One of the newest, to me, boutique studios to open up in the Knoxville area is Core Change. I know it’s been around for at least 1-2 years, but I have recently noticed it getting more popular. I have no experience with a Pilates class where a machine is involved, so saying I was nervous to try is an understatement. On top of that, I went to take my first class with one of my long, tall, beautiful, Pilates experienced friends that I knew I was going to look like an idiot next to! We both enjoyed our experience, and I hope these details will encourage you to give Core Change a try too!
What is Core Change?
In simplest terms, Core Change is a Pilates studio. In more detail, it is specifically a Lagree fitness studio. I found out by talking with my friend and the instructor before class that there are multiple types of Pilates. The Lagree method is different in the sense that you are upright throughout class. In other Pilates classes, you are most often on your back. Core Change is also described as high intensity, low impact, intentional movements. That descriptions reminds me a lot of barre, and the burn and shake I felt throughout class backed up that theory! Overall, this class is designed to work those small muscle groups but also incorporates larger muscles. Tempo wise this class is absolutely nothing like CrossFit or CYCLEBAR, but the intensity is most certainly still there!
Pre-Workout
My friend and I signed up to take the same class together, and I’m so glad we did! Unfortunately Core Change does not offer any first class free or trial period options. Our first class cost $15 and we also purchased the sticky socks required to use on the machines for $15. Personally, I don’t love that in order to try a workout you have to pay $30. However, I did really want to experience the class, so you just have to make that choice for yourself!
The instructor was welcoming and at the front desk when we arrived. She got us checked in, made sure waivers and payment were taken care of, and then walked us into the studio. We split up when it came to choosing machines, so that there were experienced clients around us to use as examples. We ended up being very thankful for that!
The girl that was between our machines was very nice, so I took the opportunity to pick her brain. She had previously done Orange Theory, but also said she feels like she’s tried basically everything. She’s been a client at Core Change since the end of 2019 and has really enjoyed it! I made sure to ask her questions about the machine while the instructor finished setting everything up for class. I have never used a Pilates machine, so I had a lot of questions and she was extremely patient and helpful!
The Workout
The workout started with a warm up that wasn’t super extensive, but definitely got our muscles moving. Being a barre instructor, I can usually pick up on the cadence of a choreographed class. Without knowing or asking, I would say these classes are split up similar to how I teach a barre class. There is a warm up, time spent on thighs, then glutes and hamstrings, and arms and abs towards the end. I did ask before class where the material for classes comes from, and if the same class is taught throughout the day. The instructor told us they each have the flexibility to build their own class every day from the material they have on the Lagree method.
There is a great mix of small and large muscle movement in these classes! We spent time in isometric holds as well as bigger full range moves that worked head to toe. There is time spent using our full body, and instances where we would work one leg and then the other. The flow of class was easy to follow, and the instructor did an amazing job walking a studio of women all on individual machines through the movements. Finally, there was a designed cool down at the end of class that everyone walked through together.
Here are my results from the workout:
These results are consistent to what I see after taking a barre class, so again the relation between the two types of workouts is strong!
The Atmosphere
No doubt, the Core Change studio is absolutely beautiful. There is great retail in the entryway where the front desk is located, and a nice open seating area when you first walk in. Around the corner you find the fitness studio itself! The machines are in 2 rows of 7-8 in a low light studio with mirrors on both walls. Further back through the studio are cubbies where you can put your things along with restrooms. The machines are obviously new and very well taken care of, and the studio is very clean. I believe the music and playlists are put together by each individual instructor, and our playlist for this class was amazing!
Pricing and Final Thoughts
Like I mentioned earlier, this Core Change studio did not offer a first free class or a trial period. When the dust settled, we each spent $30 to take our first class. As we left, we were given a “bring a friend for free” pass. So, if we wanted to come back for a second class we could bring a friend to try for no cost. That seemed a little strange, considering we didn’t have a free class option. However, that is a great option to give to bring someone along with you! The studio reached out after our first class to let us know there is a new client unlimited monthly membership for $125/month. After that, a monthly unlimited membership is $180.
I think Core Change is an incredible studio and a great option for the Knoxville area! It is a breath of fresh air to have options like this. I will say, $180 is an expensive monthly membership for most people. Orange Theory is $160/month and my previous CrossFit memberships have been between $100-$150/month. It would be very difficult for me to do any other workout options while paying $180/month for this membership. I will say if you enjoy Pilates workouts exclusively this is an excellent option! The studio is professional, clean, beautiful, and I would suggest giving this class a try!
Click here to see the Core Change website and book your first class if you’re interested!