I tell everyone who will listen about how amazing Tonya is! Aspire Pilates Center lets me live in a stronger body with less pain, helps me live in community, and does beautiful things for the community. I cannot speak highly enough of this place and this team. Tonya is magical!! read more

I originally went to Aspire with a dance injury and was so excited when the studio opened in Oakland. All these years later, I owe so much of my regular health and energy to my regular Pilates practice. I have fibromyalgia, and this has quieted my pain far more than prescription medication, acupuncture, chiropractics, and massage combined. This studio not only soothes and strengthens my body but also calms me on stressful days and is a safe place to go on days like the 2024 election. I've shown many friends the magic here and want everyone to get to experience this. read more

Such a wonderful studio! Tanya is awesome. She's has a wealth of knowledge and is a very patient and supportive instructor. I highly recommend her beginner workshop whether you're new or just want to review the fundamentals. Unfortunately I'm no longer in the area, but when I am in Oakland again I will definitely be back! read more

This place is THE best! All the teachers do a great job of catering to each clients individual needs. Katelyn is normally the instructor I go to and she does an excellent job of understanding my body's previous injuries and adjusting the exercises accordingly. As a former collegiate athlete, I want a workout that not only gets me toned and in shape, but also makes my body feel good. Aspire is the best place for that! Thank you to Tonya and the team. read more

Aspire Pilates Center - Making sure my inner thighs stay activated! - Pilates Near Me - Oakland, California

People stop everything you are doing and go see Tonya. I'm a former boxer currently working in construction and have been suffering from back and shoulder pain since I'm 18 yold, Tonya literally taught me how to use my body , she is a genius in her profetion , the level of understanding and knowledge about human body and how to work with it is just mind blowing!! I don't think i was ever more enthusiastic to give somebody a good review , don't waste your time and body GO SEE TONYA! read more

In 2009, I attended Tonya's Pilates workshop and learned some very valuable techniques to strengthen my body and work through some old injuries. While I don't practice Pilates on a regular basis -- although I should -- I know that I can always attend one of Tonya's mat or reformer classes and achieve great benefits. As I am always searching for ways to strengthen my body, I know that time and time again, I can return to Aspire Pilates Center and learn from Tonya. She is a master in her field and has the drive, passion, and commitment to help everyone achieve their fitness goals. Thank you Tonya, you are simply the best! read more

What you get from Tonya at Aspire is a combination of knowledge and positivity that has left me feeling like a completely different person. I've never been so pain free and strong. I have been dealing with chronic back pain for more than 3 years. I went through doctors, specialists, chiropractic, and physical therapy and still no one could tell me what was happening. I finally found a great massage therapist who recommended Aspire because she believed my pain was coming from tight muscles cause by weakness in certain areas. Aspire's classes are about strengthening at a deep core level and learning how to carry your body to avoid imbalances that cause pain. She has been so encouraging and every class is really fun. Her positivity just overflows all the time. After going through physical therapy I was used to being berated for my weaknesses but at Aspire Tonya helped me change my mind to celebrate every tiny improvement and really be empowered to affect change in my mind and body. I love the classes and I feel so much better in my body and my pain has decreased so much. I remember the first day I woke up without my body hurting I just cried with joy, it had been so long. You won't find a better teacher anywhere. I'm so glad I found Aspire. read more

Tonya is a gifted Pilates instructor. Her knowledge of anatomy is remarkable. She takes the time to familiarize herself with each of her client's particular strengths and weaknesses. Her extensive dance background and Pilates training provide her with tremendous expertise which she kindly and generously shares with her clients. I receive individualized training even when in a group setting. Tonya has helped me to strengthen my core and reduce my chronic back pain immensely. I have attended Pilates classes at other gyms and studios; Aspire Pilates Center offers the best Pilates training I have ever had. I highly recommend it. read more

I am a very hard core athlete who played college and pro football. I came to Aspire because I saw how much Antonio Brown (best NFL receiver) was talking up Pilates. After doing pilates with Tonya, I became more explosive, more aligned (more efficient) and more flexible. Pilates is absolutely the real deal for athletes; but a good teacher is vital. Tonya is that teacher!! She is very very knowledgable, extremely good at what she does. read more

Tonya is amazing, a truly special person. I feel fortunate that I found her! An excellent teacher with a thorough understanding of the body, which means she can work with anyone. She also clearly loves what she does, whether she's working with high level athletes, people struggling with injuries, or regular middle aged people like me. Her enthusiasm is genuine. Tonya has a unique foundation program that is so well worth the investment. I moved six months ago but now I travel an hour to work with Tonya because I haven't been able to find anyone of her caliber. read more

Had to stop going for two simple reasons - If you buy a package of classes, they expire as if you never paid for them unless they get used within a month or two. Sometimes, due to family or other emergencies, that's not possible. I was surprised to find so little wiggle room there since the money doesn't expire... It's not like my cash suddenly flew out of their bank account and back into mine. And while I understand the need to cancel 24 hours before an appointment with professionals giving you their undivided attention (like a doctor, massage therapist or hairdresser), when it's a group class they'll be teaching anyway, and you're up all night puking, which you couldn't have predicted at 10 am the previous day, why no consideration? If the expiration/cancellation policy changes, maybe I'll be back. read more

