I had a triple fusion lumbar spine surgery and lost a lot of muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Working with Michelle at Pilates For Life has been a game changer. She really knows her stuff and is super detailed about making sure every move is done correctly-- not just to avoid injury, but to get the most out of every session. She's also incredibly positive and encouraging, which makes you want to push yourself and keep going. The studio in Beverly Hills is beautiful and large well stocked with authentic Pilates equipment l. Michelle is not only an amazing instructor but also just a genuinely kind and lovely person. I actually look forward to every session and always leave feeling better, stronger, taller and excited to come back. read more

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing Michelle is! It was my first time taking Pilates (ever!) and she was soooo knowledgeable. I need to know the why's of what I'm doing so it was perfect! I had a hip replacement back in March and it has truly helped me stay flexible and regain muscles in the areas that were needed. Thank you again Michelle and can't wait to continue working with you! read more

I've taken group pilates classes elsewhere off and on for several years. In the spring, I signed up for 5 private classes (and then 10 more) with Michelle and I saw my fastest and best results ever. It's amazing how she knows what tiny tweak will give me maximum benefit. Michelle is a master instructor who is knowledgeable about pilates and flexible with scheduling sessions. My group classes have become better because of the private ones I take with Michelle. read more

I have been doing Pilates with Michelle now for about four months straight. I just love this workout and the careful targeted exercises chosen by Michelle. She has a real gift for sensing your needs in the moment. I have a lot more energy and ease at work (lifting items) and am back in my garden working. Plus my clothes are looser! Big win. read more

Michelle is a fantastic pilates instructor. She takes care if you have an injury (I hurt my psoaz muscle years ago). I feel so much stronger and longer after working with her. I would highly recommend her individual packages. read more

I wrote a review of my experience in taking Pilates from Michelle when I had only worked with her for a few months. It is about a year since I started and I can see an immense difference in my body strength, balance and core! With her new studio in Beverly Hills (as well as her continued use of her Sherman Oaks studio) I know she will be able to offer her expertise to many more students. She is meticulous in her observation and correction of incorrect performance of movements, and equally enthusiastic as she showers her pupils with encouragement and delight at their improvement. Because I am 80 years old, she is careful in choosing positions that will not overwork my body, while still having me move forward in my Pilates studies. She's the best! read more

I loved my intro sessions with Michelle. She is super stringent with Covid guidelines and made me feel very confident that I can practice pilates in an environment where I felt safe. Michelle really knows her stuff, she was trained by the founder of Pilates in NYC and teaches you a form of pilates that you could never find in a basic group class - ex Club Pilates or all the other studios in the Valley. You are the only student so you are given ample attention where she stresses the usage of certain muscle groups you have never used before. For example, she stresses lowering your navel to your spine, which activated my core and made all the difference in making my workout so much more functional. I felt that my form was tip-top because she watches you and adjusts you all the time. Her demeanor is very calming and she is super flexible working with your schedule. I can't wait to go back to her after my vacation. I feel that she really has your best interests at heart, and if you have any pains or ailments, she has just the stretch/exercise that you can do on the machine. I have very tight hips and a sore lower back so she had me do an exercise that helped w/ the pain and tightness. You should definitely visit her now that she is back in LA! read more

Michelle is a wonderful teacher! So informative and very helpful. Highly recommended. Will continue to go to her. Private sessions are great! read more

I sought out Pilates private lessons after I had a baby, my core muscles and back were traumatized from carrying a heavy load for 9 months. I couldn't even do a sit up and my OB said I needed Pilates. Very intimated by group reformer classes I tried a couple different private teachers. Michelle was amazing form the start. I worked with her several times a week for two months and saw/felt great results. I went from not being able to do a sit up to doing teaser balances on top of the box. Michelle is able to meet you were you are to start and build strength over time. She has an eagle eye for form which is so important in Pilates. I'm sad I can't continue with Michelle long term when I go back to work but I'm so glad I found her on Yelp when I needed it and she helped me rebuild strength and confidence and connection when my body. read more

Michelle is a miracle worker!!! I have suffered from chronic low back pain for over a decade and have seen several doctors, PT's, chiropractors, and personal trainers and NO ONE has been able to figure out the cause of my pain, let alone teach me how to prevent the pain from starting in the first place. Within the first two minutes of our introduction session, Michelle was able to pinpoint the root cause of my pain and we got to working on addressing it. Within a few sessions, my pain was gone. It's been several months, and the pain is STILL gone. Michelle has changed my life, not to mention my body... I'm losing inches, my stomach has flatten, my muscles are toning and most importantly...I can move my body without fear of injury. Michelle's attention to detail and eagle eye on form has made the world of difference. She knows her stuff and I feel so lucky I get to work with her. Not to mention, she's hilarious and super fun to be around. Book your session(s) with Michelle, you won't regret it. read more

