I can't say enough great things about this Pilates studio! I have tried many studios in San Francisco and this is definitively the best! I've been coming to Pilates Story for years now and it's honestly one of the best decisions I've made for my fitness. Hye-Yeon, the owner, has done an incredible job creating a welcoming space in West Portal. As a guy, I wasn't sure what to expect from Pilates at first, but she and her team made me feel completely comfortable from day one. The instructors are knowledgeable, encouraging, and know how to challenge you while still respecting your limits. What I really appreciate is how Hye-Yeon is building a sense of community here. It's not just about getting a great workout (which you definitely will), but also about connecting with people and feeling like you're part of something bigger. The studio is clean, modern, and has all the equipment you need for a solid session. Whether you're new to Pilates or have some experience, this is the place to be. If you're a guy thinking about trying Pilates, I highly recommend giving this studio a shot. It's an awesome way to build strength, improve flexibility, and stay balanced--plus, you'll feel right at home with the friendly atmosphere Hye-Yeon has created in the neighborhood! read more

Pilates Story - Pilates Story studio in West Portal. - Pilates Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pilates Story has transformed my understanding of fitness in ways I never expected. From the moment I stepped into their West Portal studio, I felt welcomed and at ease--no small feat for someone new to Pilates, let alone a guy! The owner, Hye-Yeon, has cultivated a warm and supportive environment that keeps her clients feeling engaged and cared for.. Hye-Yeon brings a level of knowledge and skill that will challenge you in the best way possible, all while respecting each person's unique limits. I also appreciate that the studio never skimps on cleanliness or equipment quality--everything is always in pristine condition. Beyond just offering a stellar workout, the sense of community at Pilates Story really stands out. It's more than a place to exercise; it's a space to connect with others and be inspired by the positive energy all around. If you're on the fence about trying Pilates, especially if you're a guy who's unsure of what to expect, don't hesitate--this studio is an ideal spot to gain strength, flexibility, and confidence. Stepping into Pilates Story was one of the smartest choices I've made for my health, and I couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

Hye-Yeon is a true expert of Pilates. Her curiosity and flexibility as a teacher makes her classes so special. I'm grateful everyday I decided to take that first private with her! read more

This review is for Micayla's private sessions. She has changed my life drastically. I came in at 18 months postpartum with intense lower back pain and bad posture from breastfeeding / pregnancy. She has notice things instantly that would need to be worked on if we continue to have our sessions. She made everything very clear and easily to follow. My body hasn't felt alive in the ways it was during and after our sessions. I have always exercised through cardio and yoga before and after pregnancy, so I didn't expect my core to feel like it's at ground 0. Long story short, I've probably gone through 10 private sessions so far and I feel so much more normal as a person. My overall posture has improved, carrying my little one has been a little easier. The studio is also nice and clean. I've spoken to the owner once and she's very friendly. read more

I've been going to Pilates Story for over 5 years. I've done private lessons with Hye-Yeon as well as trios. Hye-Yeon and her instructions tailor each class to specific needs and it's truly a wonderful place. I initially started going because of low back pain and I've gotten so strong that my pain has gone away! If you've ever wanted to try Pilates, this is the place to go. It's an amazing part of the West Portal community and I highly recommend it! read more

I went here after a stroke to strengthen my legs and back. The owner Hye-Yeon, took care of me. She is awesome and really cares for you. I'd leave walking totally different. She'll plan a personal workout for you. This was my first experience with Pilates and it was very positive. There's all kinds equipment to help you correctly strengthen your body. I highly recommend Pilates Story. read more

I have been going to Pilates Story for almost 3 years now. I started in January 2020 with a good teacher who left while it was closed during pandemic. A month into pandemic, I started doing online classes with Hye Yun, who is fantastic. (All the teachers there are fantastic.) We continued with remote classes, twice a week, for over a year. Eventually, I was able to go in person again. I now go twice a week, for 2 hours total. It has been a life changing experience! My core is now SO much stronger. I remember one day, after I'd been going for some months, I was lying on my sofa, thinking that my underwear was too tight. Then I realized I wasn't wearing any and that I was feeling MUSCLES in my abs. That was a first in my entire life and I'm 63! What is *best* about the teachers there, is that they really know how to work with your individual needs. At 63, I have all sorts of issues to work around (knees, shoulders, back, etc) and Hye Yun always takes a survey of how I'm doing and, on the spot, customizes my workout to maximize strength work, and minimize any difficulties. HIGHLY recommend!! read more

