THE QUESTIONS

  • Pilates is a full-body method of movement created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on core strength, posture, flexibility, and precise alignment, making it one of the most effective systems for both conditioning and rehabilitation. At HSF, we teach Pilates in its most authentic form on the Tower — the original equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself.

  • Right here at Henry Street Fitness, located in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. We specialize in Tower Pilates classes and strength training with weights, taught in small groups for maximum personal attention.

  • The Tower is the oldest piece of Pilates equipment, designed by Joseph Pilates in the 1930s. It combines a raised mat with springs, bars, and handles to allow movement in multiple directions. Unlike the Reformer, which uses a sliding carriage, the Tower keeps you grounded while still adding resistance — making it ideal for building strength, precision, and control.

  • Yes. In addition to Pilates, we offer strength training with weights. These classes combine traditional lifting with Pilates precision to help you build muscle, improve bone density, and gain real-world strength.

  • Absolutely. At HSF, strength training is taught in small groups with expert guidance. Our instructors focus on safe form, progressive load, and building confidence — so whether you’re new to lifting or returning after a break, you’ll get stronger without risk of injury.

  • Pilates builds core stability, alignment, and body awareness, which directly carry over into weight lifting. By training Pilates alongside strength, you learn to move with control, protect your joints, and lift with better technique.

  • HSF is friendly, focused, and community-driven. Classes are small, so instructors know you — not just your name, but your goals, strengths, and even your weak spots. The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and fun, while the workouts remain serious, precise, and effective.

  • No more than 7 clients per class. This ensures personal attention from our instructors while keeping the group energy fun and motivating.

  • Not at all. HSF welcomes all levels — from absolute beginners to competitive athletes. Our instructors scale exercises to meet you where you are and safely guide you toward greater strength, confidence, and ability.

  • Joseph Pilates famously said: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.” Most clients notice better posture, less pain, and more strength within just a few weeks of consistent practice.

  • Together, Pilates and strength training give you the best of both worlds:

    • Pilates builds core strength, alignment, and flexibility.

    • Weight training builds muscle, bone density, and long-term resilience.
      The combination creates a balanced, sustainable approach that keeps you strong, mobile, and injury-free for life.

  • Yes. Pilates was designed as a rehabilitative system and is highly effective for improving posture and reducing pain. By strengthening the core, improving spinal alignment, and increasing flexibility, Pilates often helps clients move more freely and with less discomfort.

  • Start with a Beginner Tower class. It’s the best way to get comfortable with the equipment, the exercises, and our teaching style.

  • You’ll begin in an Open Level Tower class. Our instructors will guide you and let you know if/when you’re ready to move up

  • You should have taken at least 15 Tower classes and know how to:

    • Set up the Tower unit

    • Use the leg and arm springs

    • Attach the push-through bar

    • Work with the rollback bar

    Bonus points if you can hang the safety chain correctly.

  • Your instructor will let you know. Advanced classes require instructor approval before you can sign up.

  • Many new clients choose to do a private session first — it’s a great way to get comfortable with the Tower or with weight-lifting form before joining a group.

    Email jan@henrystreetfitness.com to schedule.

  • The Tower is the original Pilates equipment, designed by Joseph Pilates in the 1930s and essentially unchanged since then. It’s an elevated mat with springs, bars, and handles that let you move in every direction — up, down, in, out, front, back, and side to side. At HSF, every client has their own Tower unit in class.

  • Yes! In addition to Pilates, we offer strength training with weights — from progressive lifting to circuit-based workouts. These classes combine Pilates-level precision with traditional strength training to help you build muscle, bone density, and lasting power.

    • 24-hour cancellation policy: cancel at least 24 hours before class or your class will be forfeited.

    • Late arrival: if you’re more than 10 minutes late, you will not be permitted to take class and the class will be forfeited.

    Packages:

    • 15-pack expires in 5 months

    • 10-pack expires in 3 months

    • 5-pack expires in 2 months

    All packages are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

  • If you are an existing client, Open Level Tower classes are appropriate up until 16 weeks of pregnancy.

    After 16 weeks, we recommend private sessions instead of group classes.

    • Sign up for class even if it’s full — you’ll be placed on the waitlist.

    • If a space opens, you’ll get an email.

    • If you’re notified less than 24 hours in advance and can’t make it, you are not charged.

    • If you’re notified more than 24 hours in advance and don’t show up, you will be charged.

    • As a courtesy, please reply to the email to confirm your plans.

  • Wear comfortable workout clothing that isn’t too loose— leggings or fitted shorts, tank tops or slim t-shirts. Socks are required (no bare feet).