I was out here for the summer). I came across Pilates ProWorks and loved that they offered a variety of classes and plenty of classes throughout the day.

The pilates classes are not as intense as the SPX classes that I am used to taking in Southern CA, but the pilatespro and the cardio-sculpt-pilates gave me my pilates fix (I just went more often). What I loved about this gym is that they not only offer pilates, but they also offer barre and TRX (both exercises that I love as well). To get this variety, I would have to visit 3 different studios, with ProWorks it was all in one.
Unfortunately, I was traveling all the way from Alameda so with my month trial I never had the chance to try TRX or Barre - I stuck to my pilates, if I were in town longer, I def would try. I never had a hard time booking my classes. Early morning and evening classes book quick and late morning/afternoon and weekend classes were always available.

The gym is clean and offers a changing room, water station, showers and EVEN BABYSITTING! Babysitting 2 kids was $16 for the hour I was in class. Babysitting needs to be booked 24 hours in advance. Staff is super friendly, esp the owner who was so accommodating and cheerful every time I came in. She remembered my name and all of the details of conversations that I had with her! SO AMAZING! The teachers were all pretty good and offered different variations of movement depending on whether or not you want more of a challenge.

The classes are pricey! $30 a pop! First class is discounted to $20 and for new clients, they offer a month trial which is a great deal at $135 for unlimited classes, the only restriction was 1 class per day. Will def be back over the holidays when I am in town and will probably opt for a package of classes which offers a little bit of a discount per class.

Definitely worth a try!

Have you ever gone to an exercise class and skated your way through it? I'm guilty of that. Sometimes a class is so big you get lost in the crowd or you blend in (obfuscate if you're into RPG). That does not happen here! The classes max out at around 10 people enabling the instructors to see, help and get to know everyone.

Have you noticed the boom in small gyms along Lakeshore & Grand recently? I wondered how all these gyms could keep their doors open being so tightly concentrated. Often, these facilities appear to focus on just one type of exercise. PilatesPro has a surprising (to me) amount of variety.

Pilates Classic
Cardio Pilates
TRX

They also have bar classes but I have not yet tried one. I tried the aforementioned. My classmates are diverse in gender, age and atetic levels! Each one of us works!

What about the facility? It is clean and bigger than it looks! It has two levels for different types of classes. There are showers and lockers and daycare! Oh, my!

Rules, pricing and cancellation policies are clearly displayed. You can read for yourself on the signs, website & application about the 12 hour cancellation policy. Fortunately, the ap will generate your class to your calendar. if you try to cancel or reschedule at 11 hours 59 minutes before class it will tell you what 's up. I find that encouraging. Seriously, how can you argue with your phone about flaking? You can't so you go to class!

They have introductory packages, memberships and a la carte pricing. Go check it out!

Today was my 100th class at this PPW, I go 3-4 times per week. I really like the Fitformer and the Pilates Pro class structure. I find the structure intense and targeted and have really helped me build my core strength, as well as arms and legs. I feel much stronger for these classes.

However, I'm sad to say the management of this studio isn't strong, and it shows. There has been so much turnover, with many great teachers going by the wayside. There generally is not a community or upbeat vibe about the place. (comparing it to the spin studio I go to where there absolutely is) The recent teachers they've brought in I don't find anywhere near as good--not experienced, not motivating. Randi, Mandy, Louisa are outstanding instructors and their classes always kick my tush. They provide great routines, fun music, and motivate and push in good ways. They also focus a lot on form and doing moves correctly, which is so important. I also really like Meghan but she doesn't teach often anymore. I so wish one of those gals would teach more Saturday classes!

So my review is if you can take classes with Randi, Mandy, Louisa or Meghan, I'd give those ladies 5 stars for sure!!

OVERALL
Erica, Mandy, Emily and Danielle (when she was there) are/were fantastic instructors. The customer service was sorely lacking.

INSTRUCTION
Generally, the minor issues with instruction are around volume of music (great music, but sometimes difficult to understand instruction) and a bit of confusion around the proper amount of weight. However, these issues are greatly overshadowed by the attentiveness of the instructors and generally clear instruction. They ask about injuries at the beginning of each class and consistently offer modifications for varying fitness levels. Again- LOVE.

COST & SCHEDULE
I actually think the overarching fee structure is quite reasonable considering the wide range of offerings that begin early morning (a la 6 and 7am) and later evening offerings. I paid $195 for unlimited (1 per day) which compared to many other Pilates studios is super reasonable. Additionally, they offer Barre and TRX- I think the unlimited is an AWESOME deal.

NEED TO KNOW & FEES (i.e. the downside)
So why 3 stars? Like a few other reviewers have alluded to, the fees are a bit steep- but my issue is more in the application of those fees. While I've used the popular MindBody reservation system with other fitness studios with no problem, my experience using the reservation system with Pilates ProWorks has been a bit difficult and costly.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Generally, as an unlimited member- you need to reserve in advance if you want to go regularly. Classes get full and not.

