After starting physical therapy to address an injury I incurred in a car accident, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Laura, and reintroduced to pilates. I had taken pilates classes before, fallen in love with the reformer, and dreamt of one day purchasing one for myself, and finding that perfect teacher. Out of one misfortune, these two wishes were realized. After my first session with Laura I knew that I had found that perfect teacher. Laura's instructions are clear and precise so that even the most challenging moves can be quickly understood and performed. There are other good pilates teachers, but few have Laura's educational background and knowledge of physiology. In my opinion, it is of utmost importance for a teacher to understand the dynamics of the muscular and skeletal systems, so as to prevent injury and enhance one's chances of attaining the best, strongest, healthiest body possible. I feel fortunate in having encountered an exceptionally gifted and personable teacher, and would recommend Laura to anyone who is truly serious about improving their health, physical condition, and well being, read more

I knew I needed an exercise program to make my health regime complete, since I had reduced the amount of physical activity I used to do. Yet I also didn't have a real solid idea of where to begin. One reason that I want to recommend Laura Gideon, who holds a master's degree in exercise physiology, is that she taught me the right starting points. As I returned for my next sessions, Laura was able to help me advance, and make it feel like fun. She always makes sure I am using the best possible bio mechanics and posture. There is no guessing. She is right there making sure I am doing the exercises correctly, and safely. It is never a strain. Furthermore, I think that Laura's method is the safest exercise I have ever experienced! I am happy to work with Laura, and am very comfortable, and confident with her expertise. I appreciate that she really cares about being the best at what she does. I like working with someone who is the best, and you will too! She is a top of the line professional and makes the experience of exercise safe, fun, and valuable. read more

As a computer consultant for many years I had developed hunched shoulders and my knees would not straighten completely. Laura was quickly able to determine my problem areas and design a set of Pilates exercises and movements to work on those problems. During the nine months we have been working together I have been able to increase my range of movement in back and legs substantially. Other benefits include better posture, improved endurance and much better awareness of my body position and how to improve it during long computing sessions. Laura is a pleasure to work with. she is clearly knowledgable, excellent instructional methods and funny. Sessions with her are challenging but fun. Her studio is outside on a covered patio which is a real pleasure in Souther California. Highly recommended. read more

I learned about Laura through a charity silent auction, where I "won" a couple of sessions. I am not a person who enjoys group exercise, so I was thrilled that Laura taught one-on-one. I actually enjoyed Laura's method of training so much that I immediately signed on as a client. Even when I became pregnant shortly after starting with Laura, she was able to alter what we did to meet each stage of my pregnancy, so I was able to work out until a month before giving birth to my daughter! As a busy mom I unfortunately haven't had the chance to come back as a full-time client, but I hope to do so in the near future. read more

I have spent the majority of my life in and around gyms, trainers, and athletics in general, so I'd like to think that I know a thing or two about personal training and neuro-muscular rehab. With that in mind, I give Laura 2 thumbs up! Simply put, she knows her stuff and is a pleasure to work with. I appreciated her attention to detail, easy to understand explanations of the workout, and comfortable work out space. She also challenged me to get to it...no dilly dally, which I like. If you are looking for a pilates/personal trainer to help with your fitness goals...you can now end your search! read more

Normally I would rather read a book and have coffee than work out. But since finding out my "core" needed some major work I was referred to Laura of Bamboo Balance and was surprised at how much I enjoyed her training. Laura knows physiology, anatomy, and Pilates. She knows what she is talking about, has patience, makes it fun, and most of all has helped my state of health greatly. I have a painful back history and with Laura's help, am slowly becoming stronger and pain free. As a nurse, I am very cautious in getting treatments of any kind. With Laura, I know I am with a professional. read more

Laura is Great! When I first started back to working out I was WEAK and WHINEY pitiful at best. Now I am back to being my SASSY and STRONG self thanks to her encouragement and expertise. You will use muscles you didn't even know were there. She works you out hard and it is fun as well. She is easy going and very interesting to talk with. Even with the Massage Therapy work I do my arms were under developed in certain areas. and with the Theraband and Pilates work we have done I feel stronger than I ever have and more BALANCED . I have my guy working out with her...he loves it too. read more

