Vita Movement a small, intimate studio that’s mostly about Pilates
Membership has these privileges: Vita Movement is a small studio that focuses primarily on Pilates, with an emphasis on private instruction and injury recovery. Owner Patricia Robinson has added cycling and TRX to the mix and made good use of one of East Sixth Avenue’s famously old, difficult spaces by using the basement for stationary bikes, mounting a plasma-screen TV to feature scenes of Tuscany or other motivators to get spinners through the workout. There’s also a tiny open-gym area where regular members can come in and work out on cardio machines and weight-train.
Class I tried: I met with assistant-teacher-in-training Jennifer Carlson, who walked me through some of the moves from the Saturday 7:30-8 a.m. Jump class, a Pilates-based cardio class that uses the reformer machines’ springs for resistance and targets the core, as well as your feet. It’s also great for increasing stamina. Jump is one of the few Pilates-based classes you could take with a minimal amount of Pilates training; most of the routines from this fitness discipline require some training with an instructor to learn the correct movements.
This club is for: Pilates enthusiasts, for sure. Morning classes are offered daily except Friday and Sunday, with a few evening classes, as well, supplemented by the TRX and cycling.
Know before you go: Plan ahead for Pilates training if this is your first time. Street parking can be rough if it’s a busy time of day. The gym is closed on Sundays. You can look at the class schedule online but must pay over the phone or in the studio the first time you book.
Amenities: Lockers, a private shower and
an area to stow your personal belonging are all located in the hallway in the back of the studio.
The bottomline: This place has the feel of a cozy neighborhood spot where everyone knows your name, even when they don’t. The staff is friendly and eager to help you get your needs met.
The real bottomline: A “do-it-yourself” full gym membership here costs $95 (monthto-month). Personal Pilates training costs $79 per session for 55 minutes, or $616 for 8 sessions. Drop-in classes vary; Jump is $27 a class, while a regular Pilates equipment class or cycling costs $18. Combination classes (Pilates/ TRX or Jump/Pilates) costs $32.