What can I say about Alyssa? She can change your body sure, she can make you smile and laugh a…read moreminute into your session? Yes. She knows more about Pilates than anyone I know? Yes, and I am a studio owner. She got me here, she taught me, and has been the most influential person in my career. Alyssa is the kind of instructor you dream of, always happy and the best at explaining the whys and how's of Pilates. She is the best, and even though I have 30 Yelp reviews that say I am the best, she's geographically far enough away, my clients won't know! Many years ago when I was testing for Pilates, I asked Alyssa if I could practice with her, she invited me to her home studio to practice the day before my big pilates practical certification with Marshall Eklund, I was so nervous. She gave the best tips and put me at ease. The next day I went in and she informed SHE was giving me the test! (Of course she couldn't tell me when we were practicing;-) I cried then and there. She asked, " why are you crying?" I replied through my tears,"because you are harder than Marshall!" And that my friends, is the mark of the best instructor: hard, exact, precise, expects you to do your best---but is also the person who cheers you on relentlessly and invites you to their home to prepare. Alyssa is my mentor, my master instructor, and my friend. Go see her, your life, body and mind will thank you.

Alyssa is the best! She was one of my first Pilates instructors back in San Diego helping me…read morethrough a back injury. She is enthusiast, professional and more importantly understands the body. I miss her tons. Highly recommend!

Awesome studio, have been going to Carmel Barre for 10 years now and I attribute staying in shape…read moreto the great classes, the motivating, caring and fun teachers, and the community of friends that keep me going almost daily.

We throw around the words "life changing" often, but Carmel Barre really is life changing. Stop…read moreeverything you're doing and schedule a class at Carmel Barre. There are other barre studios in town that are good, but why go to the Chipotle of barre studios when you have the opportunity to be a part of an actual community? The instructors absolutely have their soul is in it. I've been pushed harder in these classes in an utterly respectful way than I ever have at my franchised barre studio. There are 3 studios. The Monterey studio is sun drenched (something out of a catalogue) and the beautiful windows open so you can feel a light breeze on your face during your practice. The Carmel studio is intimate and perfect for the Barre After Dark class (candlelit slow and intentional). Arianne really cares about your experience in a way that just isn't prevalent in fitness. She's authentic. Other students are helpful and excited to be there. Carmel Barre will be the highlight of your week.

Years of desk work and physical neglect left me with spiraling back pain and arthritic hips…read more Working with Ali over the last year has helped me rediscover a level of internal vigor and power that not only relieved many of my back issues, but has also been indispensable in preparing me for imminent hip surgery, and the post-op recovery. I can't imagine how much longer and more painful my recovery would have been without having had the foundational core strength that I've achieved in these last months and I'm forever grateful to Ali and Monterey Bay Contrology for the guidance, direction, and personalized approach to my core training needs.

MBC is an exceptional studio: Immaculate setting, highly trained & qualified instructors with years…read moreof experience & a deep understanding of the traditional practice of Pilates. MBC is extremely welcoming to all regardless of one's level of practice or individual needs. Professional, supportive & caring: A true community. Beyond 5 stars !!

I was referred to Alejandra a year and a half ago and see her twice a week. I concur with…read moreeverything David W. said in his review and would add that she pays a tremendous amount of attention to form, which is essential to correct old patterns of movement. I too have issues with my back, shoulders and knees and Alejandra is terrific and I would highly recommend her. Laurie T.

Alejandra Arriaran is a wonderful pilates instructor.! I've…read morebeen going to her Pilates classes every Saturday at the Monterey Sports Center since it's much closer to where I work. My job has me on the phone a lot, which causes regular soreness in my shoulder muscles. So I look forward to taking her classes every Saturday because it gives me the consistent relief needed in my shoulder that lasts me a good 5 days or so before the soreness returns; just in time for my next weekly Pilates class. I definitely recommend her as your instructor.

New boutique Pilates studio in downtown Monterey. They have 5 reformers in studio which makes for a…read morevery intimate class. I had the pleasure to meet the founder Arianna who was checking in guests and Melody was the instructor for the class that I took. She walked around the room at the beginning asking each guest if they have ever taken a reformer class before and if there were any injuries to be aware of. This was my first time taking a reformer Pilates class and Melody did an amazing job at thoroughly explaining all the components of the equipment and exercises. She walked around the room and made hands on adjustments (with permission). Grit + tonic is offering quite a few founders sale deals. I got my first class for $41 which is not the "cheapest" Pilates studio that I've seen in the area but the cost for the intimacy seems fair to me. Overall, I had a great time here and would come back.

I've been coming here weekly since shortly after the studio opened. I have had such great…read moreexperiences with all of the trainers! I love their different class options. Anything from traditional Pilates and ranges to more cardio or off the reformers with light weights. I get such a good workout no matter the class or instructor! It's so cute and clean. The intimate class setting really gives you the space and opportunity to master your techniques! The trainers are able to give you more attention since the class sizes are small. It's been over a year taking 4-6 classes monthly and I have never felt stronger. Highly recommended!!

I never live close to a traditional ashtanga class, so when I find one, it's a must…read more This is cozy space that can comfortably fit ~15 people, and I took the led class. I absolutely loved it. The website notes to email them before showing up. It's likely because it is a small business and they just want to know your level of yoga before you get there. You arrive, sign in, and pay cash or Zelle. I love ashtanga not only because you get these amazing adjustments, but the flow of the class just transforms your body and mind, I don't have to think about anything. The instructor is well indeed trained certainly by the gurus. It was definitely a challenge for me having not done a traditional class in a long time. The studio was warm, and I definitely was quite sweaty in this class. It is not an overly heated class, but the practice itself warmed my body up. Every adjustment that I received allowed me to remember the shape and learn how it should really feel, and really how capable I am. They all just felt so good. I felt a little dehydrated before I got to class so I brought my water bottle in but traditionally you would not. I actually didn't take any sips during class-- I usually don't during any yoga class. They do offer props in class which I think is also unique for a ashtanga. Everyone has her limitations. Ashtanga is the yoga style where I feel like I need two blocks (for lift ups). Will be back every time I'm in town.

This was my first time doing yoga and I absolutely loved it! The instructor was very friendly and…read moregreat. The room was located on the second floor and it smelt just WONDERFUL. They had yoga mats available for those who didn't own one and also had various blocks and ropes to assist the not so flexible. A drop in class is $15, 10 classes are $130 and unlimited is $100 per month. Everyone there was very friendly and I highly recommend.

Sylvia is super determined to care about her clients. She is eager to design the workout tailored…read moreto each individual. She makes it comfortable to work with her as a professional no matter what the physical challenge. She is a positive person and motivates her clients to connect with their bodies and as a result lifts their souls! She is humble and there to serve the community well.

Really enjoyed this experience! The fitness instructors are very knowledgeable and well trained…read more The on site owner manager is helpful and friendly. Check out their website. I am so happy, my Aspire Medicare supplement is covering costs 2x per month. Stretching is a good idea, especially when you're older.

I had my first session at StretchLab yesterday and I was so pleasantly surprised how much better I…read morefelt so quickly. Manny, my stretch guru, was so kind, caring, professional and attentive, despite my initial caution. I tend to be very tense and he was so thoughtful in listening to my needs and problem areas. The space is welcoming and Andy, the owner, was also very very nice. I look forward to my next session and many more in the future. Linda Deutsch Carmel, CA