Mercy is truly a godsend in my life. I had a rough spinal injury in early 2023, and my body was not responding much to physical therapy, and I was struggling to do basic things like walking. Eventually, my physical therapist kept recommending Pilates to me, and I searched the area for a Pilates instructor who could help me. I called Mercy around June 2023, and Mercy replied that she has worked with individuals with mild to severe conditions and believes she could help me. Although I was reluctant to trust any form of exercise, after two months of pilates sessions with her ONLY once a week, I started noticing more significant changes to my abilities, which was not getting changes from physical therapy. Mercy works on your WHOLE body; it's a holistic approach to bringing your body the best stability so you can do what you want and move how you need to. I've noticed many changes and learned many things about joints, my nervous system, etc. This is also coming from someone who experiences nerve pain, which is I'm sure if you experienced, not fun at all. Almost a year later, I'm moving much better, all thanks to Mercy's guidance. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in my recovery, and I feel deeply grateful to have found such a supportive and impactful person. Also lulu and meka are the CUTEST read more

Apex Pilates Personal Training - lulu + mekas = cutest pilates doggos - Trainers Near Me - Milpitas, California

Mercy is amazing. I've been going to her for several years and with the movement and stretching it's added years to my life. She's kind and fun and very knowledgeable. read more

I did Pilates with Mercy for the past three months, and it was amazing. The only reason I'm no longer going to be attending classes regularly is because I'm moving away for school. My chiropractor recommended I try Pilates for my back and neck problems, so I reached out to Mercy for a consultation. I had never done reformer Pilates before, so the first six lessons were one-on-one. Mercy is very attentive and knowledgeable and always knew what I needed. I sit for most of the day, and she knew immediately that my hips were tight. She also always asks if there is anything you'd like to work on specifically, and she always delivers. The environment is also really comfortable. Her dogs Joules and Lulu are such darlings. read more

I came here for a session with Mercy and it was great! I am a huge pilates fan and trying The Reformer was something I have been wanting to try for awhile now.. The studio is in Milpitas in a new business area and located right above a dentist office. It is very clean and filled with tons of intimidating contraptions! Mercy, the owner, showed me how to use them and it was really fun! I really like The Reformer! You can really do a lot of stuff here and get an amazing pilates workout.. Afterwards, Mercy stretched me out and it felt sooo good.. Oh! I forgot to mention the super cute doggie woggie Joule! I love her so! If you have been wanting to find an awesome pilates studio, Apex Pilates is your best bet! I can't wait to come back and do some more! Thank you Mercy B!! read more

***************** 03/29/08-update ****************** Mercy's great coaching and wonderful space keeps me sore and motivated. I wish I could home 3x per week. I love it here and look forward to this workout so much! ------------OG----------------------- Climb a tree, mermaid, scissors, starfish...they all sound so nice and pretty, right? RIGHT? Not at Casa De Mercy. At Apex, they take on another meaning. A meaning that symbolizes challenging exercises that had me sweating and regretting those sweets the night before. As some of you may know, I have been looking for an exercise guru; additionally, someone that can take my exercise routine to a whole 'nother level. Enter Mercy B at Apex Pilates, where the tagline "No Mercy" takes on a whole new meaning. Who ever said that Pilates was not a workout has not been on one of these machines doing a starfish. Wowza...my belly was shaking and I was humbled at the loss of strength from my body. My dormant muscles were lost, and Mercy's coaching and support jolted them awake. I joined a group class this Saturday, and met some friendly gals that endured the same challenge. What a great environment. I left feeling positive and energized for the day. I am definitely going back. Yes, I was the slow one of the bunch, but the other 2 gals made it so fun. I felt challenged, relaxed, and eager to learn more. Whoever said that Mercy was not the real deal has clearly not been to her studio. Of course, I have some back problems, but when I walked out of there, my pain was minimized...and this was after one session. I highly encourage you to consult your doctor before trying any new regimen, but with that being said...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MERCY AND HER KILLER MACHINES! What an inspiration and motivation you are Mercy B. read more

I've been doing Pilates with Mercy for about 2 years now, and I cannot say enough for what I have accomplished. Before I started with Mercy I was a 58 year-old slug with a lot of back pain. For the first year I worked with Mercy once a week, and I saw some improvement. For the last year I've worked with her twice a week, and the improvement is amazing. If I could give 6 stars, I would. :) Oh yeah, and Joules (Mercy's little dog) gets 6 stars as well. :) UPDATE: I wrote this original review after I'd been doing Pilates with Mercy for 2 years. Well, it's now been almost 7 years, and I'm still doing Pilates with her twice a week. I've also brought in my 70+ year old husband, who has significant back pain from spinal stenosis. My hubby's chiropractor tells me that the Pilates work my hubby does with Mercy is probably the most important thing he does to keep himself mobile. I cannot recommend Mercy highly enough. read more

