I booked a private yoga session with Denise. I am in my 50's out of shape and heavy. I felt apprehensive to try yoga for the first time in a group. Honestly worried my belly and stiffness would slow the group up. I was so happy with the results! Denise is encouraging sweet and knowledgeable I have an impinged rotator cuff which stopped me from doing some of the moves. She helped me reposition and I could do it. At the beginning of our 1 hour session I couldn't raise my arm much higher then perpendicular to my shoulder. At the end I could almost raise it to the roof. It was liberating. I would highly recommend this welcoming intimate studio to regain your strength with a non judging knowledgeable and encouraging atmosphere. read more

The Escape is a place to focus on my body, and soul. I have been coming here for over 6 months and I am so happy I found this place. Great atmosphere, and people. Very inviting. Flexible hours and all levels of classes. Would highly recommend! read more

The Escape - Denise is an excellent instructor. I was unable to do this pose just a short time ago..she is the reason I was able to today! - Yoga Near Me - Benicia, California

The Escape is a perfect place for someone wanting to start Pilates. Denise is an experienced and knowledgeable instructor. I took 8 private sessions with another Pilates studio in Benicia and I did not have the attention or education that Denise has shown to me. The Escape is not a franchised business that attempts to up-sell you Pilates clothing, equipment or knickknacks. There are only 3 Pilate Reformers at the Escape so if Denise has 2 other clients, you are still going to get her personal attention. read more

The Escape is a great place to come and do Pilates. Denise is a very knowledgeable instructor and cares deeply about her clients She will make sure your workout is going well and that you are given as much help as you need. I am grateful for her classes and will miss them greatly if I ever have to move away. Come out and try Pilates with Denise! You will find a warm reception. read more

This is a relaxing and inviting place with good music and great instruction from Denise. As a semi-newbie to Pilates, she's made me feel at ease and not pressured like some instructors tend to do. read more

Great space for creativity and wellness. Terrific atmosphere and stimulating vibe. Good times and fulfilling for the soul.

Love the personal attention and the energy is very relaxed w small classes. Very knowledgeable instructor with creative ways for my perticulbody type. Thank you Denise read more

The Escape is a superbly equipped Pilates studio run by a very knowledgeable instructor. There are three "reformer" machines so everyone gets very personal instruction. Denise, the instructor tailors your routine to your own experience, strength and any injuries or aches you may have. She knows every muscle, tendon and how to strengthen each body part. The routine varies so it's never boring. I was amazed how much my strength improved over a period of months. I started with 2 sessions a week and then switched to three because the classes made me feel so good. I have to credit this class with getting me through all the months of Covid with a healthy attitude and a sense of great fitness. read more

I've just started working out here recently. I love it. It's giving me strength and my core and arms feel better. I'm glad I've gotten in the palates because it's working out my body without me feeling wrecked by it. I feel healthy and I recommend this place and Denise to anyone that want do workout and feel accomplished by doing it. read more

I recently moved to Vallejo. After several years of practicing yoga I had to find a new studio close to my new home. I also wanted to begin Pilates . I had taken a few Pilates classes in the past and wanted to find a setting in which I could practice both yoga and Pilates . I found The Escape in Yelp and after reading a few of the reviews I arranged for an intro class . Denise is great ! She is extremely knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The opportunity to work with her either privately or in a small group setting is really unique. After experiencing many classes of 15 to 20 people , I really appreciate being carefully guided through each step by someone with such depth. I highly recommend her classes ! Sheelagh read more

I haven't done yoga in 10 years and have never done Pilates. I am not a "exercise class" type of person, and my friend convinced me to try a class. I was more than pleasantly surprised on a number of fronts. The "class" is really personal instruction. Maximum of three people at a time. That was great for me as I am not the most coordinated person in the world and my form needs constant correction. The super casual vibe is also my style. There is a music studio in the front and I frequently choose to have class overlap with the band practice. Great energy and makes it more fun! love the mix up of yoga and Pilates during class. The pilates machine is fun and challenging. I learned that I have to remember to breathe, and how much better I feel when I do it with intention. Currently using that as a stress management technique! Most importantly, Denise has helped me recover from foot surgery. We spend a specific amount of time in every class on exercises that increase flexibility and strength. Denise is an expert. I can't cite all the certifications and training but obviously, she has deep and broad knowledge. Super thankful that I was introduced to The Escape. It truly has been life-changing for me. read more