2. 12 hour cancellation policy. There is a $15 dollar late cancel fee. I don't think this is entirely unfair and I myself have had to cancel on short notice. Fine. However, there have been at least 3 occasions in my 3 months going to the studio where I canceled between 10 and 12 hours before the class and received a late cancel fee. I tried to ask the studio if they had a timestamp in their system that reflected when I would have canceled and they were unable to provide that information.

2. $25 No show fee- so triple check that you've checked in! Okay, so this is my biggest issue. Just to be clear- I have never just not shown up to a class. In the mornings, you need to check in with the teacher or using the card reader. The card reader isn't always available, so the teacher often needs to manually check you in. In fact, I've probably used my card reader about 2-3x's in 3 months.

I just noticed on my credit card statement that about a month ago I was charged for 2 'no-show' fees ($50 dollars- yikes!). I asked about this and they were insistent that I just wasn't there and it was too long ago to dispute.

I'm not really sure how I would prove that I was there several weeks ago and the dispute is that the computer indicates that I didn't show. However, the computer doesn't actually check me in. Additionally, I'm supposed to have received an email notifying me of the missed class.

Given that I have never received a missed class email and wasn't aware I was unaccounted for, I'm not sure how else I would have known about the charges without my statement which was evidently too late to bring this too the attention of the studio.

IMHO, this is a big process problem with costly consequences. I attended a class where the instructor mentioned 9 people had reserved and I was 1 of only 2 who had showed up.

Anyway, when asked- the studio wasn't interested in talking about it and basically said it was my problem. Talking to the admin staff was like talking to a group of mean girls- they were disinterested, at times patronizing and sometimes overtly rude.

As much as I loved the classes, the admin vibe wasn't super friendly, they definitely didn't ask me how they could help with these cancel fees or seemed at all interested in improving my experience, so I sadly can't recommend.

I've been a member here for over a year now, and I can't say enough great things about this studio! Erika, Mandy, Megan and Lindsay are wonderful instructors who are not only extremely knowledgeable about the musculoskeletal system, but a few of them are also comedians who skillfully distract you from the shaking and burning, and keep you motivated through the entire hour.

I am a fan of the Pilates Pro and Cardio Sculpt classes. Unlike regular Pilates, these specialized classes incorporate "cardio bursts" that elevate your heart rate, effectively burning more calories for a full body workout. I can't believe that after a year, I am still learning new exercises that help keep my workouts fun and fresh. Another highlight is that every exercise can be modified for injuries and/or different fitness levels.

Members can sign up for classes up to 10 days ahead of time, and non-members can sign up 7 days in advance. Classes are in high demand and spots are limited, so if you are running late your spot may be "given to standby students 5 minutes after class start time" (noted in every single confirmation email that is sent each time you register for a class). Thankfully, everyone at the front desk is really nice and accommodating, so all you have to do is give them a quick call to let them know you're running late!

My only regret is that my crazy schedule prohibits me from coming more often - otherwise, I'd be here every day!

I try to work out my schedule with a friend and the first time I have to call and reschedule because she was unable to go. Then, my friend tells me again that she wants to do it on Monday, Memorial day. So I tell her that is fine just to ask them to reschedule me with her. So Monday should be my first day, which should be free. Well minus the 14.00 you are require to pay for their socks if you do not have your own socks. Anyways, we go Monday and decide afterwards that the machines are not for us but it was good to try it. After class we waited for at least 20 mins before I had to go find the instructor to pay for my socks, which is ridiculous. She says that she has no front desk person and takes down my card info and name and says that she will charge me for the socks, which is fine.

Then I see a charge for the socks and the class. So I am calling them for three days to try and figure it out and they keep telling me that because I was not there for the second class I was signed up for that I am unable to get a refund. I had that second one rescheduled! They should do a onetime refund in my opinion to make the customer happy and possibly I might come back. I love working out and trying new things and have NEVER had an issue like this before where they just flat out don't care about their clientele. Today I was emailed, when I was expecting a call from a manager who was supposed to refund me. Rather I had to call and talk to the rudest person. This was a waste of time and money! Do not go here.

All I want is a refund for my FIRST class. Why is this such an issue?!

Reason for visit: working on my fitness
Visit date: Summer 2013
First time? Yes.

I love reformer classes!! I had attended a few classes at a San Francisco location and so when the East Bay location opened up, I had to try them out. The instructors I tried out are great! If it's your first time to that type of class, or to their class, they will introduce themselves and get your name, and try to get to know your skill level so they can adjust the class as necessary. I like that they will come around and correct your posture so that you do not overexert yourself, and that they give you modifications to make a move easier or harder. Instructors are also good at answering questions before, during, or after classes, too. And if you think you'll need extra attention, the Beginner Level is truly a beginner course and they take things extra slow.

On top of reformer classes, I was able to try TRX for the first time. LOVED IT! Luckily, my first TRX class was spent with other first timers so they class immediately became an intro-to-TRX course. I was challenged and motivated, and I had a lot of fun.