I've been doing private pilates sessions with Hye-Yeon for many months now and she is amazing. So happy she now has opened her own studio!! I have suffered a few heath issues and she is very good at modifying the workout to your needs. If you are experienced or just wanting to try pilates she's the instructor you want to see! I've experienced some very positive and amazing results from adding pilates into my schedule. I've notice my posture, alignment, stiffness and strength have all greatly improved. I had never tried pilates before meeting Hye-Yeon and now I love it and do it twice a week! Hye-Yeon, like me, has needed to strengthen specific areas of her body due to injury. So, if you think this applies to you I would highly recommend you make an appointment with her! The studio is very clean and has a positive healing atmosphere. It is simple, sophisticated and inviting. Call with any questions regarding types of classes and prices. You won't regret it!! read more

The best classical pilates studio in San Francisco! I've been taking group and private sessions with Hye-Yeon and Aura for a few months so far and I can definitely feel that my body is changing and getting much stronger. I'm very happy that I found this studio in SF and the instructors like Hye-Yeon and Aura. They both are very knowledgeable on what they're teaching and they really make sure my body is in a correct posture and put effort on growing my weakness which comes to very personal and caring. Also, this lovely studio is facilitated with the best pilates equipments which helps a lot while working out! I feel really lucky to find this place and practice pilates with the amazing and fun instructors! read more

Wow, what a great find and right in my neighborhood. If you want a clean, good natural light Pilates studio with great new equipment, this is the place. Ample space-2 floors, I can now reach out to the sides without accidentally touching my classmate. Hye-Yeon and Helene are super nice and great instructors. Meter parking can be a bit tricky but 2 hour free residential parking can easily be found 2 blocks away. And after class, good lunch or coffee all around. Love it. read more

I have been taking classes and private/duets with Hye-Yeon for nearly three years and am completely grateful for the positive impact that Pilates and has had on my overall health, happiness and fitness level. I'm thrilled to be able to continue my Pilates practice at Pilates Story and be part of the community its founders have nurtured. Hye-Yeon is a stellar teacher who offers a lot of insight, feedback and support on not only becoming better at Pilates but at incorporating healthier habits and body awareness into one's daily life. I find her classes to be challenging yet extremely rewarding, and private/duet sessions with her have afforded me the opportunity to better my practice. Pilates Story is a beautiful studio in the heart of West Portal with great natural light. The studio is easily accessible by public transportation and has an abundance of street parking. A few years ago I wouldn't have imagined that Pilates would be something I would be able to do, let alone enjoy so much. read more

See all

I have a great pilates instructor here in Portland, Oregon. She's SO good that after one shared session, she inspired my daughter to seek a pilates instructor down in San Francisco. How LUCKY are we - as mother and daughter - that she found Hye-Yeon!!! Whenever I visit my daughter in San Francisco, we try to schedule a duet. Hye-Yeon's style of teaching is gentle, supportive, challenging, connective, respectful, insightful. I ALWAYS come away feeling I've learned something new to add to my knowledge of the way my body does and CAN move. [I am a retired educator and have pretty high standards and expectations.] Despite (because of?) the difference in personalities of my Portland teacher and Hye-Yeon, my pilates practice (and consciousness - after all, it is a mind-body discipline) develops and expands more than I would have imagined for my 70 yr old self. How great is it that I've found someone to work with when I am on a visit? How incredibly wonderful is it to know that my daughter is "in great hands" working with such a caring, competent and inspiring human being? I can't WAIT until I'm back in the Bay to be in Hye-Yeon's new studio! Hope there's time and space for me. read more

I have been taking Pilates Mat and Equipment classes here for little over a year and I am so happy with how my body is changing, and getting stronger. Thankfully during quarantine we have been able to keep our weekly mat classes at home via Zoom training with Hye-Yeon and Aura. It's been wonderful to still be able to get the training and direction at home. I look forward to the hour trainings weekly as way to de stress and stay active. This is definitely the best Pilates studio and team I've been lucky enough to learn from in San Francisco!!! read more

I've known Hye-Yeon for a couple of years and am so happy she's opened her own studio. She is a joyful and inspired teacher, and her interest in helping you get stronger and more functional is infectious. Ok, and your abs hurt the next day, but in a good way. The studio is clean, bright and and has brand-new equipment. Classes are at different times of the day, and you will be challenged and supported, regardless of your level of fitness. Prices are competitive and there are packages available to nudge the price down. You can get coffee after and visit the bookstore and the great Goodwill. read more

Why don't you guys have Pilates classes after 6 pm on weekdays for working people? I'm a professional and work weekdays and there's no classes that seem to fit. All your classes seem like it's for stay at home people. read more

I love love love Pilates story!! I've been coming here for the past few weeks. I am new to Pilates and never would have thought I'd join a Pilates studio, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come here. Hye-yeon and Heléne are two of the the sweetest and most kind people I have ever met. They made me feel like I was already part of the family from the first time I walked in. The private sessions and classes are challenging, but the instructors make it fun and they guide you each step of the way. I can definitely say this place has changed my life - mind, body and spirit! Thank you, Pilates Story!! read more

