Upside-Down Dance & Pilates

So happy I finally found a Pilates studio in Honolulu that feels like home. At Upside-Down, you know the instructors really care about you and your progress. A body analysis is done as is goal setting and every time you come, you will do something to reach your goals! Not only is the instruction easy to follow and very doable regardless of your level, it's super fun!!!! I will undoubtedly continue my training here for the rest of my time on island. It's a pretty centrally located, bright, and airy studio. Not only do they teach the how of the movement, but also the why, and what the movement does to help improve your strength, posture, and flexibility. Seriously, come try this place! You will not be disappointed!

If you are serious about Pilates and fitness, this is the place to be. You will receive individual attention (even when in a duet or a group class). Your instructors will learn your strengths and areas for improvement and work with you to achieve your goals. They will push you, but since they know your limitations, they will work to make sure you do not hurt yourself. Safety first! I have a disability. In addition, I am - oh, choose your descriptor - Rubenesque, fluffy, more-than-plump - okay, you get the point. You do not have to be perfect. Pilates will stretch and strengthen everything (including your brain) so it's great for EVERYONE. This is not a place where you need feel self-conscious. The important thing is to attend consistently and work hard. I can't believe how far I have progressed over the years. Others who have end-stage osteoarthritis in both knees like me are using canes and scooters and wheelchairs. I credit my instructors at Upside-Down Pilates with helping me to become stronger and remain mobile. If I can do it, believe me, you can do it too, with the help of the instructors at Upside-Down Pilates. No excuses - get up and get over here!

I have taken a few groundwork "drop-in" Pilates classes with Lisa Org and she is fantastic!!!! Lisa has years of experience as a dancer and as a Pilates instructor.I've taken a few Pilates classes at the gym (specifically 24 Hr Fitness) before and they were completely different then what Lisa teaches. Lisa's groundwork "drop-in" Pilates classes ranges from 3-8 students only! Gym classes are just way toooooo big and instructors do not have the opportunity to work with each individual correcting posture and techniques. I honestly didn't really understand the concept of Pilates or the reason for this fitness (through taking it at 24 Hr Fitness), but with Lisa's training and knowledge, I now have a better understanding and appreciation for Pilates and the art of core workouts!Lisa is incredibly knowledgeable about Pilates, dedicated to helping you with your fitness and is a great person to know. She teaches group Pilates but is also available for one-on-one classes, either groundwork or with equipment.

I've been to 2 pilates studios and Upside down pilates is definitely my favorite for the following reasons:1. Nice Space - studio is big, but feels cozy. Nice relaxing music is playing in the background. .. Zen ..2. Knowledgeable teachers - Jill was great. Very informative direction for a pilates newbie like myself.3. Clean - Everyone wipes down their equipment or items that are used in class. I missed the sign at the door and walked in with shoes. Whoops. I quickly went outside and left my shoes at the door.I took a drop in ground class. Upside down pilates offers drop in classes (ground work), duet or solo ground or equipment classes. Duet classes seem like the better deal since its like a private class and you half the cost of the class with your buddy. I like the solo/duet classes it's tailored to what you want to work on.

Upside down Pilates is the only Pilates studio I trust in town. Knowledge, care, experience, atmosphere, and of course the result you get is first class. The owner and the master teacher, Lisa is an amazing instructor and mentor.

Located in the hip downtown/chinatown area above Indigo's restaurant. This Pilates studio is fun and beginner-friendly but can take you to the most advanced Pilates moves! They even have a Physical Therapist on staff to help you conquer your injuries (I had a knee problem myself.)I also like that there are a variety of options for training, group classes, solos, duets and all the booking can be done online, very convenient. I hesitated to post this review because I don't want too many people to discover this studio, I want it all to myself! But it's just too good not to share. If you have never tried Pilates or have only done it in they gym or from a DVD then be prepared to be amazed at how much you will learn about your body in just one solo session and how much potential you have.

