The Bishop Arts location accommodates 11 people per class. (Joi Louviere/ Courier DFW)
I’ve been keeping a secret from y’all—I’ve given in to the pilates craze. I’m really big on fitness spaces feeling inclusive and real, and when I’ve seen clips of pilates classes (and the instructors) before, it seemed like a bunch of fit people there for the aesthetic, rather than the work—now, I know it just depends on your studio.
I took a reformer pilates intro class while visiting a friend in Washington D.C. in November. I will admit, gimmicks have inspired my workouts for many years: the intense up-down of Soul Cycle, the variety of Orange Theory, and if I do yoga, it’s gotta be hot, because I just won’t pay to do any workout I could do at home. Give me an excuse to leave the house! The idea of using a reformer—a sliding carriage with springs and pulleys that turn basic movements into a full-body workout—was intriguing to me.
I came home from that trip and found Oak Cliff Pilates, a Dallas studio chain that takes the prissiness out of the trend. While the studios have plants, wallpaper, and mood lighting to create a vibe, when you start the class, you are clear you’re there to be challenged. Perfection doesn’t seem expected.
The studio has three locations with slightly different vibes. Many of the instructors rotate between the three and teach nine different types of classes.
- On W. Davis in Bishop Arts
- McKinney Ave. & Pearl St. in Uptown
- Right on the main drag in Lower Greenville
After a class, you may feel the workout most in one part of your body, but the classes, and pilates in general, are designed to give you a total body workout. Back, butt, thighs, arms, and abs, I’m even exercising my feet in these classes! I really like that instructors ask about injuries and limitations to make sure everyone’s accommodated. And no, these spaces aren’t just for women, men take these classes, too, as well as teach them.
There are a range of class packages and deals that allow you to try the studio and then decide on the frequency you’d like to commit to. Then, you’ll want to get an idea of which classes are best for your skill level and start trying out different instructors to see whose style you like best. Even when you’ve found your favorite times and teachers, every class will still feel different—just like with yoga, the flow is designed by the instructor.
Ready to try? (Even if you’re nervous). Use my code JOI5101 to get $5 of their new student package which offers 3 classes for $25. This is of no benefit to me, or Courier DFW, just some savings to inspire trying something new. If you want to try Oak Cliff Pilates outside the studio, they regularly offer free mat pilates classes throughout the city, including one for a 50+ event on Saturday.
Don’t Sleep On is a weekly series in the COURIER DFW newsletter where I shout out DFW events and businesses I think you should try. Have a suggestion? Write in.
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