Archer Pilates & Wellness

Melanie is really a great instructor! She makes every exercise in the circuit training class fun but still very challenging and she really changes things up. We use equipment that one would not use in a traditional pilates class… ie the cadillac, the barrel, the chair and spring board on the proformer. It’s a great class for someone who wants to try something new but still stays within the Pilates family workout. It’s my favorite workout class and I can never get enough. I can say that I prefer this type of workout over the MDR classes. She starts us out with a great warm-​up and one that is not putting you straight into plank and staying in that position the whole workout. Love love love this workout!

I’ve taken a handful of reformer classes here. The teachers are so-​so and the policies are the strictest I’ve ever seen (if you cancel a class — even in advance — there is a penalty fee on top of charging for the full price of the class) and they show absolutely no leniency. Overall not a good experience.

I have been coming here for just under 6 months and love it. The owner and instructors are great, they really pay attention to each clients individual needs and injuries and adapt exercises accordingly. The clients that come to the studio are great as well, so you really get a good sense of community and its nice to get to know the people that you workout with each week. The studio was recently remodeled and very bright and open, I love the reformers they use since I am tall, they work much better for me than most places.
I would highly recommend this studio for experienced Pilates people and especially for someone completely new to Pilates since you get that personal attention that is so important when learning. They keep the class sizes small unlike most studios which have 10+ clients in a class so those instructor cannot keep an eye on everyone’s form. I can not emphasize more how great the personal attention is at Archer, so if you are looking for a studio where you can really build a great body and/​or heal an injury AND look forward to going to over and over, than I would highly recommend Archer Pilates & Wellness!

I came in to try the Jump Board class on a Monday night with my Classpass. I’ve never taken a pilates class before, let alone a jump board but the instructor was very patient and helpful with her instructions. I had done Crossfit the Friday night before and I was sore the whole weekend. Pilates really helped me with my soreness while getting a good workout in. I found that parking was super easy (either the lot or street parking).

It’s sad after experiencing a cutting edge Pilates class like studio mdr, pop, or exhale and then coming here. As much as I would like to support small local studios, this was simply painful.
First off, no one answers the phone.
Second, class started late and the jazz teacher literally wouldn’t stop until the Pilates teacher yelled at her and turned off her music for her– mid song and dancing and all. Akward. The Pilates teacher then continued to bombard the Jazz teacher on why she is required to make her students sign liability waiver at the beginning. They obviously didn’t get along. Ready to work out?
The teacher wore shorts– so she can’t get in positions herself. She also announced she was called in last minute to teach. I got the vibe she’d rather be somewhere else– actually, anywhere else. Her lack of excitement to teach this class made me want to run before we started– that would have at least been a good workout.
No music. This is Pilates. I need music. The instructor had a Yoga like calming tone. Ughhhh Someone asked a question. «Ssssssshhhhhhh…» Says the instructor. I literally was counting the reps until I was out of this class.
The other students were out of shape, and the class was not in any way a challenge.
Thankfully I rode my bike there, giving me twice the workout of the class, and providing a far more positive environment to carry on with a more positive start to my day than this class.

First of all, the studio isn’t really nice at all. It is dark, dingy, and sort of 80s style in the decoration. I could forgive that. The machines are old, the equipment is also kind of old. I could also forgive that. The people who work out there are not the typical pilates crowd — if you are new & out of shape you will feel plenty comfortable. The quality of the instructors varies immensely. I had several classes with a young girl who came in half asleep, apologized for being «out of it,» ate during class, and didn’t do one single «advanced» pilates series on the reformers, even though it was an advanced class.

I love this place. I have been coming to this studio for many years. Melanie, the owner, is very knowledgable and has been amazing in helping me work past some injuries, and improve my core strength. I noticed an improvement after only one class! It is really easy to sign up for classes, it’s all online! They have Zumba and dance classes for kids as well. I highly recommend pilates in general for everyone who would like to be fit for any sport. And I especially recommend Archer Pilates and Wellness!

I’ve been a client here for a little over a month. I think this is a great studio with quality teachers and friendly students. Those are the things that really matter about a studio experience.
Yes, the cancellation policy is strict. It’s similar to the policy at another studio where I also go. I find that the policy has held me accountable and kept me motivated to come to class even on those days when I think I’m not feeling it. I have not late cancelled once in the entire time I’ve been going to this studio. I’ve pushed myself and made it there.
This studio has typical mixed level reformer classes as well as more unconventional classes like jumpboard and high intensity Pilates. The variety of class theme is nice. Every class starts with a mat session of about ten minutes. As someone who normally only takes reformer classes, this is nice because it gets me exposed to mat regularly, which helps my practice.
The reformers here are Stott. Your classes may use props like the magic circle, the ball, the bar that you put through the straps, hand weights, or ankle cuff. This is challenging but fun, and occasionally a nice contrast to the classic style.

