Base Moves is a pilates and movement studio that offers musically-driven workouts that are fun and drive serious results. Work out with owners Stella Cook, Sarah Honer and Adeline Sussman at mat and reformer pilates classes that range from relaxing and stretchy to intense and energetic.
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Hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: Closed
Movement hasn’t been easy for me lately. But at Base, it finally feels like something I get to do—not something I have to fight through.
I first tried Base a year or two ago after my acupuncturist insisted I try a class with Sarah. I took a handful of mat classes with her and liked them. But I had just joined OrangeTheory, and couldn’t swing the extra cost.
Then last May, out of nowhere, exercise-induced panic attacks returned. OTF’s pace and overstimulation made it harder to show up and fed a growing cycle of anxiety. I knew I needed something different, but was feeling uninspired.
As if the universe (or let’s be real, the algorithm) was sending me exactly what I needed to snap out of this funk, I saw that Base was offering a special July pack—30 reformer classes, good for a whole year. I jumped on it.
I treated this first week as an experiment—trying different instructors, formats, and times to rebuild momentum and see what felt right in my body. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but the ease was immediate. It felt less like starting over and more like returning to something I didn’t know I missed.
Base is more than a local studio—it’s a community. A space where everyone, from instructors to longtime regulars, carries a sense of shared generosity and presence. It’s welcoming, nonjudgmental, and beautifully human.
I’m also a bit of a learning design/pedagogy nerd. One thing that really stands out is how strong and distinct each instructor’s teaching style is. All three (Sarah, Stella, Adeline) strike a rare balance of honoring their students’ comfort “edges” while making astute, intuitive nudges when they notice you can challenge yourself a little more deeply.
Most of my classes have been with Sarah, and every single time I leave with some new insight about my body. She has the deep-cuts body expertise I’d expect from a seasoned physical therapist, but brings it to class with a gracious, disarming warmth and humor that instantly puts everyone at ease. Her cues are clear and her analogies vivid (and often hilarious). I’ve struggled with embodiment my whole life—Sarah’s classes surprise and delight me by deepening my curiosity about what my body can do. Major bonus, her comedic timing is *elite*.
Adeline’s classes are a quiet revelation. Her presence is calm and grounded, and her voice is so soothing that the class is meditative. I left feeling centered and strong, and also like I’d been through a time warp—we got so much done in such a short time! Her gentleness is its own kind of magic—you don’t realize how hard you’re working until it’s almost over.
I’ve only had one class with Stella, but it stood out. Like her colleagues, she’s incredibly skilled at explaining subtle details about how to move your body—one small adjustment and suddenly everything clicks. It was in her class that I felt the strongest sense of mastery and accomplishment (and sweat the most, ha) so far at Base, like: YES, I can do hard things. She brings a quiet confidence to the room that feels contagious. There’s something about her that makes you feel like you can push yourself and she’s gonna cheer you on while also having your back. She’s serenely tough; while this could be intimidating in someone else, with Stella, it’s steadying and connective. I loved being in her class.
So far, my favorite reformer formats have been PE, Circuit, and Pop-Up. Each one offers something different, and they all complement each other well. I’ll definitely be mixing in more mat classes again!
Base Moves is more than just a great workout. Right now, it’s given me a way back into my body—and into a kind of community I’ve really needed. For that, I’m beyond grateful, and I can’t wait to keep showing up. I hope this small business stays around for the long haul, so please try it out if you haven’t taken the leap. The hype is real.
Karina C
Jun 16, 2025
5
Regardless of who you take a class with, you know it’s going to be a great workout. All three instructors deliver an opportunity for intentional movement while providing a great workout. Love the place and highly recommend!
Lauren
Jun 8, 2025
5
I stopped in for a class and was thrilled with everything. I take a contemporary style of Pilates in my hometown and was thinking I found the right place when I read about Base Moves online. When I arrived (early, but apparently that’s not needed) I found the studio and the area for everything pre/post workout. One of the co-owners and teachers Sara was there and very friendly. She has more than 30 years of teaching Pilates and I felt very confident in taking her class.
The class itself is amazing. I took something I think called Shape in which many different moves, some advanced, were combined to deliver a real total body workout in under 50 minutes! Sara explained moves really well and it was clearly a thoughtful routine to achieve a whole circuit for the body.
If I come back to Durham and near this studio again, I’d come back in a heartbeat.
Rachel T
May 20, 2025
5
Loved my jump board class at this studio! The instructor was friendly and engaging. The class was challenging, but flew by so quickly. Would definitely come back to this studio when I’m in the area
