I have been doing mat Pilates for over 10 years and recently moved from the Bay Area to Sebastopol…read morearea. I did a lot of research online and visited several Pilates studios in the Sebastopol. I was very happy with my previous studio and instructor and was looking for something similar. I wanted small classes, knowledgeable & friendly instructors, personal attention, suitable class schedule, clean, comfortable & well-equipped studio, easy parking, and affordable fees. Well, I found the perfect fit for me at Simply Pilates! Colleen is an amazing instructor. She is fun, energetic, and most importantly, knowledgeable in body physiology and the Pilates method. In every class, Colleen constantly gives verbal cues on posture and breathing. She varies what we do in each class so it is not repetitive and gets boring. We all know that Pilates is about strengthening the body core to improve posture, strength and flexibility. In my previous classes, I was just instructed to "suck" in my abs. With Colleen, the instruction is more detailed and she gets us to "identify, feel, work, & strengthen" so many different parts of our body that makes up our "core". I highly recommend Colleen and her Simply Pilates studio. She makes classes so fun and your body feel so good.

I have taken far too long in posting this review for the Best Little Pilates Place You Didn't Know…read moreWas There. Simply Pilates on South Main in Sebastopol is a gem. In a town with many excellent studios and teachers, Colleen has struck the perfect balance of size, offerings and is a teacher at the top of her game. An outstanding, compassionate, driven teacher, with the combination of training and knowledge, commitment to helping her students and being invested in their progress. Working with her at Simply Pilates is the best workout environment I've experienced. I've trained with Colleen for 4+ years. Our work finds improvement in every workout. Weekly work is so important to stay strong and healthy. Colleen has taught and shepherded me through two injuries (not from doing pilates ;\), two significant body dynamic issues and ongoing minor aches and pains. :D Run! Don't walk, to Simply Pilates!

I highly recommend Move 2 Change classes and have been following owner/instructor Julie Marques's…read moreinstruction for the last two years. I have taken both Barre and Reformer Pilates classes in her studio. I tend to become bored with exercise repetition, but Julie's classes offer a wide variety and challenge to keep me engaged. As a senior student I am benefitting from greater core strength, spinal re-alignment, stamina and flexibility. When I first began taking Pilates I experienced joint pain and limited range-of-motion in my body. But, by taking Julie's classes I am now enjoying greater muscle tone and improved joint flexibility. Julie addresses the individual needs of each student, through customized exercise to maintain a safe but challenging Pilates program. Her classes combine Reformer equipment, light weight use of balls, bands and mat, building from the beginning basics to more advanced concepts and exercise. Julie's studio prices are reasonable, and her professional upbeat approach is great!

I have been doing pilates with Julie and the teachers of Move to change for 2 years and can't…read morebelieve how much I love their classes. I have always been someone who is totally intimidated by gyms and working out. A friend brought me to this studio and I was instantly hooked. The women were really friendly and the work out was awesome-- both strength building and cardio. Everyone is there because they love it, not because they are trying to fit their bodies into some unattainable mainstream beauty standard. I have never been stronger or felt better in my body!

I've been a member for a little over two years now. I absolutely LOVE Inspired Fitness. I've had…read morememberships off and on to many different gyms over the years and this is honestly the BEST place I have ever been. I can't remember ever having this much fun getting in shape before. And so much of it is about the community here: teachers, members and truly ALL the staff. I have taken many of the classes , which are all included in the basic membership plan (except the reformer classes). Boot Camp, TRX and Work it Circuit are my top favorites for strength training and the yoga classes are among the best I've ever taken (vinyasa flow, slow flow and restorative). They have a variety of classes for different levels of fitness and goals. The mat Pilates classes are excellent too and if I need a rest from weights I will often take one of these classes. I also started personal training with Jenn Fuji about a year and a half ago. I was having issues with my shoulder that wasn't fully recovering from an injury. She helped me rehabilitate and rebuild my strength back in that shoulder and I am now free of pain and have nearly 100% of my mobility restored. She is incredibly knowledgeable and encourages me to push just beyond my comfort zone and I have gained so much strength, stamina and self confidence. And we have fun too!!! Another aspect that I really appreciate is that they are always adding new classes to spice things up- sometimes they're pop ups for a limited time and sometimes they stay in rotation. But I love that things never stay static and boring. There is truly something for everyone, so give it a try! If not now, when?

