Joie De Vivre Pilates

Let me preface this post by saying this was my first time ever attending a Pilates class utilizing a reformer. The reformers look like they’re straight out of some torturous nightmare (google it). Lots of pictures show the reformers as a sliding base with the user either sitting on the base or laying on the base with their head and neck cradled. The reformers at Joie De Vivre are a little different; they’re the Cadillac model which appears to be multi-functional. For the class I took, the reformers remained in their normal state, a tabletop with two mats on top. Maybe the sliding mats are reserved for higher level classes? The reformer and associated equipment felt sturdy and fully capable of handling my weight. This YouTube video is a good example of the types of movements we did in class. Everything is pretty slow, you’re tightening your muscles and engaging your core. I didn’t sweat much but I left feeling like I spent some time in the weight room. Some of the ClassPass reviews indicated that this class was much easier than other Pilates reformer classes they had taken. It’s important to note that the owner of the Joie De Vivre studio has developed their own certified/patented method, the Watson MethodTM. The Watson MethodTM is supposed to be safer for people with injuries while still providing an intense workout. I was able to complete each workout we went through and definitely felt the burn. With drop in rates for all the boutique fitness studios sky high, I was happy to be in a class with some expensive looking equipment. At least I knew where my money was going! I’m also glad I stumbled into a more entry level class for my first time.

Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere. The studio appears to be in a converted apartment. When you walk in there’s a desk in the front; kitchen cabinets with a dishwasher, sink, and mini fridge in the back; and, about 7 reformers in the space in the middle. There’s a bathroom and the other rooms were converted into massage rooms. There are mirrors along both side walls so for most of the workout you’re looking at yourself. I was in the last reformer on the left side of the room with a dusty bookshelf between me and the back wall. It was weird. It’s hard to get in workout mode when you’re looking at a Brita on a countertop and a dishwasher full of plastic pink cups.

With only 7 reformers, that’s the max class size they will have here. There were 4 of us in my class. I realized for those first 4 workouts, I wasn’t paying close attention to age diversity! Probably because there wasn’t any… In class with me was one middle-aged woman, her super-hot and fit daughter in her early 20s, and another middle-aged woman. All white, all unapproachable. The older women were in pretty good shape. It seemed like I was the only beginner. I tried to make some small talk, it was NOT welcome. This class was boring. There was no hands-on instruction – 0. I do think some of the verbal ques were the result of some personal adjustments I/we needed to make. The background music was soft rock? With such a small class, I was hoping for a community workout where we were free to ask questions and create a bond. That’s not what happened. Everyone was silent. The few questions I asked got 1-word answers. Is this workout suitable for plus-sized people? Yes. Is it a studio I’d recommend? Maybe. It was nice that it was entry-level and suitable for people of all ages with or without injuries, but it just wasn’t enjoyable. Maybe I’ll try one of the younger instructors and see if that helps or maybe I’ll try another studio.

Recommendations: Uninterested in community workouts? Don’t care about the music or atmosphere? Try it! Watson Method Reformer/Cadillac-All Levels at Joie De Vivre Pilates. If community, music and/or setting are important to you, I would skip this studio.

Notes: ClassPass Credits – 6, 55 min

What to Wear/Bring: Just a water! You’ll be barefoot for class.