I had bad pain down the back of my legs and especially behind my knees. I spent a year going to doctors and to their referrals for neurology tests, MRIs, sonograms, x-rays, blood work-ups, back specialists, PT and acupuncture. Nothing helped and they could not determine what was causing the pain. I finally gave up on them and went to see Mike. He spent the time to ask me questions and analyzed my walk and posture. He worked with me on different exercises which I continue to perform daily. Within 6 sessions my pain was gone. It's been three months, and I feel great. I had spent a miserable year with pain and Mike was the only one who asked the right questions and listened when I described the pain and when I would feel it the most. I am finally able to stand and cook without pain; I can sleep through the night and again enjoy doing things I had stopped participating in due to the discomfort. Thank you, Mike! read more

I am guilty of not being consistent with any type of workout until Active Pilates -- I love the reformer group classes with Mike! He is funny, keeps you motivated, and gives you a good workout. Mike has created a non-intimidating space and has a consistent group of great people who take his classes. I've been going here almost 2 years strong -- this is a true testament to Mike! read more

The reviews are true! Mike is great. He truly understands the body and cares about his clients. I have been to a ton of PTs and not one had ever looked at my posture which ended up being a huge factor in my neck/hip pain. Mike noticed this on our first appt (which was free btw) and I found immediate relief when I followed his tips. The Gyrotonics and Pilates machines are also great low impact options for mobility & strength building after injury. Go see Mike, I promise you won't regret it! read more

I have been going to Active Pilates for about two months now, and already am feeling stronger and more confident in my Pilates practice. Mike is a professional who can help with not only your practice, but your trouble areas and posture. Mike's jokes often come home with me to my fiancé because the classes are so entertaining. I love this place :) read more

Mike is the best!! I have worked with him on and off for the past few months to get back into shape after having two kids. Wow has he surpassed all of my expectations. He has a true gift for looking at how you walk/move and figuring out where the problem areas are. He understands how all parts of the body work together and can pin point the muscles you need to strengthen and what you need to stretch. It's been part PT, part personal training. Can't recommend him highly enough! read more

On the recommendation of my bodywork specialist, I've been going to Mike of Active Pilates for about a year now. This is 1 of 2 studios she recommended in my neighborhood. I have plantar fasciitis and old injuries from a scary car accident where the car flipped over the ramp and landed upside down, first on a tree, and then the pavement. Going to Mike at Active Pilates is what I had imagined going to a physical therapist is supposed to be like. Mike has a number of reformers with attached towers, Gyrotonic machines, and a number of other machines that help stretch and contort your body so your body can reset its muscle memory. Since coming to Active Pilates, I have become aware of muscles I didn't know I had, and can see progress the chronic pain alleviation from my back and feet injuries. Mike also likes to tell jokes during class, similar to the ones you normally hear from a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grader. It's not a no nonsense class like at other studios. There's a vibe of working as hard as your willing, while maintaining a sense a humor. If you don't mind the jokes, I recommend coming to this studio. read more

Mike is terrific - and has a wonderful warped sense of humor. I returned to a Pilates reformer class after many years away. It's a great total body workout and will get you back in shape. read more

Mike is amazing! I have been doing a weekly class for a couple of months and my body feels so much better. Not only do I get a great workout, he helps me with painful spots and gives me tips on how to stretch them. He really listens to what you need and want in a workout. As has been said previously, the jokes are terribly great and make the time so much more fun. I would highly recommend working with him. read more

It's over 2 years later and I'm still going to Mike every week! I now live way further away, and there's a burnsf next door, but I don't like going there. I like going here. Just thought I'd put that out there. read more

Wonderful little pilates studio (all machines, no mat) in the Inner Richmond. Mike is an attentive, smart and fun trainer, who demonstrates an expert understanding of pilates and the human body. The studio itself has 4 reformer machines as well as an assortment of other pilates and gyrotronics machines. Group classes are an hour long and are limited to 4 at a time (approx $30/session). Individual lessons seem popular as well. I chose this studio because it's a block from my house, but I think I really lucked out. Unlike other pilates studios in the city, this gem has a fantastic teacher, non-stuffy environment (other students aren't marina/pac heights plastic faces), convenient class hours and reasonable class packages. Pros: Clean studio, solid work out (and good variety week-to-week), friendly teacher Highly recommend it! read more

I love love love this new pilates and gyrotonics studio. There's a ton of great, brand new equipment, and the best thing about the studio is the seasoned trainer and owner -- Mike. I've come here twice, once for a duet lesson, and once for a trio lesson. He definitely pushes you -- all the while cracking jokes and making us all laugh. I can't wait to go back for more. He's offering a free first training session in celebration of opening the studio so now is a great time to book an appointment and give it a try. I had a hard time finding the studio's website so including it here http://active-pilates.com read more

