Lisa is a top notch instructor. I've been doing Pilates for well over a decade, am a certified Pilates instructor and currently work out with some of the very best instructors in the country, including Lisa Golden. Lisa knows just where to take a client for their specific needs and how far they should be pushed to achieve their individual goals. Additionally, she is able to create community in her studio that is unmatched. We all want the best for each other and help wherever we can. We celebrate each other's successes and never judge each other's weaknesses. In fact, we don't even think of them as that, rather than areas that we'd like to work on. And every now and then we go out for happy hour snacks and cocktails or mocktails. read more

I came to Contra Costa Pilates knowing nothing. As I was getting older, I wanted to work on strength, balance and flexibility. I also began to have lower back problems. I tried to go to gyms and other workout studios. I have also worked with several personal trainers. Each time, I did not enjoy it and could not stay with it. I have now been with Lisa and Contra Costa Pilates for over 4 years and am still going strong. Lisa teaches you a series of exercises, each working on specific parts of you body. As I progressed and began feel things were getting easy, Lisa suggested new exercises and corrected me on old ones to make it more challenging. I remember a couple months into the program noticing my body changing. Doing a variety of things was just easier and no more back issues. I remember thinking that this was what my body felt like 10 or 20 years ago. I can honestly say that I have steadily improved across the last four years. I wholeheartedly endorse Contra Costa Pilates to everyone. read more

I love Lisa and her classes! As a former ballet dancer, I trust Lisa and respect her knowledge and expertise. Do you want to learn the real Pilates technique and work hard? Go to Lisa's. The fitness that I develop in her classes is the foundation that builds my other activities -- ballet and swimming. Let's face it, as we get older it gets harder on the body to be physically active. Her classes keep my body balanced and strong so that I can continue to pursue an active, athletic lifestyle. She always seems to come up with new and challenging workouts to keep me at the top of my game. It's as if she can read my body and know exactly what I need each time I come in. Thank you Lisa , you are the best! Roberta V. read more

I feel so lucky to be introduced to Lisa Goldin! She is an amazing instructor that keeps you engaged and customizes your session to your specific needs. Not only is she so kind, energetic and thoughtful, but also has the ability to keep your striving to do better and push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of. Lisa makes you excited to come to class and with any experience you may have, everyone is so friendly and inviting. read more

Pilates here is the only exercise program I've ever truly enjoyed and it's all due to owner Lisa Goldin. She manages to balance professionalism with fun. I went from couch potato to hiking the Cinque Terra within a few months, thanks to Lisa. Highly recommend! read more

I have been a student of Lisa's since shortly after she opened. She is an amazing instructor and encourages students to reach their Pilates max potential. I started as I was having back issues and my ortho recommended Pilates. She encourages you to reach you maximum potential while staying aware of any physical limitations. It is a fun non judgmental environment for all ages and abilities, young dancers to general physical fitness. read more

I have been working with Lisa Goldin, the owner and Director of Contra Costa Pilates Center, for over 15 years. Lisa specializes in classic style Pilates, which is what I was looking for in an instructor. Although she specializes in classic Pilates, she is constantly interjecting newness into your work out to take you to the next level. With her 30 years of experience teaching Pilates, as well as her prior experience as a professional ballet dancer, she really understands all ages and levels of her clients read more

I have been going to Contra Costa Pilates Center for three years. Lisa Goldin is the best! She has helped me tremendously with my many injuries, and she creates a fun and friendly environment. As a dancer and former gymnast, I highly recommend Contra Costa Pilates Center. Melissa M. read more

Sorry I couldn't give less than one star. Lisa is an unkind, unprofessional woman. Stay clear of this place. She tries to impress by saying Joe Pilates this and Joe Pilates that so that you might think they were best buddies. After an injury caused by taking 2 classes, Lisa refused a refund which was politely requested without any blame. All that was asked for was for a refund of the unused portion that had been prepaid. It is heartless to keep a senior's money for services that were not rendered. read more

It is places like this which really make me want to move back to the city and just deal with the fact I have a 5 month old daughter and no parking. This is the most unprofessional pilates studio I have ever been to. The instructor I had did not know what she was doing. She was supposedly a senior level instructor and I was charged as such, even though the owner had to walk her through everything. She didnt explain herself, and was afraid to put me into proper poses. To top it off, they charge the same amount as a place who knows what they are doing. I think they must sucker a lot of clients here who have never done pilates before. Their equipment is also terrible, and the place looks like it is from the 70's and needs serious updating. Try ANYPLACE else in the area but here. read more

I LOVE Contra Costa Pilates Center! it is a GREAT place to learn pilates. The owner, Lisa, and other trainers, Kristen and Michael, are friendly and patient. They make it a fun atmosphere to work out in and accomplish your goals. Whether you're new to pilates or experienced this is the place to go. I would recommend ti to evryone. Leslie read more

My experience was fantastic and I have been to a few studios in the area. Lisa was very informative and is a great instructor. I had a great work out and I plan to go twice a week. read more

Contra Costa Pilates Center - Lorna&Chris - Pilates Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This is a classic, authentic Pilates studio. Lisa and Michelle are passionate, knowledgeable and thoughtful, giving their clients personalized attention. They have all the equipment you could wish for and the studio is clean with great energy. I've been taking private lessons for more than six months with Michelle and always look forward to my appointments with her. She focuses on form, variety and pushes me as appropriate. I've taken Pilates for more than a decade and this is the best studio and instructor! You have to check this studio out! read more

If you like going to Pilates in an unprofessional place, more like a hair studio with lots of gossip going on, this is the place for you. Often not as clean as it should be. I really don't care to hear about Lis'a problems either...there are a lot more professional, individualized, carefully attended to places...BEWARE! read more

