Raisa if I could give her 6 stars I would. Excellent…read moreinstruction, super knowledgeable and professional. I have gone to Pilates before and thought it would be hard to replace my previous instructor, but I love Raisa and her method of teaching.

For the past 18 months, my husband and I have scheduled private sessions with Raisa and Rachel…read moreevery week. My spouse had MS and wanted to focus on balance concerns, whereas I had just turned 50 and had the upperbody strength of a newborn kitten. It's a really nonjudgmental environment with clients of different shapes and ages. I was hesitant at first to do pilates because I hadn't worked out in a decade, so performing a plank was impossible. Raisa and Rachel seemed to intuitively recognize our skills and motivated us with realistic movements. This was our first experience scheduling private sessions of any kind, but it has proven to be ideal for us because Raisa and Rachel personalize each session to whatever discomfort or pain we are experiencing that week. We are also the only ones in the studio during our session, making it genuinely private. If you have a stiff shoulder in the middle of a session, they have the depth and breadth of understanding to identify the muscle in question and immediately shift you to an optimum exercise. Hubs and I were both in physical therapy for different reasons, and Raisa and Rachel had no trouble adapting and changing movements as needed. I had no idea how much core strength I had gained until I started crossfit a year after starting PIlates and was able to execute (and excel) at every core exercise with my CF trainer.

I've been coming here for three months and it's been great. I've never been to a yoga studio where…read morethe teacher consistently corrects your form to make sure you're engaging the right muscles and preventing injuries (he also has lift classes as well, which are amazing) I'm recovering from ACL reconstruction, and coming here regularly has really helped with rebuilding my stability. I also see other people with injuries or mobility issues, and Brian is great about offering modifications so you can get the most out of the practice while minimizing risk.

Would not recommend for a variety of reasons. Here's a few:…read more 1. Instructor touches you to correct your form, often inappropriately without even asking first for consent. This will never be appropriate and felt like a gross misuse of his power as an instructor . In a small class, I didn't even feel like I could say something without making a scene so it continued to occur. I've taken many yoga classes & appreciate form tips & even repositioning but touching my ass & other parts of my body on the first go is so so icky. His patronizing tone throughout the class was also very discouraging and the opposite of what you want from a fitness class. 2. Carpet. In a hot yoga studio, where you are not allowed to use mats? This is grossly unsanitary. If you're good with being violated and getting athletes foot then this is the place for you!

Kinh is an amazing Pilates instructor who is a mindful practitioner of the body and has a…read morefundamental understanding of anatomy and physiology. Moreover, with her kind personality, warm spirit & sharp wit she is a delight to be around! I am immensely grateful to have found such a talent right here in our little city of Sonoma! Over a decade ago, I became attracted to Pilates upon learning of the 'Pilates Promise' as referenced by Joseph Pilates. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to have had several talented Pilates instructors but none have been as well rounded as Kinh! In our sessions, Kinh has a laser focus and observes and adjusts the multitude of micro-articulations required in a single exercise. We quickly transition from one exercise sequence to the next switching from the various apparatus of Cadillac, Reformer and Chair etc. In addition to Pilates, Kinh has helped me to grow in my yoga practice too, which has been an incredible added bonus! Our private Pilates sessions are tailored to the evolving needs of my body on a given day. Our workouts are rigorous and build strength yet also promote healing and defend against my low back issues. When I leave a session I feel light, refreshed & balanced. For me, I'm living my best life when I have Pilates in it and sharing time with such a wonderful person as Kinh makes my sessions twice as great!

I was looking to find a new workout to incorporate with my running. I had always heard of people…read moredoing Pilates, however had never tried it out for myself. I looked into the mat and Pilates machine classes (reformer, chair, etc.), but felt that a private lesson would be a good first step to ensure that I have the correct form, movements, etc. I was never athletic growing up - I was a dancer for a few years, but then gave that up. Finding the right sport / exercise other than running has always been a challenge for me. Well my first private lesson was so worthwhile that it has led to weekly privates with Kinh. In my first meeting with Kinh, I knew we would get along and be on the same page. When I work out I like to understand what my muscles are doing, and what I should be feeling - Kinh explains the Pilates methodology as well as each movement. Pilates is a full body workout and I love how I feel after each lesson. I work muscles that I didn't even know about as well as areas of my body that I want to improve (ex: inner legs). I have been working with Kinh for a few months now and have noticed a difference in my overall strength as well as my body in the mirror. I can be hard on myself in terms of my body not understanding a movement or being able to accomplish the first time around. However, Kinh brings me to reality regarding the moves being really challenging and that I will be able to conquer it. Let me tell you it is the greatest feeling to finally be able to do something that 1) never thought I could and 2) wasn't able to do a few lessons prior. I absolutely recommend privates with Kinh - she is honestly awesome!

I saw XCORE on Instagram and really wanted to try it! It's within walking distance of me and looked…read morefun--I've been on a pilates class kick. I've tried XCore, Core40, and Bodyrok. XCore was the worst of the 3. The door is closed as there is no area you can sit in while waiting for the class to start--the studio is 1 room. It's long and thin--there's only 1 row of machines. I don't like that because to me, it seems less communal. Harder to talk to people on the other side of the room. It's very dark inside (yes they turn off the lights, but the walls are black so it's extremely dark.) I took xBurn with Sydney. The class was full. She didn't touch me telling me how to fix my form. I didn't know that was normal until I tried classes at other studios. I wasn't that sore afterwards, which to me is a sign of a bad workout. Additionally, they publicized a Galentines' day class. We could Venmo the owner $30 and then later she walked it back, saying that they accepted too many people and it would be more of a social event with some giveaways, snacks, and matcha--no class. I was the first person to ask for a refund because that was not what I signed up for. Later, many other women followed. Seemed like a deceptive and deceitful cash grab trying to make more money. I'm opting for classes at different nearby studios instead!