My review for Mike and Active Pilates is long overdue! I found Mike on Yelp due to chronic back / shoulder pain and a worry that I had sustained a herniated disc from a prior ski injury. Having been to an acupuncturist, physical therapist and a doctor, nothing worked. I decided to try Pilates for the first time. I first started with a 4-class private session (the 1st class/consultation is gratis). Like all the reviewers have stated, this is not your typical "Pilates" class. It's non-competitive, chill and the results you get are equal to the amount of effort you put in. Mike is super attentive and is a wizard in spotting issues you might have with your body. Unlike other trainers who might push you to your end's wits to make you feel like you "got a good work out," Mike's philosophy is to not overdo anything and be mindful of how your body reacts to the machine. I can't recommend AP and Mike enough! My lower back has improved significantly and I continue to make this part of my weekly workout schedule. read more

For the last 7years we have been working out once a week at this excellent Pilates facility. Mike is knowledgeable,attentive and a pleasure to train with. read more

Active Pilates just opened up on Clement Street and Mike the owner, is ready to work you out! I was sweating and feeling the "love" almost immediately. Group reformer classes and private training available. He also has Gyrotonic equipment which is very cool. Absolutely no flabby abs or puffy triceps if you go here! Hours are flexible to work with your schedule. Book a session, you'll love it! read more

If i could give this place 10 stars, i totally would. I've been going to Mike's studio for almost 3 years now, and after all this time, my workouts continue to be interesting and challanging. Mike is an awesome trainer who actually cares about each of his students, creating workout routines that would make them feel the "love". I highly recommend this place to anyone who's even had the slightest urge in trying out pilates. read more

Mike is way more than a Pilates guru... he was able to accurately diagnose the causes of a pinched nerve in my neck which had my shoulders knotted up. More importantly, he was able to unwind in the near term my tensed up muscles and over the course of repeated visits developed exercises which addressed the causes of my symptoms. I have gained tremendous improvements in upper body muscle tone (my weakness) and am now working on flexibility exercises which have improved my skiing. I am considered a 'senior citizen' yet i am in better shape than i have been for more than a decade. He has two rooms chock full of pilates and 'gyrotronic' machines along with all of the conventional tools of the trade. Strongly recommended! read more

I've been going to Mike for over a year now and have nothing but great things to say. I encourage anyone interested in pilates to try Active Pilates. My boyfriend and I have a private session once a week and I try to get to the group classes as well. Mike is a great teacher--he's energetic, funny, and keeps things interesting by mixing up our routines between pilates and gyrotonics. I had prior experience with pilates and my boyfriend didn't, but Mike kept us both interested and happy. The group classes are a great deal, and the studio is a small, comfortable, non-competitive environment where you can really focus. This is a great find! read more

Love my Pilates classes! Mike is wonderful - he knows what he is doing. Highly professional trainer, he has a lot of faithful followers. I joined them almost a year ago and will not stop going to classes. Even his jokes (that's in itself is an inside joke for AP goers) don't annoy me - they are essential part of Mike and just adding to his charm :) Classes are priced very reasonably - an important note. The facilities look really nice and super clean. I think it's a find! read more

Mike is the best. Great trainer. Great classes. Baaaaaaad jokes :)

I can't say enough good things about Active Pilates. As a visitor to San Francisco, I've searched for a Pilates/Gyrotonic studio for workouts while in town, and Mike's facility is perfect. His equipment is extensive, diverse, very high quality, and scrupulously clean and smooth. I've trained in many places, but none as well managed as this studio. Mike is personable, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Whether you're looking for classes, individual instruction, or simply a place to pursue your own training regimen, Active Pilates is an exceptionally great facility. Many thanks, Mike, for your friendly and supportive service, and I look forward to training again on my next San Francisco visit! read more

I hate to sound unrealistic or perhaps corny, but I write this to refer Mike as the "Miracle Worker." I came to Mike with a severe case of plantar fasciitis. With the proper strengthening and stretching, over time Mike helped to cure my aching feet. Lets just say, "he knows his stuff." While I got into a regular routine of working out a few days a week with Mike I unfortunately got in a car accident. In a short period of time, Mike was also able to help me work though neck and shoulder injuries related to the accident. Mike is pleasant, real and SMART; exactly the type of person you want to work with in the fitness industry. Daily I feel thankful for having come across the ACTIVE PILATES STUDIO on my work. Had I not discovered it, I could still have been dropping thousands of dollars on treatments for my foot injury that never worked. By the way, Mike also helps you to get a terrific workout, he goes way beyond simply healing aches and pains. Since working with Mike, I am stronger and more fit than I've ever been. read more

I'm brand new to pilates and have just started a 2x/week program with Mike at Active Pilates. I've only been going for a few weeks, but I LOVE it. And I can already feel my core becoming stronger. I enjoy Mike's style and the fact that the class sizes are so small. You can personalized attention all the way. I highly recommend Active Pilates. read more

