Pros | Cons |
6 AM Classes | A lot of confusion in every class I've taken from most participants during transitions |
Affordable mat & towel rentals | Packages don't offer a significant discount |
Beautiful studio with quality classes | Small, and tight locker area and locker/shower room |
Different class themes adds variety to schedule | Lack of hands-on or verbal adjustments |
As a mat Pilates instructor, I might be a little biased towards mat classes, though don't get me wrong, I also enjoy reformer classes. The two complement each other well, and each can get into different muscles.
I was doom-scrolling when I saw a girl from run club post about Fuze House so I looked it up - hot mat Pilates? Sign a girl up!
Fuze House was offering an intro package (this doesn't appear available anymore), but because it was my first time, I opted for the one-time first-visit discount in case I didn't like it.
When you sign up for classes, you can also add your mat and towel rental at the same which is unique and allows you to be all set when you arrive.
The NYC studio is in Flatiron, on 20th and 6th. About equidistant from the 23rd street NW and Union Square station which makes it convenient for me when taking a 6 AM class (express trains only out of Astoria that early).
You walk right into the check-in desk where I've always been greeted politely and promptly. There's merch and water to purchase to the right, and to the left are lockers and a water fountain. The locker area is very narrow and small, leading to natural chaos during busy times when there's a class going out and coming in. This isn't an issue native to Fuze House, I've yet to see any studio in my 13 years of taking NYC studio classes get this right.
Going towards the back of the space to the left, is the studio. Similar to Y7, they have marks on the floor to indicate where your station is. It's first come first served, not assigned.
The front and left walls are mirrored, while medicine balls line the right wall, and the Bala weights, rings, and bars, are on the back wall. The Bala mats are usually lined up right when you walk in. It's beautifully designed and easy to find everything you need for class.
I love Pilates and heated classes, so trying this studio was a no-brainer. However, please keep in mind heated classes may not be for everyone.
Kieran Sheridan, a physiotherapist based outside of the US, says, "when you join a heated Pilates class, the warmth helps improve blood circulation, relax your muscles and joints, and makes stretching simpler. It’s similar to warming up an oven before baking cookies—your body operates more smoothly once it is warmed up!"
The heat in the room is just right for me. I sweat but not to the point where I'm sliding around and equipment is falling out of my hands. Enough to need the sticky mat though! The instructors use music in all of the classes I've taken - upbeat and modern tunes. Some have used headsets, some have not. I prefer when they use a headset if the music will be loud.
So far, I've taken Hot Pilates and Hot Sculpt. Also offered is HIIT, Yogalates, Strength, Abs & Arms, Ass & Abs, Ballet, and Yin & Sound.
Each instructor has been enthusiastic and motivating. That being said, I've yet to take a class where everyone doesn't get confused during transitions. It always takes a few reps for anyone to understand what's next. I am classically trained though so it's easier for me to infuse seamless transitions in my classes.
Additionally, even though I teach Pilates, I'm not always perfect, and there is room for improvement in anything, even more so when I'm in a strength or sculpt class. There could be a lot more hands-on or even verbal cues for adjustments to ensure I'm performing the exercise correctly and getting the most out of it.
I really like the variety of props each instructor uses. I've learned new ways to add weight to exercises, and used props I normally wouldn't! They do a good job of letting the class know that it's a secondary tool and, if it's not a fit for you for a specific exercise, to ditch it.
The classes I've taken have all been full-body classes - which is similar to how I teach. Abs, glutes, hamstrings, calves, arms, back, Fuze House gets into it all! However, as I mentioned above, there are more targeted classes like Barry's offers for you to choose from.
At the end of class, there's a cool-down period where the instructor turns the lights down, and the girls working the front desk come in with cold aromatherapy towels. That's followed by a short stretching period and then we're done!
The studio does have showers, though it's a VERY small area. Think smaller than the OG Mile High Run Club locker room. It does what it needs to do, and the few times I've showered there, everyone was quick in and out.
After my initial class, I bought a 5-pack, and plan to go more during my running off-season before I start training again in January!
Before you book a class, take note of any injuries or health issues you are experiences. Sheridan adds, "being in a very warm place can make you feel tired more quickly, and if you don't drink enough water, it might cause dizziness or dehydration. If you are recovering from injury or have some health troubles, like joint issues or heart problems, the heat can mask warning signals your body wants to show—like pain or discomfort."
Not only does Pilates help my running and make me feel good and strong in general, but it's great for snowboarding season, too, which is on the horizon!
Overall, I'm really excited for this addition to the NYC fitness studio scene and I hope they can thrive and expand.
See you on the mat!
XO,
Lynette
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