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Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered!
Absolutely. Our fitness classes lend themselves to being beginner-friendly because every exercise can be modified to match your experience level, strength, and mobility.At Motion Study, our instructors demonstrate each movement, offer modifications throughout class, and encourage you to work at your own pace. You do not need to be flexible, coordinated, or already in shape before your first class. We encourage new students to try our Open Barre class for all levels!Many of our members were nervous before their first class, but quickly discovered how welcoming and supportive our community is!
Most people see great results by taking classes two to four times per week. The right schedule depends on your fitness level, goals, and the types of workouts you enjoy.At Motion Study, we recommend mixing different class formats throughout the week to create a balanced routine. Barre builds muscular endurance and stability, Strength classes help you develop total-body power, Pilates mat improves core strength and mobility, Cardio classes elevate your heart rate, and Bounce offers a fun, low-impact cardio workout that is easy on the joints.Whether your goal is building strength, improving endurance, increasing mobility, or simply moving more consistently, combining different modalities helps challenge your body in new ways while keeping your workouts engaging.
Each class at Motion Study offers unique benefits, and together they create a well-rounded fitness routine.Barre focuses on muscular endurance through controlled, full-body strength work. Pilates Mat emphasizes core strength, mobility, posture, and body awareness. Strength classes use progressive resistance to build muscle and functional strength. Cardio classes are designed to improve cardiovascular endurance while delivering an energizing workout. Bounce combines low-impact cardio with a mini trampoline to challenge your heart, coordination, and balance while reducing stress on your joints.Many students enjoy mixing different class formats throughout the week to improve strength, endurance, mobility, and overall fitness while keeping workouts fun and engaging.
Motion Study offers more than just great workouts. We provide a welcoming community where people of all fitness levels can build strength, confidence, and healthy movement habits.The name Motion Study reflects one of our core beliefs: great fitness should be built on time and efficiency. We design smart, effective workouts that help you build strength, move better, and support an active, healthy life.Our studio offers a variety of class formats, including Barre, Strength, Cardio, Bounce, and Pilates Mat, making it easy to create a balanced fitness routine in one place. Every class is led by knowledgeable instructors who prioritize great coaching, thoughtful modifications, and an encouraging atmosphere.Whether you are taking your very first fitness class or have years of experience, our goal is to help you feel supported, challenged, and excited to come back. We believe movement should fit your life, help you feel your best, and be something you genuinely enjoy.
Barre is a full-body, low-impact workout that combines elements of strength training, Pilates, dance, and functional movement. At Motion Study, every barre class includes upper body strength, our signature thigh and seat (glute) series, core work, and restorative stretching throughout class. Using bodyweight, light and moderately heavy dumbbells, resistance bands, and controlled movements, you will build strength, improve balance, and increase muscular endurance while being gentle on your joints.Barre is approachable for beginners but continues to challenge experienced members. Whether your goal is to get stronger, improve posture, complement another workout routine, or simply find a fitness class you enjoy, barre is an effective full-body workout for all fitness levels.
Yes. Barre uses bodyweight, light resistance, and intentional movement to build strength and endurance as well as sculpt and tone your muscles.Barre challenges your muscles through high repetitions, isometric holds, and time under tension to help you move better in everyday life.Barre also pairs well with running, cycling, traditional weightlifting, and other fitness classes by strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving balance. It is an excellent option for anyone looking to build strength in a low-impact, approachable way.
No. While barre is inspired by ballet, it is a fitness class, not a dance class.You will focus on controlled strength exercises that improve muscular endurance, balance, posture, and stability. The ballet barre is simply used as a tool for balance and support during certain exercises.Whether you are a dancer, runner, weightlifter, busy professional, or completely new to fitness, our instructors will guide you through every movement so you can feel confident from your very first class.
Regular exercise can support weight loss when combined with balanced nutrition and consistent healthy habits. At Motion Study, every class is designed to help you build strength, improve endurance, and increase overall fitness.Our Barre and Strength classes help build lean muscle, while Cardio and Bounce classes elevate your heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness. Pilates Mat develops core strength, stability, and mobility. Together, these modalities create a well-rounded fitness routine that supports long-term health and sustainable results.We encourage members to focus on more than the number on the scale. Many people notice improved strength, energy, confidence, posture, and overall fitness long before they notice physical changes.
Many of our classes are low impact, making them an excellent choice for people who want an effective workout while being mindful of their joints.Barre, Pilates Mat, and Bounce are all designed to build strength, improve balance, and increase endurance with minimal impact on the knees, hips, and ankles. Our Strength classes can also be modified to meet a wide range of fitness levels and experience. Our Cardio classes can be modified through taking alternative movements that require less jumping/impact. Whether you are returning to exercise, cross-training for another sport, or looking for sustainable movement, our instructors provide modifications so you can challenge yourself safely and confidently.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely through a variety of exercises.Grip socks are required for Barre and Pilates Mat classes to provide traction and help maintain a clean studio environment. Students are welcome to bring their own or can purchase them from our studio. For Strength, Bounce and Cardio classes, supportive athletic sneakers or grip socks are recommended, but bare feet can also be worn. If you are taking your first class and are unsure what you need, our team is happy to help.Bring a water bottle and plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can show you around the studio and answer any questions. All equipment, including weights, resistance bands, mats, and other class props, is provided.
If you are a Motion Study Member, please go to the Motion Study Anywhere site and sign in:https://motionstudy.uscreen.io/If not, please purchase a Livestream credit and click the link in the Class Registration email to join the Livestream.Please plan to join before class begins, so you are ready when class starts and email Denise at denise@motionstudy.fit with any questions or problems.
A mat or carpeted space for floor work such as planks, pushups and abdominalsA stretch belt, resistance band or loop, or towel for stretchingHand weights: 2-5 lbs recommended for Barre, Cardio and Pilates Mat classes (cans or bottles can substitute) and heavier weights for Strength if possibleSmall exercise ball or pillowTowels can be used on a hardwood floor as gliders in the Cardio class
Parking is available in several places around the studio: The Hartford Street municipal lot is directly across the street from the studio.2-hour parking is available on Lincoln, Chester and Bowdoin Streets, and Erie Avenue adjacent to the studio.1-hour parking is available on Lincoln, Hartford and Columbus Streets adjacent to the studio.
The Newton Highlands T Station on the Green Line D branch is located at the intersection of Walnut and Lincoln Streets.
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