Mike is awesome! Soon after moving into the neighborhood, I was so excited to find out a pilates studio was opening up walking distance from my home. I had no prior experience with pilates reformers before, but I immediately fell in love! I saw Mike for two years and he has become a great friend and instructor. He works very hard. He makes the classes fun with his cheesy sense of humor and really knows how to make you work up a sweat. The burn feels so good and the classes fly by! I wish I could afford to go everyday since it's so addicting. I always went to Mike for advice on certain muscle aches and discomforts and he always had suggestions on ways to alleviate the pain. He also really tailors the exercises so that they are suitable for your particular abilities. There is no competition. I recently relocated to Indonesia and I was so sad to say good bye to Mike. I miss him a lot and wish he would move here to open up a studio! read more

Mike is an awesome trainer!!! Great spacious studio with all the equipment you could want! So lucky to have this in my neighborhood.

Mike is awesome! So knowledgeable and flexible, really good at figuring out how to make it work for your unique body! He really helped me loosen up and get taller! And his jokes are so silly, he will keep you entertained! read more

Mike is a true professional. Gets down to the root of your issues (for me back pain and leg pain). Also, Mike helped me take accountability of listening to my body. You don't have to learn to live with pain and aches. Pilates helped me recover and strengthen. Love this place and will go back whenever I'm back in SF! read more

Just wanted to add that I have just signed up for my third set of 10 sessions with Mike - so I guess his jokes are getting better or he has also adjusted my sense of humor along with my body. read more

I tried pilates out for the first time here, and I'll definitely keep coming back. Mike has fun but he's also serious about working on the areas most important to you. And this is no wimpy workout - by the time I walk out of there, my legs are wobbling a bit. Another good thing is that he also uses machines other than pilates, which keeps it interesting. I already feel stronger in my core after only a few group classes. read more

I was diagnosed with bilateral arthritis in both knees in 2013. I started with symptoms in 2012, but didn't go to an orthopedic doctor until 2013. The doctor recommended 12 sessions of PT which I diligently did and had to pay for out of pocket! Boy, what a disappointment!. I shelled out about $1200 and after the 12 sessions of PT, I felt even worse than before. So, out of desperation and chronic pain, I checked yelp and found Active Pilates. That was in September 2013. Fast forward to today and I must say that though I'm not pain free, I am MUCH better and stronger than I was ten months ago. I go every Thursday to see Mike and he's great! He's patient, kind and has a quirky sense of humor. Though I am a self-proclaimed couch potato, I do look forward to my session with Mike. The hour just flies by and I know I'm doing my body good even if it's just once a week. Thanks Mike for making me feeling better! read more

In a word, Mike performs "Magic". He immediately evaluated the cause of my hip and back pain. Pain I have been in for 2 years following what was deemed a successful hip replacement surgery. No doctor nor alternative therapy made a difference, including two epidurals. In fact, when I walked into Mike's Pilates studio, I was in excruciating pain. That was less than two weeks ago. While not cured, I continue to improve back home in Colorado. It was well worth the airfare to San Francisco. read more

I have been doing group pilates classes with Mike for almost 4 years now and I keep on going back to him and Active Pilates because every workout is different, and he really pushes you and your body (in a good way) every time. I have been to some pilates classes where you are just stretching the entire time- nothing against those types of outfits, but I want to feel like I am getting a workout...at least break a sweat. He changes it up by using the reformer, the chair, and other machines so he always keeps you guessing. If you can make the time to see Mike at least twice a week I guarantee you will see results in the way you look after about a month- he is that good!! He also has some pretty funny (albeit very cheesy) jokes that make the time go by quickly. read more

I have gone to Mike for two years now and he is really an amazing trainer, listener and support. I would highly recommend visiting Mike. You will be so thankful. read more

Whoohoo as good as it gets. I love the high energy Pilates where Mike (the Studio Owner) encourages a better workout than the average Studio. He can adjust to lower impact activity and also uses Gyrotonic equipment. It doesn't get any better. Love it. read more

This is "tough love" pilates and I keep coming back for more!!! Mike's version of the jump board is cardio-intensive and if you're game, he does lots of reps in the strength-training workout. Every week the routine is completely different and I am never, ever bored! If you're one of those people who thinks that regular pilates isn't much of a workout, one session at Active Pilates will change your mind. read more

Mike's extensive training and expert eye helps him customize our sessions for productive results. He's focused, inventive, and fun, too. He's helping me stay fit and flexible so I can participate in the sports I love. The Pilates/Gyrotonic combo and Mike's obvious enthusiasm for his profession make a terrific mix. Give it a try. read more

I highly recommend Mike at Active Pilates - he really pushes you to your potential but at the same time is very sensitive to any limitations you have. The addition of gyrotonics to the workout really increases the challenge. A++! read more