Michelle does a wonderful job. She motivates me every time I work out with her. I had never done Pilates on the reformer before. Over the phone Michelle explained the method and benefits thoroughly and asked some questions too. She then had me fill out forms to bring to the first lesson, went over my questions and asked if had any injuries and what my goal was. I have been taking classes for 6 weeks with her now and don't want to miss them. My body feels more firm overall, my back feels supported, my legs are getting stronger. Absolutely recommend it, because she adjusts the exercises to your needs and goals. read more

Excellent instructor in a beautiful home setting. She emphasizes posture & correct poses. I've never felt better...Highly recommend!!

Michelle is MAGICAL! She's a wonderful teacher and I can't even begin to express how much my body has changed for the better. I'm so much stronger and see so many positive changes it's incredible. She's so knowledgeable and is very detailed in correcting your form for maximum results. I can't recommend her highly enough!!!! read more

I highly recommend Michelle as a Pilates instructor! She's extremely knowledgeable, personable and cares for her clients well being. Her workouts are well rounded and her instructions are clear. There's no concern for injury because she's very proactive with correcting form and checking in with you. You will see results if you stick with her! read more

Michelle is the best! Not only is she a great Pilates instructor, but she's always full of optimism and interesting stories! I've been practicing Pilates with her for a few months now and I love how challenging and therapeutic her sessions are. She's very good at making sure I maintain the correct form and always engage my core. If you're looking for a classical Pilates session that kicks butt and is really fun, go with Michelle! read more

I would leave Michelle a ten if I could. I have MS and it takes someone who is really attune to how you're feeling to effectively do the exercises. She is queen of precision, and really cares to address a clients needs. This results in the optimum workout without unnessary pain read more

Michelle is an amazing instructor! She focuses a lot on form and through her teaching of classical Pilates, I have seen a transformation on my body. Every session is challenging, and it has helped me increase my internal strength while still getting the physical results I've wanted. If you want something authentic and effective, I highly recommend Michelle :) read more

I came to Michelle with basically ZERO experience working out - no yoga, no dancing, no boot camps, and many gym memberships ignored. I was also on the tail-end of my intern year as a resident, so my posture had been through the worst of long shifts and studying in uncomfortable positions. I wanted to focus on core strength, but a group class was not appropriate for a Pilates beginner. I have been injured in classes before, including F45 when I hurt my neck doing poorly supervised workout routines. I put off group classes after that indefinitely. Michelle's immense experience and dedication to Pilates was evident from the first session. I 1000% feel confident with Michelle stretching and working out, as she is constantly helping me correct my positioning and adjusting the resistance or features on her machines, so I get the maximum benefit of our sessions safely. I appreciate her many tips to optimize my workdays, including getting the right shoes at a great shop nearby, doing beginner level yoga stretches on days I don't do Pilates, and recommending a great chiropractor close to my work who is open late to help with my back problems. She is also very mindful about my work schedule and has accommodated me last minute on weekends or with late sessions. I am seeing my body become stronger and look forward to more Pilates. Thanks, Michelle, for being awesome. read more

Michelle is a Pilates genius. I admit I was hesitant to take private classes because of the cost, but Michelle is a steal when you consider what you get. She has years of experience - she trained at the legendary Drago's in NYC. I feel very spoiled to have someone of her skill level teaching here. This is not like using a video or taking a mat class at the gym. This is the real deal. My body has completely transformed and for the first time in my life I understand what it means to have "core strength" - plus I think I've gotten taller! Thank God for Michelle! read more

I started working with Michelle about 3 months ago in New Orleans. In that time I have lost 22 lbs total & dropped 4 pant sizes and I feel awesome. Her attention to detail & pushing you just a little farther has helped me want to challenge myself more. With these kinds of results I Strongly recommend Michelle to all my friends & those here on Yelp. read more

Michelle is an incredible instructor and an amazing person. Her vast knowledge of the pilates system, her exceptional communication skills, her ability to properly encourage but always done with respect for her clients fitness level, a wonderfully engaging personality of kindness and confidence, high energy and an always positive attitude that is highly inspiring. Training with her I quickly experienced changes in my body (and mind) that I would never have imagined possible. If you want to train with the best seek no further, Michelle is it! read more