After seeing Apex Pilates listed as a ROTD, and knowing that I needed to step up my workout routine, I decided to check it out. I do competitive dancing and have wanted to take it up to the next level, and have been looking into pilates classes to do this. Well this was exactly what I needed! After my first few sessions my dance teachers have already commented that they have noticed changes in my dancing and more strength in my core and legs. And the fact that I'm sore for days after each session at Apex helps to attest to that too! This is the kind of workout that I LOVE. You're in pain, but it's good pain, and you can feel the results. It doesn't feel like your doing the same old thing at the gym. And Mercy personalizes your workout, showing how you can improve your positions and posture to get the maximum effect. And she constantly has to remind me to breathe has also kept me from passing out whenever we have to do the starfish, smiley faces, or some other form of reformer torture. I've been looking for a workout routine that I can love, because if I don't love it... well it'll be like all of the gym memberships I had but never used. I used to regularly do the Bar Method in San Mateo but as I live so far away now, it's just not feasible. I think I've found the perfect substitute! I'm totally addicted to Apex Pilates! read more

My ass still feels good...but not as good. I've had to cut back from twice a week to once a week because of my schedule. Believe me, if I could be there every day, I would. I still love going to see Mercy. Besides being a great trainer who keeps my back limber and my joints stetched, she is like a great therapist too! ;) Trainer and therapist all in one...what a deal! read more

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I trust Mercy at Apex Pilates to help co-manage my patients. I can never stress to my patients how important it is to maintain a strengthened core section. This is the first step to taking care of a deconditioned low back. Although I try to cover core development in my office, I know when I need to refer a patient over to a "Specialist". Mercy is not only a Pilates Instructer, she is the COMPLETE package with extensive additional education and certification. I never have to explain what needs to be done. She knows what she is doing and will actually create a program specific to each client, rather than use the same "cookie-cutter" approach used by many trainers. Mercy is one of the exceptional professionals that always goes the extra step, always exceeds your expectations. I have NEVER had a patient come back to me who hasn't raved about his/her experience and I have never had one of my patients injured by Mercy. Trust me, there are "trainers" who have taken weekend seminars and read a couple books, and then there are Professionals, who are certified and have expert knowledge and judgement. Mercy is a Professional!! read more

Apex Pilates was an enjoyable experience for me and my girlfriend. Mercy, the trainer, did an excellent job streching us out the way we needed. We both had a magnificent time and felt so much better afterwards. From this experience, which was our FIRST EVER, we felt as if we had a little more energy than usual. IF YOUR READING THIS MERCY, THANK YOU SO MUCH AND WE'LL BE SEEING YOU LATER!!! read more

We have gone to Apex Pilates every week for years. Mercy is great and she currently does individual classes via Zoom due to the pandemic. I would recommend this to anyone. Pilates helps me maintain my fitness and flexibility. read more

My mother and I have been doing Pilates with Mercy for nearly 3 years now and I cannot begin to describe what she has done for us! As a pilates instructor she's so knowledgeable and dedicated - she's also so in-tuned to what your body should be feeling during each workout and how to maximize each stretch. If there is a certain area that's bothering you or a specific target area you want to strengthen she has no trouble accommodating to your needs and working with you until you're at your 100%. I had a few ankle/hip flexor issues in the beginning and after telling her about it she helped tailor my sessions to really work at these areas and now I'm relieved to say I'm no longer having issues with either! Such a relief! Aside from that, my mother and I started at Apex Pilates with different experiences (I had been doing Pilates for a couple years while my mother had never tried it) - and even with a doubles session she manages to focus individually on each one of our needs and limits. I never walk out of there feeling like I didn't work hard enough or I didn't get the stretch I wanted. She is genuinely one of the best Pilates instructors I have ever had, she cares so much for her clients and is so sweet, caring, and so helpful! She's done so much for us in terms of staying fit, learning healthy habits, and even recommending a few good eats around the area :) I've always said that when you workout with her, you get so much more than a stretch - she gives you the whole experience of Pilates. I'm always looking forward to the next time I see her for a workout! read more

Apex Pilates Personal Training - One of the best and most fun stretches to do! Without Mercy I would have never even tried it! - Trainers Near Me - Milpitas, California