The class schedule was convenient to my work schedule, too. The only reason why I didn't continue was because of the price, but the prices are comparable to other pilates studios.

Do note: My friend who continued classes here for a few more months recently told me that all the instructors I enjoyed while I was a student here are no longer there, and that she's not as pleased with the newer instructors. Meh.

So this is my first review ever. I generally could care less about rating businesses, but I was so compelled by the overly punitive fee structure that I had to say something. I've been a member since last July, so here's my fairly informed assessment:

Building/studio: nice enough.

Parking: nonexistent except for the 6 & 7 am classes, before the meters.

Classes: Lots of variety on the schedule; however everything generally blends together and it's hard to structure a class sequences that helps build ability. I definitely don't think this is a good studio for serious Pilates people. However I'm not a serious Pilates person so that doesn't bother me too much.

Instructors: Most are very pleasant & informative. However, there has been a lot of turnover so once you get used to a new instructor's style they're gone.

***Fees/rules: this is undoubtedly the most infuriating aspect of this studio. The $15 cancellation fee...at first this didn't bother me, but the longer you go to this studio the more cancelations you'll need to do over time and this adds up. I've never actually missed a class without cancelling, so I haven't been billed for that, but I did show up 5 minutes late yesterday and they had given my place in the class away. Now I get that showing up late is a pet peeve to some, but this is my exercise experience and when there isn't parking and you're walking 3/4 of a mile to get to class you might be a little late. Also I had been showing up a little late for months without this rule being enforced & then one day out of the blue they've given my spot away. Rude!

I just tried to sign up for my first class. Since I've spent the money already, I'm going to tell you about the experience.

First, I HATE this website. Ugh. It's ugly, but that's a matter if opinion. More importantly, there's no "contact us"...or it's too hidden.

Second, when I tried to view the schedule via Mind Body, I was blocked from viewing the schedule until I gave them my credit card info. Tacky! Since I was already totally mentally committed to taking one particular class, which is not sold out according to their calendar, I entered my card info. (Also one of my besties LOVES this place, so it didn't feel like a huge risk.)

Third, --get this--now I find out that you can only sign up ONE WEEK in advance. Are you kidding me? I plan my workout calendar a month out at all times. One week is ludicrous. I'm supposed to hold class time period clear in my calendar *just in case* I get in???

The only reason this isn't one star? I got an impressive lightening-quick response on Yelp's "message the business" feature. Though the answer was "call the studio." if I'd wanted to call the studio, I would have.

This just makes me love my regular studio that much more. Lesson learned!

I'll try to get into the one class that fits my schedule, which is two weeks out. But if I can't, you better BELIEVE I'll be asking for a refund. :(

Update: it's now one week before the class, and I'm having trouble getting registered via Mind Body for the class I need. Called the phone number on their website and Yelp: was hung up on twice. Sounded residential. Emailed the studio through their website, and messages the business via Yelp. We'll see what happens.

Update: they worked it out, and I'm now finally signed up for the class I want. Good heavens. So curious what the actual experience will be like, after all this!

Update: has the class today. The studio is bracingly sterile. Women do not make eye contact here. Luckily the instructor, Mandy, was informative and helpful. As expected, because I'm new to pilates, many of the moves felt weird, so it was tricky knowing if I was doing good-form-weird or bad-form-weird. Mandy was terrific with totally non-condescending corrections. I didn't get a workout, but maybe it's one of those delayed-pain things? Only about 6 minutes of a one-hour class actually seemed like a workout. (My normal workout is easily five times tougher...and with fun girls and Beyonce!) Upgraded my review to four stars based solely on Mandy. Everything non-Mandy was pretty awful.

Still can't get over the inability to schedule a month out. It must work for them, but it definitely doesn't work for me.

I don't usually take the time to leave bad reviews, but...


As someone who has been to many reformer classes over the years, I can tell you there are so many better studios in the area and Pilates Pro works has been my least favorite studio. I highly recommend Rise Bodyworks, Stable Core, Pilates to the People, and Core Cat Pilates. All of these studios leave you feeling amazing: stretched and toned at the same time.


Pilates pro works strikes me as more of a boot camp type place...if I want to do squats and lunges I can do those at home. If I'm paying for a reformer class, I want to do the exercises that can only be done on a reformer. Their Pilates pro class leaves your body feeling beat up in a bad way and I was concerned about getting injured.


Pilates Pro Works charges you $25 late fees (yes, that's on top of the classes you've paid for) instead of just using up your class spot when you can't make it. Wouldn't be a big deal, except it's already very hard to get the classes you want-you can only reserve 7 days in advance, so if you want a good Sunday class you pretty much have to set a reminder to go book that class first thing the Sunday prior. If you buy a package of classes, it's very difficult to fit in all the classes before the expiration date...


I like their classes so little, I'm probably not even going to use the rest of the package I purchased :/