I am so grateful to have found Denise. Thank God for Yelp and all the people who take the time to review!! I contacted a Pilates studio in Walnut Creek and they charged me $149 and said one of their Pilates instructors would call me for my two private sessions which were required before I could do any of the group classes. I waited a week and nothing so I emailed them. I got a email back saying that they were working on their program and in the process of hiring some more instructors and I would be contacted soon. Having sciatic pain and feeling impatient about waiting I got on Yelp and found Denise in Benicia. This is much closer to my home in Crockett so I called her and we talked for a few minutes and she offered me a class the same day, yesterday. So within a few hours I was there in her great little studio getting one on one instruction with both Iyengat yoga (which I completely love and is hard to find instructors) and Pilates which I had not done in over a decade and had only done once before. She is extremely knowledgeable and warm and engaged. She asked about all my injuries, there are several, and helped me with stretches to strengthen these areas and give me more mobility. Her rates are unbelievably reasonable like no one else - $25 for a private session! And your first session is free! Who offers that?! She is a gem she wants to give her gift to others and she is a rare an amazing being. I'm going back for my second session on Saturday and bringing a friend if we can work with her injury after just having bunion surgery. Another thing she's very knowledgeable about! Thank you, thank you, thank you Denise! So very, very grateful for you! read more

Thank you for the wonderful private sessions, Denise! Your new studio is the perfect size and so clean. I just LOVE it! Thank you for your gentle guidance as I am beginning a new practice regiment. My body feels so much stronger, more flexible, balanced and I am so relaxed during each session and after! I really appreciate your guidance, encouragement and support! Thank you for being an awesome pilates and yoga instructor! read more

If you want an amazing personal experience then this is the place to go. Denise is kind, professional and an expert at her craft!

I've been taking private and semi-private pilates classes with Denise since March 2019. I recently moved to the area and was looking to replace my long-time San Diego-based pilates instructor. She was great so it was a tall order. I've found her! I have a long list of past injuries and Denise is always aware and offering alternatives to help me get and stay strong without hurting myself. I may walk into class with some body aches and complaints but I always walk out feeling relieved and revitalized. Denise has a unique ability to combine pilates and yoga with her compassionate method of teaching to deliver interesting and always changing ways to stay fit and healthy. read more

I ride and train horses for a living, so I am often tight and sore. These classes have helped me relax and gain flexibility and strength. I feel great after my classes, thank you! read more

This Pilates/Yoga studio, with its wonderful instructor Denise, may have saved my life and definitely my sanity during the past year of huge change in my life. First came Covid with all its restrictions, then went my beloved job in a medical clinic, then came my 70th birthday. Pilates with Denise has given me a reason to get up in the morning, stand up straight and breath deep, with a smile on my face. I had done yoga before, dancersize, circuit training but they gave me none of the feeling of strength and satisfaction that these sessions. have. Denise started me out slow and was really great at compensating for some previous injuries and weakness by modifying routines and equipment. Also the routines change and advance so it's never boring. I don't ever think, oh no, I have to go exercise today, I think, oh great, I have pilates today. I have now given myself the gift of PILATES 3 TIMES A WEEK for my physical, mental and spiritual health! read more

I have trained under Denise for both yoga and Pilates off and on for a number of years. I am STOKED about her new studio, The Escape! Her knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology makes her the perfect instructor for someone like me with minor physical issues that makes working out intimidating and sometimes difficult. Her private lessons and small class size enable her to check in and assess where I am mentally and physically to tailor my practice. I have brought her a few new students who had zero previous yoga or pilates experience, and she makes it fun, welcoming, and unintimidating. I have seen her work with people of all ages, fitness levels, abilities, and experience, and she is truly a great teacher for all. One of the best I've worked with. No matter my mood when I arrive, I am always recharged, relaxed, and happy when I leave. I look forward to every workout and her new studio is truly an Escape! read more