Studio Review: SCULPT

Pros	Cons
Small studio = small classes	High price point with packages not offering a significant discount
Knowledgeable and attentive owner	No showers if you're an early bird like me
Good intro offers for first-time clients

Over Labor Day weekend, Ben Dunlop, the owner of SCULPT, the new Pilates studio in Chelsea, invited guests in the Sweats & The City Facebook group to take a free class before their grand opening. Since I was spending my low-key weekend in the city for the first time in four years, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity, and I'm really glad I did!

SCULPT is nestled in a residential area on W 24th St, between 9th and 10th Ave. It's so blended in that you just may miss it when the lights are off, like I did!

Naturally, I was early, so I had the six-reformer studio to myself for about 10 minutes. It's a cozy, chic space with a small area for your belongings and a restroom. Pilates reformer classes should be small so the instructor can easily offer assistance and modifications, create effective sequences, and for safety. It was a pleasant surprise to see it was a small studio!

While I was waiting for class to begin, a few people from the neighborhood and building dropped in to share how excited they were for the studio to open!

The equipment in the studio is Balanced Body, which is a common and trusted brand used by studios, and I loved how fresh and new everything was.

Once the rest of the students arrived, Ben got the class started! The theme of my session was SIGNATURE/ABS+UPPER, meaning the focus would be on core and upper body.

The Pilates principles came into play a lot during this class, which I, of course, loved. Each move was carefully cued and performed slow and controlled. During certain exercises, we increased tempo, yet never to a point where you felt out of control or might get injured.

Throughout class, Ben provided modifications to make an exercise easier or harder, depending on your needs. And came around to correct form, something I value, as no one is perfect, even instructors!

Something also important to note is that the class was structured well, and simple transitions were included. I rarely, if ever, felt confused by what to do or how to get there. There was a good flow!

The class was over before I knew it, and I left feeling strong and empowered.

I took this class towards the end of my Jones Beach build, and I'm so lucky that I get to incorporate workouts I love into my running and triathlon training. It's classes like this that can really help with mindset and feeling like you're capable!

What I Wore:

I have been obsessed with my Tavi Noir Flutter set since 2021, though it's no longer in stock. But if you can get your hands on it, it's super soft and great for Pilates, barre, sculpt, or yoga. And photographs nicely!

What is in stock are these Pointe Studio grippy socks. I was gifted a collection to try, and they did not disappoint.

The first thing I noticed - after all the cute designs - was how grippy they are. That is SO important on a reformer. When you are standing on a reformer or even the Cadillac, the last thing you want is to be sliding around. It's dangerous and a distraction for everyone.

They are also very cozy! They're not overly thin or thick, just a solid full-foot-grip sock that includes a cushioned terry footbed and padded ankle rest.

Additionally, they're moisture-wicking, so you can wear them to your heated classes like Fuze House!

Pointe Studio has a variety of options from toe socks to tall to short and everything in between, with such fun patterns and designs.

Also, I wore a pair to kitten Pilates recently, and the kitties loved them too.

So, to conclude: go to Sculpt and wear Pointe Studio socks.

XO,

Lynette