I started Pilates about two months ago after having lower back surgery in November 2010. I had just finished my physical therapy and was recommended Pilates to continue gaining core strength and movement in my body. Michelle has been extremely versatile in her choices of exercises to ensure that I obtain maximum benefits from each work out. She is very knowledgeable and listens to her clients. I have regained a lot of core strength and feel very toned and strong. I am able to achieve movements, I never thought possible. Thank you Michelle! read more

I've been working with Michelle for about four months. I was interested in increasing my strength and flexibility, as well as toning. In the short period of time, I have seen a huge benefit from her instruction on both flexibility and strength and the bonus of toning and core strength. Michelle is very knowledgeable and adjusts my workout to achieve my goals. Her private instruction was important to me to ensure I was receiving the most attention on the equipment, rather than in a group class. I look forward to working with her and receiving instruction from her for a long time to come. read more

I've been working with Michelle for several months. I had a hip replacement 6 months ago and PT suggested that Pilates would be a great next step. Found Michelle via web searching. So glad I did. She worked with where I was, identified my weaknesses, and got to work strengthening! My core and hips are stronger, my posture has improved and I feel great. She's been great to work with! read more

This was my first pilate session. I didn't know what to expect. I must say it was a great experience. Very attentive to my body mechanic. Able to guide me in the proper form. Recommended for anyone who is looking for challenge. read more

Michelle is great! After years of neck pain I tried pilates on a recommendation. I started feeling better almost immediately. It seemed too good to be true. Appreciate that Michelle is always conscious of my neck and makes sure I don't overdo it because she knows that will result in a step back. Another pleasant surprise is my bikram practice (of 10 years) has improved. Practicing pilate in conjunction has made me more flexible and helped me get through a few places where I had gotten stuck. Having the cool space with just the two of us is a nice luxury as well. read more

I have worked with Michelle now for several months and I could not be happier with my progress. My legs are toned, my waist is slimmer and my posture is much improved. Michelle is very knowledgeable and works with me to give me the best workout for me. She is also fun and friendly and very easy to be around. I feel fabulous after each workout, strong and flexible at the same time. read more

Michelle is a great motivator and makes working out so easy. Our sessions go by in a snap because she's fun to chat with, but I never leave without that satisfying "good workout" feeling. Definitely recommend! read more

I have been working with Michelle for 3 months. I am amazed and very pleased with the changes in my body. I am more toned and in better shape at age 50 than at any other time in my life. For the first time I even have a flat stomach! I have also lost weight as the results I have achieved have made me more body conscious and more aware that you can significantly change your body at any age. The rapid results, the calm atmosphere and the high level of knowledge that Michelle possess in pilates and holistic health have made it easy to stay committed. To become stronger and leaner without aches, pains and injury has been a real gift. read more

I have been doing Pilates with Michelle for about a year now. She is a wonderful instructor who demonstrates each of the exercises while thoroughly explaining everything as we progress through the workout. The workout space is very relaxing, and the equipment is first-rate. I would recommend Michelle to anyone interested in Pilates -from beginners to more experienced people! read more

I love Pilates with Michelle. I started about a month ago because I wanted to find a form of exercise that I personally enjoyed, so I gave Pilates a shot. From the beginning, Michelle was great. She asked what my goals were and it's clear she has the ability and desire to really understand your goals and is able to address anything that might be. She is also so friendly and personable, which only contributes more to the positive experience. After my first session, I came back for a second and by that time I was already hooked. The hour really just flies by in no time, and I always feel great at the end of each session and genuinely looking forward to my next one. I now go to Michelle for Pilates regularly, twice a week, and consider it in a sense to be a form of "me-time" to de-stress from the week and do something that feels good for both my mind and body, and it is truly an enjoyable part of my routine at this point. I would definitely recommend Pilates with Michelle to anyone who might be interested in giving Pilates a try. read more

I met Michelle in the most serendipitous of ways. Via Craigslist. No, not what you're thinking! She had a suitcase for sale and I bought it for my daughter who was moving to Switzerland. Michelle was bubbly and interesting. She gave me her card and told me to contact her in the event I wanted to take a class. At the time, I was locked into a contract with a nearby personal training studio. Right before the contract expired, I went to Michelle to give it a whirl. Well, I fell in love with her enthusiasm, found out that we have much in common, and absolutely adored her style and technique. Michelle teaches classic pilates and always ensures your form is perfect. Private pilates with Michelle is fun and fulfilling. I feel like I get a great workout, and we the hour passes by so quickly because I truly enjoy being with her. I've also take several mat classes, both private and with a group. Man, what a burn! I can't say enough -- besides try it yourself and find out! read more