Laura is a great teacher. She knows her craft, and is an expert at helping everyone from whatever starting point you are at. I have seen her work with extremely athletic people to really out of shape people and she is able to customize her approach for whatever client walks in the door. For me personally, it's been very helpful to have personalized instruction because of various physical challenges that I am constantly dealing with. Laura is flexible and avoids injury at all costs, while still giving me an excellent strengthening workout. Thanks Laura! read more

Laura is a great instructor. She makes sure to cover the basics and then where you go only she knows. The most important part though is YOUR BODY will see the difference. She is extremely giving in her instruction and really customize her teaching. Let's not forget her dynamic personality who gets you going when you think you have nothing left to give. When you leave your hour with Laura, you'll have a better understanding of your body, you'll feel good about yourself and have a smile on your face. So go on and treat yourself. read more

As a tennis professional, I need my body to stay strong and flexible. That's where, Laura, at Bamboo Balance comes into play. Laura is a master pilates instructor. Her instruction is clear, concise and straight forward. She has a real gift for making her, always challenging workouts fun. Every workout with this consummate pro is a little different though, always on track with what my body needs. If you are a person wanting; more energy, less stress, to be in better shape I cannot recommend this Woman highly enough read more

I cant rave enough about Laura's one-on-one Pilate's sessions. I have not enjoyed working out so much...well, never. The strength that I have gained mentally and physically are beyond words when it comes to this type of training. Laura explains in detail how your body works (every muscle) which has helped me connect with my body (core). I know it sounds corny but it really works. My body even at 41 is changing and stronger!!! Thanks Laura PS: forgot to mention that Laura makes me laugh!!!! I need that! read more

I was introduced to Laura by a very fit and healthy friend. I started attending private sessions with her with the intent of healing my back from a 10 yr old spinal injury which flared up after a recent rear ending. Laura is a fantastic teacher and is extremely calm and patient. Over just 6 sessions I have become increasingly aware of my own anatomy and found my posture has improved. I always look forward to my next session and hope to continue to increase the flexibility in my spine and strength of my core. read more

I dealt with the gym issue for sometime before I took a Pilate class with Laura. I was planning to take one class a week if I really liked the trainer. Guess what? I fell in love with her style and the way she makes me work muscles that did not exist before I worked out with her. I am way stronger and leaner today than when I started few moths back. One more thing, I went from one session a week to two sessions a week. I can not have enough of it: Laura is the best, try her style! Gigi, venice read more

I can't say enough good things about Laura's personal Pilates training. I am completely addicted! Laura knows more about fitness and how to work with you as an individual than any trainer I have ever worked with. Pilates has provided me with incredible core strength, muscle sculpting and a body that I'm no longer worried about someone seeing! But don't take my word for it...try your first session at her special rate and see for yourself! Take your first step to "rock star" status! read more

If you're looking for a personal trainer who will motivate you, is fun and extremely informed about the body and fitness training, look no further than Laura Gideon. She has built up my core strength and muscle tone via weekly sessions, when I was getting nowhere at the gym. She understand the body and how it works like no other teacher, and I have enjoyed her training immensely. Highly recommmended. read more

Laura is AMAZING! Every time I leave her studio, I feel energized and refreshed! I am new at Pilates and she knows exactly how much my body can take without me needing to say I need more or less. Laura is also helpful when it comes to nutrition and she's a blast to be around. I look forward to my sessions with her and you will too!!! read more

I have had many top Pilates trainer from London to auz and back again. Laura from bamboo balance fits that profile. She is very careful and knowledgable. You will be getting the best. I have a bad back but under her watchful eye I am able to do the unbelievable with my body read more

Laura really knows what she is doing. I'm a dentist and my posture is very bad. When I started with her I couldn't stand up straight and my core was very weak. Now after only six months I have better posture, less pain and I feel much stronger. Thanks Laura :) David A. read more

Laura is a great teacher. I have attended her classes and now I am taking private lessons. I have been doing this for only 6 weeks and have already find I have greater energy and strength. As a side benefit it's helping my golf game. read more