Why all the haters? This is a small, intimate studio by design. It is not a franchise. Not everyone feels comfortable with their injured, lumpy bodies at first. A private setting w/ a handful of clients is perfect for getting back in shape and healing injuries, or working out despite injuries and feeling and looking better and stronger. The small staff and flexibility they have provided me has been life changing. No more tight hamstrings or crMping feet. Trips to the chiropractor are rare. On my 50th birthday I was the envy of my girlfriends. I have a picture of me doing a hula hoop and my legs looked downright chiseled! Last time I had those legs I blew out my knee. It takes a few days /weeks to get settled into a routine. Buy the Intro package as there is a learning curve depending on problem body parts. My injured, overweight daughter really blossomed here, and became a more active adult because of the teaching style they adapted for her. They all care about your workout, your body. and getting you strong. read more

I moved to California 4 years ago after training for several years on the East Coast with a 3rd generation Pilates instructor using Gratz Pilates equipment. For those that are new to Pilates, Joseph Pilates is first generation, his disciples second, etc. So when I moved to California, I searched far and wide for a Pilates studio that promoted the philosophy and teachings of Joseph Pilates, using original apparatus and techniques from the master. I visited nearly a dozen studios in the San Ramon Valley and East Bay before discovering Lisa and Contra Costa Pilates. Lisa herself is an accomplished international ballet dancer and third generation disciple. She is a fantastic teacher; patient, passionate and creative, with great attention to detail and high standards that lead to great results. I have taken private sessions, but have "graduated" to semi-privates. When I need some new exercises or a particular area is crying out for more attention, Lisa doesn't hesitate to jump in and work with me. CC Pilates is not a huge gym. It is a small studio with several reformers, a couple cadillacs, pedipole, wunda chair, ballet barrel-basically everything that you'd need. Lisa and her staff have formed a small community that teaches Pilates techniques in an intimate and warm environment. The goal is to eventually get each client well-versed in Pilates enough to independently exercise, tailoring the workout to their needs. I am pretty active. I play tennis, run and lift weights. I have found that the combination of stretching, strengthening and balance in Pilates has been an absolute saving grace. I am less prone to injury, sleep better and my sciatica is under control. If I miss my studio time, I can definitely feel it! If you're looking for a private, flexible studio that promotes true Pilates instruction, I can wholeheartedly recommend CC Pilates! read more

There's Pilates and then there's the "real deal" Pilates. This place is the latter. I'm in much better physical health now because of Lisa and her years of experience with Joe Pilates himself. read more

Wow! I was feeling old and tired, and after a class I am ready to lick the world! I had no idea how much doing Pilates (under a good teacher- 'cuz this stuff can be scary alone!) would make me feel younger, more energetic and sleep better! Yeah Lisa & Kristin!! read more

This is my first time doing pilates, but I'm hooked! I love Lisa & her teaching style. I feel great during & after my session and love the semi private size classes. I finally enjoy exercise, thank you. read more

This studio is one of a kind! You cant get much better than this. The owner is a 3rd generation instructor from the legendary Joe Pilates and is by the way the most hilarious person you'll ever meet! She and the other instructors always seem to put a smile on your face and make you feel energized again. As far as results go I can't thank Contra Costa Pilates enough for working their wonders on me. Not like those other studios you just walk into and do your work out and get ignored all the time, they actually take the time to correct and really make sure you get the best work out for yourself! I feel myself gaining so much more strength and flexibility it really makes a difference in my every day life! All around two thumbs up; excellent instructors, top of the line apparatuses, lots of parking, clean facilities, nice clients to share the space with, and work outs that actually change your body! read more

I'm writing this because I checked the older reviews and couldn't believe what I was reading. My wife and I have been clients of Contra Costa Pilates for quite a few years. Anyone can get a great work out there and enjoy the friendly, informal atmosphere. Clients range from professional dancers to senior citizens, men and women, fit and not so fit. read more

I've been a CC Pilates client for over 8 years and work out twice weekly. Lisa and Kristin are the best! The equipment is great and I love the individual attention I receive. I highly recommend! read more

Lisa and her instructors are brilliant! I remember leaving here after my first few sessions having to hold the handrail going down the stairs, but my legs, and the rest of me felt FANTASTIC! Not that it gets any easier as you progress, once you seem to have mastered something, it's switched up and you learn something new. Had to stop at one point because of (unrelated) severe health issues, but as soon as I was able I started back and credit Contra Costa Pilates with being able to breathe after ages in the hospital and with pulmonary specialists. Only wish she was here in LA. In the five years I've been here I haven't found anyone who gets the results that one can get at Contra Costa Pilates. PS: in less than 30 sessions I lost 7 inches off my waist. read more

I have been a client for two years and I love this studio. I appreciate that all ages and fitness levels are welcome. I have made tremendous progress through thier training and encouragement. read more

Lisa has a wonderful style. She KNOWS pilates and the right way for each excersise to be done. She has made me feel comfortable and excited about learning more and more! The studio has a great introductory package ! I've done pilates in other studios this one teaches you the exact proper form so that your workout is done properly!! read more

Buyer Beware. I bought a Living Social deal for semi-private reformer classes 2 months ago and have not been able to book an appointment. The routine is to call and leave a message on an answering machine to have someone call back. When Lisa calls back she says that she is very loose and flexible with making appointments and wants to know your preferred times. Then she says she will call the other clients to see what their preferred times are to get a match with yours, since this was a semi-private session. Then she says she will get back to you. I'm sorry but I just can't put my life's scheduling on hold and wait til she calls back again with suggested times. There are no posted times for sessions hours. Two months later, I called again more than 24 hours ago, and am still waiting to receive a returned call. I went by the studio which is located in an office building on the second floor. The door was locked, no windows to look in, and there was no message on the door at 11:30 AM on a Thursday afternoon. read more