Mercy is amazing :) when I went to Mercy for a consultation, she asked me to focus on my body alignment instead first and everything else will follow. She was so right, my knee wasn't properly aligned for many years and in just 6 sessions she was able to help me fix my knee issue. I feel so relaxed and stress free after every class. She is a miracle worker. read more

Mercy has the perfect personality for a Pilates instructor. I have an affinity for Hawaiians because of my background, and I felt at home with her during the session. The studio's decor and her laid back, easygoing personality will remove any self-consciousness you have. I auditioned 4 Pilates studios, and the only reason I didn't select this one was because it's a tough drive during the commute. But if you live or work in Milpitas, there's no one better. And if she ever comes back to Willow Glen, I'll have a tough decision on my hands. read more

Beware of Apex Pilates! Go at your own risk. It is not a coincidence that the owner's name is Mercy. It's also not surprising that this is the cheapest Pilates studio around -- as you get what you pay for. The studio's appearence might be nice, but it's the trainer you need to pay attention to. Also, some of the clients are snooty. If you are into talking about bling-bling, over-priced handbags & sunglasses, or how big your house is, then this is your place. If you are more into working out and less talking, then this isn't your place. Pilates is suppose to be an exercise that is easier on the body, however I got injured by it. My injury is permanent, and I will never be the same again thanks to Apex. This injury has changed my life, and I will never regain what I once had. Instead you should go to Body Evolutions Studio, as they are true Pilates professionals, not just a wannabe get-up. Make sure whoever you choose, knows what they are doing. read more

I am shocked to see that Apex Pilates has anything less than a 5-star rating. I've been trained by Mercy for more than 5 years, both at Apex and at a studio she worked for prior to that. I still drive 20 minutes out of my way to see her each week! She's talented, abundantly qualified, and a blast to train with. Mercy made me strong, toned and more flexible than I had ever been in my life. She knows when to push me to work harder, and when to focus on areas of discomfort. I can't imagine ever training with anyone else. I highly recommend Apex Pilates to anyone who wants high-quality Pilates training. read more

I am also surprised to see less than a 5-star rating here! Although I have only been taking sessions with Mercy a little over a year, I can honestly say it has done more for me than all the previous years of cardio and weight training I have done. In fact, a co-worker signed up for sessions at a studio in her town because she said she was inspired by my results! Although Pilates movement is gentle, it really challenges you to learn how your body moves and to have control over the movement. It is a real mind-body exercise. I absolutely love it. And I love Mercy. I Mercy is extremely knowledgeable and I trust her completely. She is a wonderfully warm and patient teacher . Yet she also challenges me when she knows I need it. Her studio is comfortable and pleasant and the atmosphere there is so relaxed. I really look forward to my sessions there. read more

Mercy is an amazing! She is a fantastic teacher. She values education and individual client needs. She is very invested in her client's success. Could never say enough positive things about her approach and the healing environment! Recommended! read more

I, too, am astonished at anything less than a 5-star review for Apex Pilates. As a client of two years with a thinned L4-L5 disc and chronic lower back and hip joint problems, I believe I have the mobility today that I have because of my work with Mercy. Her one-on-one, personalized care is focused on building core strength, with special care to my movement limitations. Mercy urges me to push myself, while remaining keenly aware of my limitations. Yet, she has never pushed me to do more than I was capable of doing. She will make on-the-spot adjustments to exercises based on how I am feeling on a given day. She also gives "homework" so the gains of a session are not lost before the next session. It's a partnership approach to fitness. Unlike other exercise clubs and fitness centers I've tried, Mercy designed a personalized routine for my needs, and pushes me gently but firmly to accomplish more. We have added new exercises and range of motion moves over the months with tremendous success. Her knowledge of the human body and body mechanics is both broad and deep, and you wil never find a nicer, friendlier person to work with to meet your fitness and movement goals. read more

Loved it! I never felt so relax and stretched out in my life. Mercy's studio is very cute and she is very helpful in helping you stretch out for sure. Will guide you through the steps. You don't think you are working out but you are. I was sore for the next two days. Would want to go back. Thanks Mercy for all your help and I hope to see you soon. read more

I was just at the grand opening of the new Apex Pilates Studio in Milpitas. This studio conveniently borders close to San Jose, Santa Clara and Fremont. First off, the studio is clean and the equipment is new. If the equipment wasn't new, it was in such amazingly great shape I couldn't tell. During the grand opening Merci had three of her regular Pilates Participants demonstrate some of the equipment. They smiling and laughing didn't stop throughout the whole demonstration. I'm not the world biggest fan of working out, but if I do work out, I want it to be the same level of fun that I saw in these Pilates student's eyes. read more