The "Cheers" of Gyms Where Everybody Knows Your Name!…read more I cannot recommend this gym enough! From the moment I walk through the door, it feels less like a fitness club and more like walking into my favorite place where everybody knows your name. The staff is absolutely incredible it feels like a real-life Norm from Cheers experience, lol, where you're welcomed warmly every single visit. The sense of community here is unmatched. It is a truly safe and welcoming environment for absolutely everyone, regardless of fitness level. The instructors are fantastic, knowledgeable, motivating; and they really take the time to ensure your form is correct while pushing you to your potential. I'm constantly impressed by the variety of classes offered. Whether I'm in the mood for high-intensity, strength, or something more restorative, they have it all. Plus, the clientele is wonderful so encouraging and friendly, which makes working out fun rather than a chore. If you are looking for a place that feels like home, has expert trainers, and keeps you motivated, this is it! Thank you Inspired Fitness keep up the great work

Such an incredibly special stay. The property is absolutely beautiful and peaceful with flowers and…read moregreenery EVERYWHERE. It felt so cozy and relaxing from the second we arrived. You wouldn't know you're still technically in town because it feels like you're tucked away!! Every tent was super spacey (we stayed in the Fab+) and there's a heated blanket which made the nights sooo comfortable. The bed was also super comfy! Each tent also has its own little private outside setup with chairs & table on the porch plus lounge chairs and a personal fireplace right outside. Like literally every single tent had its own private fireplace right outside. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating and even offered extra towels and blankets whenever needed which we really appreciated. The pool and hot tub area were also extremely clean and well kept the entire time. One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the bathroom situation. Since they're shared bathrooms I expected something more public or hostel style but each one is actually completely private with its own shower and bathroom which made the experience feel way more comfortable. And the location honestly could not be better. You're literally just a 3-4 blocks from downtown Guerneville so you can walk to all the restaurants, bars, thrift shops and little art galleries so easily. We will be back at Surrey Resort every time we're in Guerneville!!

I got to enjoy this wonderful resort over a few weekdays, it was really a perfect place to stay to…read moreget away from the city life and ground back into nature. The pool was so nice! And laying poolside really let me feel like I was at a resort! I had a great time and will definitely be back! I stayed in one of the Big tents in the front, there was plenty of room, and a fridge with plenty of space! The workers were attentive offering towels when we were poolside.

Ive had a family membership here for almost 10yrs. My wife has been way more consistent thanks to…read morethe childcare program that they have. It's available daily for up to two hours per child. Theres one downstairs for younger children and one upstairs for older kids. They also have parents night out events that let you drop your kids off for pizza and movies. They have lots of options to choose between for all types of fitness levels and interests. They have a great weight room area and equally great machine area, they have yoga rooms, stationary bike room, a rock climbing wall and much more. The recreational pool is heated, lap pool isn't and the kiddie pool isn't either but it's a great cold plunge in the winter. I usually hit that then the sauna before my workouts. They have a basketball court inside and pickle ball courts outside in the back which always has action on them. Theres so much more they offer but I still have not had the chance to try it all out. Their juice/ snack bar is amazing. The soups and wraps are fire!! I highly recommend this place, especially if you have kids. The staff is great and the place is clean. Can't think of anything negative about this place to be honest.

This gym is really big. It seems to offer everything you need, from weights and classes to a pool…read more It was really busy when I visited, but we were still able to get (basically) everything we needed. I was definitely able to complete my workout, I just had to compromise a bit on some of the weights because a lot were being used. I wouldn't say it's run down, but it doesn't feel like a new, fresh gym. It feels really bright inside and gives kind of a hospital cafeteria vibe in the locker rooms. I know that doesn't really make sense, but it's what I thought about when I was in there. , so I guess it makes sense to me. The staff was helpful and friendly, everything seemed to be in good, working order, and it was overall a fine gym. Definitely nicer than the 24 hour fitness in my hometown, but nowhere near as nice as, say... Equinox. It's a "get her done" type of gym, and, I don't know about you, but I am always excited to be DONE with a workout. I did think it was funny that they were selling GIANT cookies in the cafe in the club. Seems counterintuitive to being fit and healthy, but whatever. Don't get me wrong, I definitely LOVE a good, giant cookie, I just think they should have healthier options. And maybe they do, but I was blinded by the giant cookie and kept walking right. on. by.