I just finished a two week groupon at archer pilates. Overall I had a good experience there, and it was my first time taking reformer pilates.
The instructors are nice and knowledgeable about how to safely use the reformer machine. You have to be pretty careful getting into some of the positions because if you lost your balance/​slipped you could get hurt, so you just need to take it easy when you’re getting used to it.
I do think that the classes are a bit over priced, but if you can get a deal or groupon, or buy a package it’s more affordable.
I likely wouldn’t buy another package because they have the most strict cancellation policy I have ever experienced, and I’ve worked out at 15 – 20 studios around LA over the years.
You have to cancel 24 hours in advance, and if you cancel with 24 hours you get charged $ 15. I’ve heard of losing a day or a class, but not getting charged on top of it. It’s too hard for me to know if my schedule is going to change 24 hrs out and I would hate to spend money on classes I’m not taking.
But, I’d say give it a try if you’re interested in reformer pilates… on a side note, I got a pamphlet from them and the pole dancing was crossed out so not sure they do it anymore. I think it’s just pilates/​zumba now.
One last thing, Melanie’s Advanced class is the hardest class I’ve ever taken, so if you’re looking to really challenge yourself and take pilates to the next level, try her class out.

I have now left 4 messages and no one is calling me back. New to the area and wanted private Pilates sessions especially after reading some of the reviews and how close it is to my house. Very discouraged that no one has called me back.

It is not my nature to write a review about a personal experience. However this will be the 2^nd time in a short period of time that I find myself wanting to write another reviewI I seem to be getting quite a satisfaction out of sharing my experience especially when it is very positive which this one surly was. I now appreciate having a place like Unilocal where I can rave about a business or vent out my disappointment. I have been looking for a Pilates studio that I could stay with long term for quite some time.
I was so excited about finding Archer Pilates. This pilates studio is managed by a high energetic and explosive talented pilates teacher named Melanie. The studio had exactly what I was looking for. I tried at least 6 different other Pilates studios before coming to Archer’s and was able to evaluate each one using the same criteria for 6 studios When it came time to decide on which pilates studio I would sign with. This was a no-​brainer. I rated these studios on each of the following points: Cleaniness, atmosphere, location, monthly rates, type and quality of pilates taught and experience and knowledge of teachers,
Archer Pilates had surpassed all the other studios in each of the ares but one. Since I have joined Archers: I have lost more than 6% body fat, 10 pounds and gain the confidence of a Pilates woman. The most gratifying benefit about this whole experience is that I also have Parkinsons’ and I have never looked or felt better then I do now. If I say so myself, I do look good. I highly recommend this studio to anyone. I made the right choice

I bought a Groupon for Archer Pilates. I was a little apprehensive at first reading the negative reviews. But then I realized that the negative reviews were from people who had issues with their coupon and felt the need to go to Unilocal and complain because the rules weren’t bent or broken for them. I didn’t see a negative review from anyone who had a bad workout.
With that being said, if you want an excellent workout, this is the place to go. In the six months I have been going, I am stronger, fitter and have so much more mobility and balance. My experience with the instructors are positive. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable about the equipment, they are the most wonderful people you will ever meet. They take the time to listen to you and understand your wants and goals. Then they work closely with you to attain them.
If your health is important to you and you are willing to make the committment, this is the place.

I live in OC, but went with a friend one Friday to the Ladies Night Pole Party and had a blast! I had always wanted to take a pole class and this was a great way to get started. I am now totally hooked… absolutely LOVED it!
I had never heard of Archer prior to the night out with my friend so I didn’t realize it was a Pilates studio until after the fact. I had done mat Pilates before, but had never taken a reformer class, so a few weeks later I went back for one of those, and again — AWESOME!
I’m a part-​time personal trainer and I love fitness so I spend a lot of time in the gym, but it was great to get out of my routine and learn new things. Both times I left the studio feeling revived with just an overall happy good mood going on. Definitely recommend.

I love the clean, cool energy of this studio and all of the different class offerings.
Usually I’m deterred by a place that has one specific fitness specialty in the title (a.k.a pilates) but this studio has Zumba, Pilates, even Pole Dancing! I haven’t been brave enough to try that yet, but was there as women were leaving the class with huge smiles on their faces.
I found the instructors to be helpful and fun. When I informed one of my past back injury, she told me about their chiropractic care and physical therapy options. And they work with insurance… BLISS!

