Can you guys believe I’ve never done Pilates before? So when Studio6 asked me to visit their studio, I figured it was about time I branched out from my usual HIIT type workouts and try something completely new to me. Studio6 is a megaformer Pilates studio with two locations in Dallas. Unlike traditional mat Pilates, Studio6 uses a megaformer machine and dubs it “Pilates on steroids.”
Park lane location. Note the small changing room on the right. Hop in there to change before class.
Lobby at the Park Lane location.
The Studio: Both studios have a similar rectangular set up. When you walk in, there is a small lobby with a receptionist desk and merchandise on display. The front lobby is separated by a glass wall/door where you can see the actual studio room and classes-in-session toward the back. The original location is off Preston and Forest Lane and is noticeably older than the newer Park Lane location (which opened last year next to Old Navy). The classrooms have about 13-14 megaformer machines. To newbies like me, the machines with all the ropes and and straps look like something out of 50 Shades of Grey. Couldn’t help but wonder what I just got myself into…
Toys from the Red Room. JK, megaformer machines at the Park Lane location.
The Instructor: I had the pleasure of taking Emily and Sarah W’s classes. Both instructors are very approachable and I liked that newbies get extra attention. I appreciate that they learned my named and helped me as much as they could during class to make sure my form was correct. They both are really good at cueing next movements and describing what you’ll be doing.
The Class: I have to admit, I was intimidated by the machines and worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the class. Actually, I was more worried I would fall off of the machines. My first class was with Emily at the Preston location and luckily, it was just me and one other person, so I was able to get more one-on-one instruction with what to do. I showed up early to get a quick run down of the machines and familiarize myself with any common phrases. My last two classes were much fuller and had a lot more energy. I was even pleasantly surprised to see a few men partake in the class too.
The machines transform everyday exercises like lunges and squats and adds resistance to each exercise which maximize the burn you’ll feel. With the resistance, it’s totally normal to start trembling and shaking as your muscles go into failure. For example, you may be in a low lunge position on the machines and be asked to pulse. You’re constantly pushing or pulling while on the machines and while the movements may be little, they burn. Oh gawd they burn…
It’s a mentally challenging class. In the 50 minutes, the class moves quickly with few breaks and offers full body workout that is designed to strengthen and tone. While the music is fast, you aren’t asked to do as many reps as possible. Instead, focus on slow controlled movements. It wasn’t until my third class, did I feel more comfortable using the machines. The names used for different exercises are different too and takes some remembering. Like, what the heck is The Mermaid?
If you’re new, I’d recommend getting a machine in the middle of room so you can observe the people around you to follow along easier. If you are a visual learner, that’s the best route. You have to see it to better understand what you’ll be doing. With all the components of the machines, I don’t want to get into the nitty gritty details about the different parts of the megaformer machines. That’ll just freak you out.
Also, grab one of these poles. When you are standing on the machines, it’ll help you stay balanced until you’re comfortable.
Grab one to help you stay balanced on the megaformers.
Loved: I liked that this class is low impact and helps me stretch in addition to toning and strengthening. While I didn’t exactly break a hard sweat, I loved how much my abs ached the next day. It also helped me work on my balance and stability.
Efficiently working out lower body and arms. (Preston location)
Feedback: The waiting area could use some improvement. The front lobby area is a little crowded with the merchandise (which I think could be consolidated or rearranged to maximize space), giving little room for early arrivals to wait comfortably.
Although each class is a full body workout, I wish I could see on the schedule what the focus will be for the day. Legs? Arms? Abs? Hips? Booty? If I decided to come multiple times in a week or have other classes scheduled during the week, I’d like to plan which body part I’m working out.
There are times when it was hard to hear the instructor. The headsets aren’t very clear. I definitely felt a little flustered when the instructors voice would get lost in the music.
The Next Day: Mild soreness the next day and felt most of it in my abs and shoulders. I took classes that focused on obliques and it hurt so good.
Difficulty Level: This is hard one to answer. As someone who has never tried a Pilates class, it was hard at first to get the hang of the machines. The difficult part is continuing to fight through the muscle burn and fatigue for the whole minute or so on each exercise. You can get up and shake it out if you need, but the instructors challenge you to endure as long as you can for the full benefit. That endurance is something you work toward over time. I think Studio6 would be a good place to start for any beginner or intermediate level fitness person looking to try something new or mix it up.
Workouts are more fun with friends.
FYI/Costs/Parking: Both locations have ample parking, but I preferred the Park Lane location because it is newer with a younger crowd. I’d recommend wearing fitted clothing since you may be in plank and other low positions. You don’t want your shirt to fly up. Also the majority of people wore capris or long leggings instead of shorts. You’ll definitely need grippy socks. If you have don’t any, the studio has some for purchase. There is a water fountain available to refill your bottles and also free towel service. If you need to change, there are changing rooms in the back of the studio. Don’t feel weird about walking through a class. It’s normal and expected. The Park Lane location does have a small changing room next to the receptionist desk, so you can definitely change there too. Studio6 also offers barre and beginners classes too (although the Megaformers Basic classes aren’t offered at convenient times).
The Takeaway: The megaformer Pilates is something I would throw into my workout regimen to mix things up and cross train. It’s slowly growing on me, but I favor faster, high intensity workouts. After a class, I’m not convinced I burned a lot of calories and therefore don’t necessarily feel like I got in a really hard workout that leaves me wiped out. It does do a good job of targeting certain muscles, working on your flexibility, and getting a good burn. After speaking with a Pilates instructor, it is possible to achieve a hot chiseled body if you go consistently and really push yourself. Remember, you’re working toward staying in that tension for 50 minutes. That’s not easy. It’s definitely a studio worth visiting if you’re a Pilates fan looking for a challenge outside of classic mat Pilates, check it out.
Pictured with Sarah W at the Park Lane location. She definitely pushes you to your limits.
In order to review Studio6, Deep Fried Fit received six complimentary classes. All opinions expressed are her own.