I've been practicing Authentic Movement with Lysa on and off for about 6 years, first in Berkeley,…read moreand more recently in Sebastopol. I just returned from her Authentic Movement retreat this weekend. I've worked with her both in groups and individually. Lysa is the most talented person I've ever met at holding a compassionate, caring, deeply accepting container for whatever arises as a part of this practice. And this is saying a lot, as someone who has done many different kinds of healing and movement practice over the past 25 years, and also do my own teaching in contemplative and awareness practices - so I know of what I speak. She creates an inviting and inspiring container for our own inner and outer movement, welcoming vulnerability and authenticity, and holding the space with deep wisdom and compassion. She's keenly aware of the individual idiosyncracies and different physical abilities of the students she works with, and holds those with great acceptance. Practicing Authentic Movement with Lysa has been wonderful, nourishing, and transformative, and I look forward to continued work with her.

This Spring I took an Intro to Body Tales evening workshop in Sebastopol led by Lysa Castro, and a…read more3 day Body Tales Retreat at Salamander Camp near Santa Cruz, led by Olivia Corson and Lysa Castro. Both events were over-the-top wonderful, deeply nourishing, and beautifully, expertly and respectfully facilitated by the leaders. What a pleasure and honor to experience this work, in which witnessing peers is often as moving and transformative as being witnessed. The authenticity, vulnerability, intimacy, wisdom and stories that emerged from the kind and spacious ways we were encouraged to be present for each other, were often astonishing. The leadership is brilliant, delightful and inspired, helps elicit invaluable material from everyone, and I look forward to diving in again.

This gym was exactly what I needed. Having 3 small children, it's hard to sneak away to the gym,…read morebut that's where this spot really pulls through. This is a gym where you can get in and out with a great workout with no frills. The price is very reasonable, and Julian the manager made it super easy and clear when signing up. I've also used some other facilities since you get access to all locations and so far this is the nicest one.

Stopped by Anytime Fitness this afternoon to take a look around and ask a few questions. Michael,…read moreone of the staff members, walked me around and flooded me with information, except it didn't feel like being flooded at all. He was organized, concise, extremely engaging and easy to spend time with. If he's a sample of what the rest of the staff is like there, it would be a great place to work out!

I have been taking Dana's yoga classes for about five years now. Dana has an incredible knowledge…read moreof yoga and how beneficial it is for your body. She shows great concern for every persons' needs and problems, giving great advice and instruction. Because of Covid, Dana had to make the transition from her studio to online Zoom classes which she did flawlessly! I feel very lucky to have found Dana and my life has been enriched from taking her classes. If you are considering trying yoga or getting back into it, I would highly recommend her classes!

Dana is a very gifted teacher. I took a class with her several years ago and called her up to give…read moreme a refresher. In just over an hour we reviewed everything I learned in that class.She's considering offering a refresher to the many students that she's had over the years. I would definitely do it again.

The thing I missed most about moving away from Santa Rosa was my yoga teacher! When Joao started…read moreonline classes I was thrilled to be able to practice with him again. Silver linings of a pandemic? The BASA yoga method is so amazing for not just exercise and meditation, but learning how your body connects and moves with itself and with your breath. This is truly different from any other yoga class. AND Joao's ability to offer individual attention and correction during a virtual class is another specialty not found in most online classes. Try it!

Wow - I can't recommend João enough!…read more If you want a more personalized approach to your practice it simply doesn't get better than this. I hear João's group classes are great too, but if you really want to take advantage of him, I'd recommend booking a 1-on-1 session. When I got there we went through a basic questionnaire that he had asked me to complete prior, so he could tailor the practice more to my specific needs and schedule. He did exactly that. I explained to him that I typically only have 10-15 minutes every morning to dedicate to a practice with potentially some more time in the afternoon, and that I work from home. Not only did he come up with a perfect 10 minute routine for me to do every morning that included a bit of meditation, but he also came up with 1-2 minute exercises for me to do in order release some tension after sitting at my desk all day. It wasn't something that I had even thought about, but it was exactly what I needed, and I'm already enjoying these new parts of my daily routine. He's extremely knowledgeable not just about yoga and meditation, but also about the anatomy of the body and how that relates to your practice. He was careful to make sure not to aggravate existing injuries, and helped adjust my form when needed.