After reading the bad reviews, I thought I should post my own.
I had quite a bit of difficulty getting started with my Living Social deal, all due to MY OWN errors… showing up for class at the wrong time, forgetting my voucher, etc. etc. But Melanie was very patient with me and when i finally got it together I ended up really enjoying her pilates group classes and decided to sign up as a regular. I’ve recently been having a lot of fun with the Jump Board class as well.
Not sure what other reviewers mean by this place being dark, dingy and dirty. Not at all true. The bathroom is white and shiny, the machines are clean and in good working order… in fact, we all clean them at the end of each class. The other students are friendly and the music is good. A generally good vibin’ place.
A lot of people only post when they are unhappy with a place. I think many folks don’t read the fine print on these Living Social Deals, so they take it out on nice people like Melanie when they don’t get what they want. Ouch. I personally give Archer Pilates a big thumbs up and will continue going. Nice, small class size and lots of personal attention!

I do not understand the negative reviews for Archer Pilates!
I have been taking private lessons since I got pregnant when I needed a low impact way to stay active and in-​shape. I am now 36 weeks pregnant and still going strong! My sessions are with Melanie who I LOVE. She’s honest, direct, and always helps me on my form (which I so appreciate.) I know some people probably want to fade into the background of a group class– but if you are pregnant, have an injury, or are new to pilates, I would highly encourage you to take as many private lessons as you can afford! Getting your form down helps make even the smallest movements BURN and the burn means it’s working! :)
By the way, I’ve seen two other girls for sessions when Melanie was sick, or when I had a work conflict, and everyone I’ve worked with at Archer is awesome. Also, the facility is clean + airy, and I could not be happier with my experience so far!

IGNORE THE BAD REVIEWS FROM THE LIVING SOCIAL/​GROUPON JUNKIES!
I’ve noticed several 1 star reviews for Archer Pilates which is baffling to me.
But then I noticed that they are mostly from the seasoned «I only work out with Groupon or Living Social coupons» folks. IGNORE THOSE REVIEWS.
I’ve been going to Archer Pilates (consistently) for almost 2 years now and it’s great. You will get a serious workout and you will see results. I am a mom of two young kids and my body has gotten stronger and more toned.
Prior to Archer Pilates I was taking Pilates at Equinox. I still belong to Equinox but I take all my Pilates at Archer Pilates. Equinox has a fancier studio but my workout at Archer Pilates was 100x better. Melanie (the owner) really cares about form to ensure you are doing it right; getting the most from your workout while preventing injuries!
Yes, she does have a policy that you must submit your online deal Web site coupon but this is standard at EVERY OTHER business I’ve ever been to – it’s not some unusual policy the owner has set up.
If you are serious about your exercise/​Pilates then heed the 4 & 5 star reviews only.

Clean, open, and a very friendly environment.
I love going to Archer Pilates. I have never stuck to any exercise programs but go 4 times a week religiously. All the instructors are fun and encouraging. I highly recommend !!

I scheduled online with a Groupon and showed up 15 minutes early as requested. The substitute could not find a waiver and the owner was not texting her back. The rest of the class was waiting and it was already well past the hour. The substitute was polite and professional; we agreed that I should not take class without the waiver. When I contacted the owner she was rude, claiming that I simply left and the instructor had the waiver as I was walking out the door. Not true –I was in the hallway for quite some time putting on shoes and texting and no brought out any waivers, nor should they have interrupted an already late class.
I would not do business with this establishment.

Even though I’ve been to the Archer Pilates Studio several times, technically speaking I’ve only attended one pole class taught by Melanie of Archer Pilates.
(side note: I think pole classes taught by Rebekah falls under the business PoleMoves
)
I’m not gonna lie, I went into Archer Pilates with a bit of pole snobbery having been taking pole consistently for the previous 5 or months or so. But I wanted to take a class with Mary C. and this was her very first time taking pole. I was curious to see how our instructor would handle balancing the lesson plan between the two skill levels.
Like any good beginner pole class, Melanie started with the basic fireman spin. Melanie worked with Mary on her first spin and after the instructor got Mary practicing on her own, Melanie began assessing what spins I knew. She quickly found one trick that I had yet to know but it was simple enough for my muscle strength… or lack thereof ;P
Mary learned how to spin on the pole and I learned a new trick. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when I learn something new in pole class!
Pole studios that adjust their class instruction per the students skill levels are WAY better than studios that worry about having to go through the class «levels.» It makes me feel like they truly care about teaching their students. I was very pleased with Melanie as an instructor. Plus, it was a total BONUS that Mary and I were the only ones in the class so we had a semi-​private lesson! :D
The reason we only took the one class was because Mary and I switched to attending classes on a different night taught by Rebekah of PoleMoves, but classes are still held at Archer Pilates.