Upside Down Pilates is the studio to really learn pilates. Lisa Org is amazing as she lives & breaths body mechanics and movement and is able to effectively teach this to her students. I have been attending classes for two years and the change in my body posture, strength, length and confidence has been incredible. If you're willing to make the commitment by showing up on time and being present she will do the rest -- shaping and molding you until you understand proper body posture. She has trained an excellent staff if you're not able to get classes with her. Note of reality: this is a serious studio and class bookings are done on line with pre-payment required. Cancelations are allowed but must be made 48 hrs in advance as there are students waiting to get their desired time slots. Believe me it is worth the effort.

If you like Pilates, than this is definitely a studio you would want to go to!Teachers: experienced, inspiring and motivatingClasses: numerous, and usually limited to 4 studentsStudio: clean, well-organized, everything has to be scheduled onlineI loved living in Chinatown and every time I walked by, I was peeking at their schedule. I finally got a Groupon pass, which was an amazing deal, including 3 privates and one month unlimited.I have a limited Pilates experience, but I did have the luxury to live with a Pilates instructor for 8 months, and I had very high expectations. I was happily surprised to see how thoroughly the teacher examined my posture the first time. She almost spent the entire hour trying to "figure me out". I always enjoyed reading the little quotes here and there in the studio, such as "your brain is the most powerful muscle in your body". It seemed to me that they all were very knowledgeable and passionate, too. I liked the atmosphere in there, a right mix of "cosy-ness" with a little touch of austerity - you're here to get work done. The equipment was impeccable. They offer many classes and the fact that the numbers of students is restricted means a lot. I immediately loved the style of my teacher, Dee. She has an adorable personality, she's as witty and goofy as it gets, and just from looking at her, you can tell she has a very extensive background in dance & Pilates. I purchased 6 additional privates with her, and although it was a short amount of time, I was already able to notice a difference and feel the work we did.Finally, thumbs up for the owner, Lisa, and her managerial skills. She really keeps track of everything. When I met her, she was very upfront and sassy, which I am very fond of :) My only regret is that the classes are 55-min only, which is a bit short for a 40-min commute each way. The studio seem pretty environmentally aware, and I'm sure they all understand (well, I know Dee does :))

I have been taking Pilates lessons (drop-in, solos, duets, group) with Lisa for many years. Her knowledge of biomechanics of the human body , and anatomy and physiology is knowledge that every instructor should strive for. I like the small classes. Each lesson is prepped for the students who are in the class and modifications are made or suggestions are made if/when needed for each student. Keeps every student "on their toes". Every lesson is a challenge and fun and a great workout. I really appreciate the corrections on posture and techniques she and her instructors give me. Lisa has passed on her knowledge to her instructors and that also makes her instructors great! Pilates is an ongoing process, so it never gets boring and is always a challenge and adding to what you know. Lisa has helped me with a shoulder problem i had and i am very thankful of that and have gotten stronger. As i have said-it is an ongoing process. I know i will continue to take Pilates from Lisa and her staff. Also, it keeps your brain thinking all the time.

Upside-Down Dance & Pilates is an amazing and wonderful place to learn Pilates if you're a beginner. It's also an amazing and wonderful place to continue and advance your Pilates practice whether you are an intermediate or advanced student. I had been taking Pilates at another studio for about two years but left because the exercises were boring and repetitive. I also was not progressing physically. After trying a myriad of different exercise modalities, I finally found the perfect teacher and her name is Lisa Orig. She also has an excellent staff that have been trained by her in a very demanding and rigorous program. I now go to Pilates three times per week. This is the only place I have ever found which could motivate me to be consistent about any type of exercise. The main reason for this is that I love it. Each lesson is different and both physically and mentally challenging. Lisa is patient, fun and an excellent motivator. She pays attention to every detail because she notices everything and corrects your form, posture, and alignment in small group classes. I would also highly recommend solo sessions for more intense individual attention. I have seen a tremendous improvement in my strength, coordination, posture and alignment. It has helped me with difficult hikes in Bhutan and Zumba classes. I used to get out of breath with even fast walking and I can now keep up with any type of aerobic class. As Lisa has explained, this is because my core muscles are so much stronger that I need to expend less energy for any other type of movement. I will follow Lisa wherever she goes!