It's about time I added my review... I've been seeing Mercy twice a week since June. I regret not a single minute or cent spent here. I hate going to the gym. I suck at working exercise into my routine (besides walking to and from public transit). I am, generally, fat and a little bit lazy. But when Mercy tells me to do something, I do it gladly, because it makes me feel BETTER. My back used to hurt all the time, and nothing I could do made it better. Mercy helped me fix that. She gave me the tools I needed. She always has something new to try. She's fun as hell to talk to -- even if I sometimes have to stop: "OK, hold on, I gotta concentrate on breathing and doing this crazy movement!" It's two hours of my week I get to concentrate just on what I'm doing and not stress about work, etc. I would (and have) recommended her to friends, or gotten her advice to give more local recommendations to friends in other places. I'm super glad she's in Milpitas, because driving to Los Gatos or Willow Glen or Sunnyvale is a pain in the butt from where I live (y'all can't hog all the good stuff!). She's flexible with scheduling and responds quickly to email. By the time Wednesday rolls around, I'm itching for my appointment. (And as I write this, I'm coming off a week-long vacation that meant three missed appointments, so I cannot WAIT.) Oh, and don't forget Joules, the studio mascot doggie! She's a sweet pea. read more

Mercy is great! She's full of knowledge & can adapt to any situation. I started seeing Mercy a few years ago when I was in much better shape (as a triathlete) and she could always deliver a challenging workout. After I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, my exercise needs changed and Mercy was able to accommodate my restrictions & still provide me with a workout that kept my body loose & limber. Now that I'm pregnant, Mercy has modified my workout, again, to focus on prenatal conditioning. I have no doubt she can give you the best workout for you - regardless of your needs! read more

I was referred to Mercy by Dr. Lyons, and I've been doing Pilates with Mercy since 2009. Between the chiropractic care and the Pilates, I no longer have any back problems! Yay! Mercy is a wonderful personal trainer, and if you are worried about the cost (like me initially), don't be! Although at first I was skeptical and concerned about the fees, I am now a true believer. Mercy's Pilates sessions has helped my back, build up my strength, and made me feel fitter and more limber than before. She trained me through my pregnancy, and I did Pilates up till my 38th week! I am convinced that it is because of Mercy that I had a relatively easy labor and recovery. read more

Oh man! !!I totally agree with everyone! Mercy is awesome! She is definitely not for the weak, but if it ever gets to be too much and I say something, she will stop right away to make sure that I'm doing okay. Not sure what the whole debate is about the group versus private thing, but mine have all been one on one. If you want to get stronger and well balanced, this is the place to go and the trainer is first class!!! I can't believe she would get anything less than 5 stars. "Josie B" reviews, very unhappy person all her reviews are negative, talk about bitter... read more

Mercy is amazing. I look forward to seeing her every week. Pilates had transformed my body. Mercy is the best at adapting and customizing my work out each week to my special needs. So funny and warm hearted too, I'm always sad when my hour is up and it's time to go. read more

I trained at Apex Pilates studio twice a week for 2 years from 2009-2010. I enjoyed training with Mercy so much that I was driving over from Dublin, but ultimately had to change to a studio closer to home due to a work commute change. My review is long overdue, but based on the recent ratings, I can see that it's still a 5 star studio learn and train. Mercy has a wonderful teaching style that is both encouraging and challenging at the same time. She really gets to know her clients and is able to tailor the sessions to suit their wants & needs every time. The studio is the perfect size if you're looking for a more personalized experience. There are up to 3 reformer clients per group session, so even if you're not in a 1-on-1 session, you still get a lot of attention from the the instructor. I really miss training at this studio. As a testament to Mercy's teaching style, I found myself comparing all the new instructors I tried out to her until I found someone that almost as comparable and compatible. I would return to her studio in a heartbeat if I'm ever back in Milptas for home or work! read more

Anyone that has actually been in Apex Pilates Studio would know how comfortable it is. The moment you walk in you are welcomed. The people I have briefly met there have been nice and down-to-earth. As a person receiving training I know it is my responsibility to vocalize any discomfort or concerns I am having. Mercy, as a highly trained professional, is constantly checking in with her, "How are we doing?" to make sure that I am ok. She knows the difference between my complaining because I just don't like what I am doing (Frogs! I HATE frogs!) and if I were to express true discomfort. I often ask during an exercise where I am suppose to be "feeling it" and whenever I feel it differently than I should be, it is always because I am not doing it correctly and I am using the incorrect muscles. Mercy coaches me until I am doing it correctly. Helping people is her business, but it is something she obviously enjoys. As it is her business she strives for client satisfaction, because she enjoys it, she strives to allow her clients to help do something good for themselves at kindly affordable rate. I appreciate it when a business demonstrates appreciation for my patronage by discounting products or services when I purchase "in bulk" so to say. I am learning a lot during my sessions with Mercy and as with anything, I would encourage people to see for themselves. read more

