Active Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio that conducts high-energy fitness programs for adults in the San Francisco area. The company was established in 2009 and has since offered fast-paced group and private Pilates classes. Founder Mike Kazemi holds athletic certifications from North Illinois University, American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Institute, and Physical Mind Institute.
Blue Sparrow Pilates is a local Pilates studio that provides elite fitness training for adults of all fitness levels and exercise backgrounds throughout the Bay Area. The company was established in 2007 and has since offered barre and Pilates programs that focus on injury prevention, rehabilitation, improved balance and coordination, strong core development, and physique sculpting. Founder and CEO Holly Furgason was named by Pilates Anytime as one of the Top Ten Pilates Instructors in 2013.
Body Chemistry Studio is a Pilates studio that offers group classes as well as private sessions to adults in the San Francisco metro area. Its team strives to improve students’ muscle tone, flexibility, coordination, and balance through athletic, comprehensive programs in accelerated Pilates and cardio core. Body Chemistry Studio was named by Bay Area A-List as one of the Top Five Best Pilates Studios in the Bay Area in 2016.
ITT Pilates is a Pilates studio in San Francisco that has been providing exceptional training for students of various skill levels for over 13 years. The instructors primarily conduct private lessons, in-home programs, and group classes and are well-versed in mat and apparatus training programs. The studio also offers master level workshops, mentoring programs, and an advanced movement series. Studio director Jean Sullivan holds a personal teacher certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Marin Pilates Studio is a Pilates center that provides expert instruction and guidance for Pilates enthusiasts across the San Francisco area. The coaches are highly trained to teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students and they regularly conduct private lessons, shared group sessions, and teacher training programs in Pilates. Previous students commend the instructors at Marin Pilates Studio for their dedication, intuition, and professionalism.
Simply Balanced is a fitness studio that provides professional Pilates training for students of all skill levels and ages throughout the San Francisco area. The company offers live online classes and in-home programs as well as on-site group, semi-private, and private sessions. The coaches aim to help students improve their strength, stability, posture, and finesse. Previous students appreciate Simply Balanced for its professional, attentive, and personable staff.
Soulful Pilates is a Pilates studio that offers private, semi-private, and group classes to adults throughout the San Francisco metro. The instructors specialize in apparatus classes such as reformer and chair, springboard or props, and Pilates barre and also conduct in-depth, contemporary teacher training programs. Soulful Pilates is affiliated with Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Pilates Sports Center (PSC), Balanced Body, and Mind Body.
The Center Studio Pilates is a Pilates center that offers customized workout programs to Pilates enthusiasts in the San Francisco area. The coaches teach Pilates through private, semi-private, and small group classes and strive to help clients improve alignment, posture, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Founder and owner Larry Hall is recognized by Pilates Method Alliance as a Gold Certified Pilates Teacher.
The Corner Studio is a premier Pilates studio that provides high-quality instruction for adults of all fitness levels in the San Francisco area. The company specializes in individual, two-person, and group Pilates sessions and also offers expertise in orthopedic massage, somatic practices, body correctives, and rehabilitative work. Past students highly appreciate the instructors at The Corner Studio for their knowledge, encouragement, and seasoned ability.
The Pilates Workshop is a classical Pilates studio that offers professional, authentic instruction to adults in the San Francisco metro area. The instructors cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students and handle private lessons, duet lessons, apparatus classes, mat classes, and corporate Pilates classes. The studio also conducts rigorous teacher training programs. Founder Erika Linton Groff holds a certification from The Pilates Method Alliance and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado.
Vertical Method is a boutique studio that provides high-energy, athletic, alignment-focused Pilates training for adults in San Francisco. The coaches strive to develop clients’ standing core stabilization and posture musculature through comprehensive fitness programs involving resistance training, cardio bursts, static core engagement, chain-oriented exercises, and lean muscle-focused movements. Vertical Method has been featured in San Francisco Chronicle, 7x7, and Lessons.com.
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that focuses on improving muscle strength and flexibility. This type of exercise uses the body's natural weight or may incorporate medicine balls, ropes, machines, and weights. Pilates focuses on improving the balance, posture, and strength of the body.
Pilates helps individuals strengthen and lengthen their major muscles. Focusing on the major muscles has the added benefit of improving posture, balance, and flexibility. While the ultimate goal is strengthening the core, Pilates is considered a full-body exercise. Many Pilates movements look simple, but the challenge comes from the precision and control of the action.
Yoga and Pilates are often compared as they're both low-impact, focus on the core, and strengthen the muscles. However, the two differ in two key aspects. Yoga typically incorporates breathing and meditation into each movement. Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on just the movement itself.
Pilates is good for the body in various ways:
Yes, Pilates is a strength-training form of exercise. In Pilates classes, you either work with your body weight or work with additional weight on the machine. Additionally, many Pilates exercises have progression steps. As you get stronger, you can push yourself by moving into the more challenging version of the movement.
Pilates is excellent for maintaining a healthy weight and toning your body. However, when it comes to weight loss, Pilates won't be as effective as cardio classes or weight training. Pilates classes completed on a mat tend to burn fewer calories, so if weight loss is your goal, consider combining Pilates with cardio.