I just started week two of Xcore and have been enjoying it! Each instructor varies in the…read moreintensity. Great location, right across Bi-rite! I've been to this location and Fidi and prefer Fidi since it's newer and cleaner. I like how the walls are white there instead of the black here. It creates a different ambiance. Also the layout of this space is very singular and has less changing rooms. I've enjoyed the classes at that location more so far they seem more challenging?

As someone who has always focused on cardio and high-intensity HIIT workouts, I wanted to try…read morePilates to reduce the risk of injury and minimize wear and tear on my body. I had never done Pilates before, and it seemed a bit intimidating--until I met Jill and discovered FitSprings. From my very first class, I was amazed at how dynamic yet low-impact the workout was. The movements challenged me in a new way, and I quickly started noticing improvements in my balance and flexibility (still a work in progress!). Jill is incredibly attentive and guides you through each step, ensuring you get the most out of every session. The small, intimate class sizes make a huge difference, allowing for personalized feedback and a supportive environment. If you're looking for an effective, low-impact workout with expert instruction, I highly recommend FitSprings!

This is so fun!! Jill is amazing! She gives great directions and corrections. I was dripping with…read moresweat at the end! My whole body feels energized!! Will definitely come back!

I have been seeing taking Pilates instructionsnfrom Angela Gifford for eight years. I had been…read moreskeptical of or unimpressed with Pilates previously, but when I learned that Angela got the full training in New York I decided to give it a try. I've been intending to write this review ever since as with each year I am more impressed with Angela's knowledge and care.

An update... It is important to know that Angela and Lucero…read morestudied under the true Masters under Joseph Pilates. Don't be fooled by any old place with "Pilates" in its name. Make sure that the teachers are properly trained and understand what to do and WHY. Angela and Lucero of Pilates Works do. And THAT is what makes the place so special. Another plus: the studio is intimate and quiet.

This is traditional Pilates on a traditional reformer, so it's slower and easier than megaformer…read moreclasses like Core40, Bodyrok, X'Core, or Solidcore. The classes ranked from easiest to hardest: -Re:former (standard Pilates) -Booty and Core -Jump and Core -Power Pilates (Advanced): As a Pilates vet, I liked this one best. The quiet vibe is like a yoga studio's. The space is serene with high ceilings. In the front, there are shoe cubbies but no lockers, so don't bring much as there isn't space to store it. Clothing and cute grip socks ($17.450) are available for sale. In the main room, you'll find hand towels by the curtain. In the back, there are chilled eucalyptus towels i. the mini fridge, which are a nice touch. There is also free Nespresso and water. Across from those is one unisex bathroom stall, which has complimentary hair ties, mints, and feminine products in case of emergency.

Beautifully designed! Love everything from the drapery details to the spacing of the reformers ~…read morefor enough stretching space for legs in straps. Well done! My new go-to studio.

I traveled all the way from Michigan to meet and take classes from Elizabeth Larkham, who is the…read moredirector of the Pilates studio at the Bay Club and trained my current pilates mentor and professor. I give 5 stars not just for Elizabeth's amazing instruction and excellence/expertise with her years of experience in the field but for the wonderful facility the Bay Club provides for the Mind and Body Studio. The membership services were amazing and gave me a guest pass for a week so I can meet and train with Elizabeth and I took mat classes and observed her reformer classes (which are done on Balanced Body Allegro reformers) which were all in a clean, comfortable, and professional atmosphere. In the mat classes all equipment was provided: mat, padded mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, OPTP rollers, rings, blankets, and more. All the best equipment in the industry today. Facilities were quite impressive as well and didn't look like a normal gym. No giant windows for all to see in, equipment and machines were all in a nice open layout, and separate studios for group fitness, pool use, and also for stretching and training. I was also impressed they had TRX Suspension Trainers, which I hoped on to cross train a bit after my pilates sessions. Locker rooms and cafe is also nice and clean as well.

I have already reviewed the Bay Club, but the Pilates Studio deserves its own review. After trying…read moreevery physical therapy place in the city, the Pilates program here brought me back to life. Elizabeth Larkham, the Pilates director, is extremely talented, well informed, experienced, warm, caring, and a true advocate for her field. Her attention to detail is amazing. She has over thirty years of experience in rehab and is an authority worldwide in the Pilates community. The Pilates Studio is top notch with several Allegro machines, as well the original Joseph Pilates equipment, reformer, trapeze table, chair. This is also a gyrotonics studio with two gyrotonics machines. The program here offers classes as well as private instruction. I have worked with a few of the instructors here and they are great. Everyone is very professional and well versed on the Pilates repertoire and philosophy. There is a strong focus on correct technique and breathing, and core training. If you are looking to begin a Pilates program, I strongly recommend the Pilates Studio. You will be treated to the best of the best, incredibly professional instructors in a world class studio.