Training with Mercy has been fantastic. She is very knowledgable and I always leave Apex feeling great. As a fairly active person, pilates training with Mercy has helped me to maintain/increase flexibility and it's a great core workout. I highly recommend Mercy to anyone looking for private or semi-private training. Plus, she's super fun. :-) read more

Apex Pilates is fantastic. One of the things that makes it fantastic is Mercy. Her studio is comfortable and affords an ideal setting for private sessions. From my short time working with her, it's apparent why Mercy has a loyal group of long-time clients; in addition to being incredibly knowledgeable, Mercy is a warm and engaging person who truly cares about her clients. Her down-to-earth style is perfect for anyone who is tired of the "trendy" workout scene and opportunistic trainers more focused on making money than they are on helping people to increase their strength and mobility. read more

Apex Pilates is WONDERFUL! I have been training with Mercy for a number of months now. My body has been transformed from very little muscle definition, strength, and tonality to just the opposite. And, I continue to improve week after week. I have also lost approximately 25 pounds!! I owe so much to Mercy for all her help! She is an awesome trainer! So, how anyone could write anything but positive remarks concerning Mercy and her studio is beyond my comprehension. I have found the environment there to be anything but snooty. Every client I've had the privilege of meeting has been very friendly, nothing as described in the former review. Do yourself a favor and try Apex for yourself. Read the other reviews. All have given Mercy 5 stars and have listed positive remarks. It's a little suspicious to me that this one person has made all these negative claims. I take these remarks personally because I know they are not true! To say that Apex Studio was the cause of a permanent injury is outrageous and ridiculous!! If there was an issue, this person should have contacted Mercy directly instead of posting such a nasty review. Mercy is always willing to accomodate in any way possible to assist her clients. She is an inspiration and I will continue training with her. I offer up much gratitude! Go Mercy! You rock, girl!! :-D read more

Apex Pilates is the only reason I'm standing up straight today. Several years ago I herniated the disk between L5 and S1. I was in pain all the time and could feel the outer half of my left leg and foot. I looked like I was handycapped and my quality of life was going down, fast at this point. I was refered to Mercy@Apex Pilates by a co-worker who was concerned with my well being. Mercy was willing to look at my condition and determine if there was anything she could do. WELL, THERE WAS! I was worried about aggravating my condition, remember I couldn't feel the outer half of my left leg. Well to make a two year effort a short story I was climbing a tree this weekend to trim branches, riding my motorcycle, and generally enjoying life AGAIN! ANYONE I know who is having problems with their back I recommand they talk to Mercy. She is a god send to me, and EVERYONE else who I know who as had her as a trainer. She is a top notch professional personal trainer, stays current on new methods of training, and equipment. She is personable and sensitive to her customers needs. I've known trainers who didn't meet these standards and usually end up hurting their clients. Mercy has NEVER pushed me beyond what I can do even if I didn't know I could do it. Very sensitive to my needs and limitations, but pushy enough to make progress. Bottom line if you have lower back problems, or just want to feel better and the doctor approves, go talk to Mercy and let her give you your life back. Like she has done for me! read more

i have been training with mercy for over 5 yrs. she is great. she really knows her stuff and is always out taking classes to learn more! she has a great sense of humour and is very kind. but don't let that fool you, she is quite tough!! if you're looking for a pilates studio this is a great place. mercy keeps it clean and it is always pleasent to be there. i really can't say enough goo things about mercy! read more

I've been taking Pilates training with Mercy for over seven years. Before Pilates, I always had a burning pain in my hips from jogging and my shoulder area was extremely tight from working all day on a computer. Too many sessions to count later, I don't have pain when I jog and my shoulder area is much more flexible and my posture has greatly improved. She knows how to modify routines to deal with my scoliosis and shows me stretching routines I can do at home. Mercy is always updating her knowledge in Pilates by attending Master classes and conferences. (I can always tell when she has learned something new, when I look at her and say "you want me to do what?!" My sessions with Mercy have either been by myself or with another person. Mercy takes great care in making sure that the clients in "shared" sessions will be compatible. I have made great new friends from these shared sessions. I'm giving her 4 stars only for the location of the studio. I wish it were closer to Cupertino/Sunnyvale and it can be a real pain sometimes to get out onto Calaveras Blvd during heavy traffic. read more