Great place! I work right next door and they are absolutely awesome and convenience to me. I signed up for the private and equipment classes when they first opened. I've taken the class with Hye-Yeon, Helene, and Janette(not sure if that's the right spelling), and I love them all. I haven't done any pilates before, so I started with the very basic. Since the place was brand new, there were not too many people when I first started. They were able to accommodate my work schedule and make it impossible to not go to the classes. I've been with them for 5 months now. And I am so surprised that how much I can push my body to do the exercise. There is no doubt I will stay with them for a really long time. read more

I feel so lucky to have found this place. With a history of low back injury I was worried about group exercise but now I feel stronger every session. I now primarily do individual sessions with Helene who is fantastic and has a keen knowledge of what is happening with each part of my body as we do the exercises. She can quickly point out when one leg or even toe is out of alignment and helps me do exercises to readjust my spine and strengthen what is out of balance. In the beginner mat class you have a lot of attention and support, yet it is still challenging and pushes you to the next level each class. Jenice is also wonderful, patient and very knowledgeable. I feel amazing after each session and I look forward to my time here. It is extremely comforting when you are in pain and out of shape to come to such a warm and friendly place with such skilled and genuinely kind instructors. Their positive attitude is uplifting and I can't wait to go to my next session! read more

"I love the special Zoom mat classes because they help me stay in shape, stretch and relax and connect with my pilates teachers and classmates. It's also a great way to support the teachers and studio so you will be there for us when things return to normal. Zoom is such an easy platform to use. Thank you for making the classes available." read more

Two words: BETH CLARKE. I purchased a 10-pack class with Beth and worked with her throughout Spring 2018. And she has completely transformed my body. I came to her suffering from a bulging disc in my lower back. I had religiously gone to physical therapy for six months with little progress. After just a few sessions with Beth, I was able to sit, stand, and walk better than before. And eventually long airplane flights passed with ease. She took time to tailor exercises for me and give me some at-home practice exercises. We worked on the floor, mats, and reformer. So every session was different and I learned something new. This was very important to me, because I felt like I did the same thing every day in physical therapy. Also, Beth's personality is infectious! She's really nice, thoughtful, and gives her clients undivided attention. She worked around my busy travel schedule, and was very responsive to reschedules & session confirmations. I can't recommend her enough for anyone looking for private Pilates sessions. She's incredible at her job. read more

I had done pilates for almost four years in the Mission and only quit because my trainer moved. Now after almost four years without pilates, I've found a new "home" right in the neighborhood and my body and I couldn't be happier! It's the perfect non-exercise exercise which makes you feel better and does wonders for your whole body. And Pilates Story provides the perfect environment: small enough to feel neighborhoody, but super well-stocked with quality equipment. Then there is the team of teachers who are great at figuring out what your body needs and then taking you through the appropriate exercises. So happy Pilates Story has joined the West Portal neighborhood of small businesses and I wish them continuing success! read more

Hye-Yeon is an incredible pilates teacher! I started going to her before I was pregnant. I've been working with her every week through my pregnancy. She's done a great job keeping me toned and limber as safely as possible. I am excited to have help in getting back into shape post baby! read more

The studio is quite new and I decided to give it a try. The studio is brand new, clean and cosy and the two owners are really nice. The equipment is brand new and top of range gear for classic Pilates (reformer, chair, tower and even a Cadillac). Oh, and the neighborhood is really nice (West Portal) with lots of shops, bars and restaurant. That is now my new Pilates studio. read more

I have been going to Pilates with Hye-Yeon for over a year. She is a fantastic teacher and so interested in helping each person reach their goals. Her ability to coach and motivate encourages you to do more than you thought possible. Her knowledge and understand of the traditional pilates style is outstanding. But best of all your body feels great and you are ready to meet the world at the end of a class. read more

Brand new studio very welcoming for a brand new student! Studio is clean and bright in a great neighborhood. The Pilates equipment is new. I loved the room upstairs with natural light for the group classes. Helene taught me my first class ever of Pilates with great advice and kindness. Very positive experience so I have decided to start my Pilates routine at Pilate Story! read more

Wether its your first or hundredth time to pilates, Pilates Story is a wonderful place to be. The studio itself is clean and very welcoming. Hye-Yeon, one of the Co-owners of the pilates studio, is absolutely fantastic! She brings her knowledge of the body to help you heal, strengthen, and learn to work with the body you have and make it better. read more

The studio is gorgeous, clean and filled with brand new equipment. The ambiance is peaceful, and my experience with the instructors/owners (Helene and Hye-Yeon) has been nothing short of kind/pleasant. I am on my second month of private lessons with Helene and she has been very patient & encouraging. I am recovering from foot surgery and the lessons have increased my range of motion. Which each lesson, I'm becoming more aware of muscles that I didn't know I had! read more