Tonya is awesome! I don't know any one more knowledgeable about the muscular structure of body and how to fix what ails it. When I first told Tonya about the foot pain I was experiencing every time i woke up, she said - I can tell you how to fix that. Then she showed me some exercises. I did them every day, like she said, and I haven't had any pain - not one bit - ever since. And I had been having that pain off and on probably for decades. Tonya is a magician! If I lived closer, I'd go to all her classes too. She knows what she's doing, and she's fun too! read more

Really happy I found Tonya and her great team. This is focused high quality small group classes. So you will receive lots of customized attention. But that comes at a price, so don't expect $10 mat class from Suzie Q like at a big box gym. My only wish keeping it from 5 stars is there are not enough classes during week after 6 PM. Or, let's say a 6 AM class or pre paid series? Hopefully they can hire an additional instructor to enable this. read more

Quality Professional Personal Services. Local and the owner is not only dedicated to fitness and wellness be Tonya Marie Amos is committed to supporting the Arts. Active in sharing with her community of Concord. The studio is a place of calm flexibility. read more

Tonya is amazing. She knows the human body so well, and how to make an exercise work for your special needs. I have become stronger and pain free since attending her Foundation Classes these past few weeks. Michelle who works in her studio office is kind, professional, very helpful and encouraging. Tonya's assistants, Irene and Daniella, are also very knowledgeable and helpful. I personally feel like all instruction is given with the utmost care and concern for YOUR body. This Pilates studio is the "top shelf". I love this studio, and so will you. read more

Tonya combines a background in professional dance and extensive Pilates training with her passion and knowledge of the human body to help people regain function and excel. I have confidently referred a variety of patients, from seniors to Olympic athletes, for her guidance. Whether you are looking to recover from an injury, prevent injury, or improve sport performance, I highly recommend Aspire Pilates and Tonya Amos. Adam Benjamin, DC read more

I am going to give you a sincere review of Aspire Pilates. I was in the United States Navy when I had a knee injury which resulted in surgery. Over the years I have developed Arthritis in my knees and they felt very unstable. I had given up hope on anything helping. I have done physical therapy and other avenues. When I first met Tonya and she spoke about Pilates my feeling was Pilates is for women. So we developed a friendship and I really wanted to see what she did, so I took some classes. I was amazed when my knee started to feel stronger and each day my pain level in my knee went down. I am a believer now and forever. There is no-one more dedicated to your bodies success. read more

Tonya has basically saved my back!!! I have severe chronic back problems and had tried some many different avenues to try to relieve my back pain, but nothing worked. I was in severe pain most every day and I was concerned about my future. A doctor urged me to go see Tonya and I am SO grateful I did!!! Although I had taken Pilates before, I realized I truly have never been connected to my core or been instructed correctly. Tonya has helped me find my core, strengthen my back and given me hope! I now can have almost a full workday with no pain or if I do have pain it is at a 3/4 rather than a 9/10. She is truly a blessing in my life!!! Tonya is very aware of one's body, very aware of body mechanics and most importantly I trust her with my back. I would highly recommend Tonya and Aspire Pilates Center!!! read more

Tonya is amazing!!! I have been an on-and-off client of hers for 10 years every time I could fit it in with my work schedule. I love her approach and strongly believe her years of experience in body work make her exceptional in helping clients improve their technique and get the most out of their workout. The combination of caring, dedication, natural talent, learned skills and EXPERIENCE make Tonya an amazing teacher. She clearly enjoys what she does. She can help you start your fitness journey, recover from injury, or reach your greatest fitness potential. I strongly recommend her to anyone of any fitness level. read more

Aspire Pilates is almost like extended physical therapy. Although up to six people can take a class together each will get personal direction and attention to their own needs. And everyone has something they are working on, whether it be recovering from an injury or just improving their strength and mobility. All the teachers are caring, attentive, and knowledgeable -- you can't go wrong with any of them. Although the class schedule can be a little limited, there are plenty of special workshops and even a weeklong retreat in Mexico if you are lucky enough to be able to attend. If you are even thinking of trying out Pilates especially if recovering from an injury definitely contact Aspire. read more

I'm a ballet dancer who had knee surgery a few years ago. After a year of unsuccessful physical therapy rehabilitation, I started going to see Tonya at Aspire Pilates. I felt the difference immediately. She has an incredible eye for detail and taught me things about my body that years of dancing hadn't shown me. She has sent me home with exercises to do on my own and always responds by phone or email if I have a question. Aspire Pilates has a comfortable and safe atmosphere. Tonya makes each client feel unique and important and individualizes her instruction for everyone's specific needs. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out! read more

It's been almost a year and a half since I started working with Tonya. I can honestly say that it's been the most amazing time. If you are thinking of trying Pilates I highly recommend you call Tonya. No matter what kind of shape you are in she will take the time to evaluate your body and modify all your exercises to fit what you need. I'm amazed at what I was doing to my body now that I am more in tuned to it. read more

Tonya is amazing; I cannot say enough about what a lovely, warm, and brilliant person she is. There is no one better to teach Pilates and just generally show you how to get stronger while treating your body right. She can just look at you and tell you if you are using the right muscles or not, and how to correct! The body awareness she's helped me develop is something I carry with me everywhere, even now that I live in Boston and attend classes in another studio. (Oh how I miss you, Aspire!) Having tried several pilates studios now, there are a few things I want to highlight about Aspire. First, if you're looking for an aerobic workout, this is not the spot for you. Tonya's style is not about working up a sweat (though sometimes you certainly do!) - it's about reaching the deep muscles that we don't normally get at in a gym routine, and strengthening those to improve balance and protect our bodies from injury. Second, if you are deathly afraid of snooty studios filled with perfect bodies in perfect fancy spandex outfits, this IS the spot for you! Tonya has created a beautiful and serene space with her studio, and every class I've been in there has been filled with an open and friendly and completely non-judgmental energy. Tonya always makes sure to introduce any newcomers so classmates can bond, and in no time six of us on the reformers together will be joking and teasing Tonya about torturing us, creating an awesome friendly atmosphere while focusing on our form at the same time. Third, you CAN do Pilates the way Tonya and her staff teach it. I've taken classes with Tonya and Irene, and they are both great. I've seen everyone from athletes to seriously injured folks get stronger in Aspire classes, including my dad who suffers from partial paralysis in his left arm and leg, and a bad back! Since he started exercising regularly with Tonya, he's hardly ever tweaked his back, and this used to be a common occurrence. Tonya is constantly devouring new knowledge and dove immediately into learning all she could about my dad's condition, working up a special program to help him improve his balance and strength. Tonya is so smart about anatomy and is constantly explaining how each exercise impacts different muscle groups, and how those impact our ability to move around. She knows all her clients' bodies so well and constantly corrects each of us for our different weaknesses even while in a group setting. I have COMPLETE trust that Tonya will never allow any of us to injure ourselves on her watch. Tonya tailors Pilates for everyone, and with her you can do it too - no matter what your abilities are today! Go see her and find out what you can do together. read more

In the last year I've had the opportunity to attend Pilates classes at other studios while I was travelling. I came back home to Aspire even more committed to this studio. Tonya is a wonderful teacher (and a terrific person), and each time I work with her I learn something more about my body mechanics. She is a great listener, asking questions to help her provide the best possible care. My body and my mind thank Aspire Pilates for all the improvements I've seen in my overall health. read more

If you live in the East Bay and are looking for a Pilates studio, look no further. Tonya Amos, who runs Asprie Pilates Center is AMAZING!! She has helped people from all athletic backgrounds- from people with chronic pain and physical limitations to Olympic athletes... and your every day people like me. Every time I work with Tonya I learn something new about my body and how to help it work more efficiently. I am stronger, my balance has improved, and my sense of well being has increased dramatically. Working with Tonya has been one of the greatest investments I've ever made for myself. read more

Best place to go - Tanya is the best at taking care of your body. She cares for every single one of her clients as family - I consider her family. Would recommend to eveyone. read more

Over the past decade, Tonya has helped me overcome back, shoulder and knee pain in the most loving way possible. No "go for the burn" at Aspire! She started me out with skilled adaptations and scaffolded my recovery over time by tying my limbs and shoulders into my core. I am a veteran dancer, and had been through many rounds of physical therapy, but none of those professionals ever got me close to the kind of comprehensive recovery Tonya nurtures. She is attentive, skilled, incredibly good-natured, and above all FUN! Her humor has gotten me through some brutal (in a good way) workouts, and I am stronger than I have ever been in my 56 years on the planet. In my next life, I want Tonya's reincarnation to start training me in childhood to be the dancer I strove for but was injured out of on this go-round. I will hear her voice in my head forever, scolding me not to tuck my spine, to send rocket fire down my hamstrings, and to pull my belly up through the top of my head. Love you, Tonya! You are a genius. read more

Tonya's careful discernment of the body is outstanding. It is well beyond her training. Her instincts excel. I came to Tonya during a shoulder injury. My time with and trust of her ultimately brought about my correct healing. After all the opinions from other professionals, I am thankful that I followed my instincts and allowed Tonya to work with me. Not only did I recover, but I got into the best shape of my life in the process and I continue to work with Tonya. I am such a believer in Tonya's work, that I have put my children under her hygenic guidance. Now 14 years old and an avid tennis player, Tonya has been training my son since he was 12. Tonya also works with my 17 year old daughter, who is supported by pilates in her violin playing and dressage riding. Where was pilates when I was a child?! Finally, my husband, who is behind a desk at a computer also works with Tonya. I guess we're just a pilates family. It just seems like the right thing to do. What a gift! Thank you Tonya for all that you do for my family. read more