Body by Emilee: I'd never done Pilates (or really any…read moreorganized exercise) until I started with Emilee 5 years ago. Since then I have had classes with other instructors, but I haven't liked any of them quite as much as I like working with Emilee. She is a great trainer, watching every move, changing exercises to suit your needs and moods. Some days she pushes you hard enough to be sore the next day, others are more focused on working the really deep core. You never get too much into a routine--always pushing different muscles in different ways. I discovered just how effective Emilee was at crafting bodies when I found myself in a contest at a pub--who could hold the stein of beer at arms length the longest. I assumed I would be hopeless. I was as surprised as any when I outlasted all these big muscular dudes! I'd built core and back muscles to balance and support my arms. Huh! I also gained half an inch after doing Pilates for a few years--I stand straight, which I had never done previously. Thank you Emilee. Emilee is wonderful fun, with an infectious personality. She makes workouts fun and I love Pilates, but I would not have become a devotee without Emilee as a trainer.

While visiting Santa Barbara I was looking for a yoga class for myself and my daughter who has…read morescoliosis. We were lucky to find Emilee, who has been trained by the top scoliosis teacher in the country. We immediately felt welcomed and encouraged. The class was challenging yet Emilee was helpful in guiding each participant through the poses, checking for correct posture and positioning. I am not a yogi but by the end of the hour I felt amazingly stretched and open. What's more, she inspired my daughter to continue yoga and pilates at home. Emilee made quite an impression on us both with her knowledge and enthusiasm. I am only sorry we don't live in Santa Barbara to take advantage of her classes.

I can't believe I hadn't reviewed this place! I went to this studio for over a year and loved it!…read moreNow I live in Santa Fe and am so sorry we don't have a similar place to practice pilates. All the instructors were amazing and I loved every single class i took. I started unable to do any of the movements and by the time I left I was strong and flexible. I am forever grateful.

I literally walked up to the door to check out the studio and before I could even open it the…read moreinstructor waved her hand aggressively and yelled at me to "go away". I was shocked and honestly pretty offended, I don't think I look like I was about to rob the place or leer at her students I'm pretty sure I just look like someone who's interested in doing Pilates... DEFINITELY won't be attempting to go back! If you're in the market for megaformers I'd recommend fit Buddha instead. They treat you like family not like a nuisance. ZERO stars for customer service.... But it won't let me give zero stars. As for the actual class I wouldn't know because I was instructed to "go away"

Lena is an amazing instructor! I highly recommend her. I go here for private sessions and she makes…read moreme feel so comfortable as a beginner in pilates. She is extremely knowledgeable about the human body and how your muscles work. She always goes out of her way to correct my form which I appreciate very much and I'm never sore after our sessions. I also really like how each time we do a different routine. She also focuses on the muscles/areas that you want to target. For me, it's my pelvic floor muscles. If you're looking for a new pilates studio, this is the one!

The reason I love Lena's Pilates Studio is because not only do I get a good work out there, I also…read morefeel well taken care of knowing that I'm not going to exacerbate an injury or do anything to hurt myself. I started 2 1/2 years ago because of sciatica and lower back problems, but because of the strengthening exercises I do there, I have not had a problem since. I am stronger all over and have better posture as a result! Lena is a Pilates expert and personalizes the exercises on the various equipment to suit your needs. She's GREAT and so is the studio!!!

I like the friendly, informal atmosphere of her well equipped at home studio and especially…read moreappreciate her personal attention to where I am at in my body and her careful tailoring and updating of my routine to account for my current strengths and weaknesses. Bill M.

I had never done Pilates before I walked into the Bodykind studio with my Groupon in hand. I hoped…read moreto develop some strength and flexibility that would help me with my persistent lower back pain. Being overweight, I was more than a little insecure about how I looked, but I was also desperate to feel better--and fortunately, that got me in the door. Because once I started working out at Bodykind, I developed a whole new relationship with my body and experienced the kind of validation that comes with working out with a small group and a dedicated coach. When my budget permits, I indulge in a private session, which takes that feeling to an even higher level. Pilates changed the shape of my body like no other workout I've done and I'm no longer in pain. Perhaps more importantly, the love and expertise with which owner Jenn McCandless teaches is so empowering, I walk out of each class standing taller in every way. If you are even considering checking out Pilates, or looking for a new studio, look no further. Bodykind is wonderful.

Simpatico is the best! I have been working with an instructor both in private and group apparatus…read moreclasses for a few years now. The studio has a great energy, and the owner is very accommodating and friendly. I've had a wonderful experience with the people, as well as a more toned pilates body! Highly recommend!

I love Simpatico. I tried a private Pilates lesson for the first time with Mindy Horwitz (owner of…read moreSimpatico) and have been a client now for about 7 months. Now, I have always worked out, and stayed in good shape. I naturally have a very boyish figure (straight up and down, no curves). After doing Pilates at Simpatico and really learning how to use the correct muscles, I have to say that for the first time ever I HAVE A WAIST!!! No other type of exercise program has gotten me the results I've achieved at Simpatico. Thank you Mindy! Simpatico is a wonderfully clean, calm, nurturing studio. The staff and other instructors ROCK! The Will Power & Grace classes are also amazing - its a nice way to really sweat and burn calories and use Pilates-esc graceful movements!!!! If you do Pilates at all, I highly recommend checking out Simpatico Pilates and Gryotonic Studio in Santa Barbara, CA!!!!

I did my certified yoga teacher training here and I've been teaching in SB and Goleta ever since!…read moreIt was one of the best experiences of my life. The training is cozy and intimate, you get a lot of personalized attention, and there is a super supportive vibe. They serve really yummy, healthy snacks & tea too which I loved- I am a total foodie- I even learned how to make some of these recipes from the owner Sue Anne. Both Sue Anne and her husband Jim have mentored and guided me ever since. They helped me get teaching positions literally as soon as I graduated the training. I would highly recommend their training and coming to classes at their studio!

I obtained my basic yoga certification from Let it Go Yoga, and it was…read morea wonderful experience. Sue Anne and Jim Parsons have probably trained more than half the yoga instructors in town. They are totally supportive and encouraging, attentive to individuals, relaxed yet very professional. Highly recommend their teaching.

Johnny G's new studio is absolutely amazing. Yoga, Tai Chi, pilates, deep stretching, meditation,…read moredeep breathing, focus, and restorative healing is all done on a inverted platform with straps. This is good for all ages, and great for people who want to get into better shape. This is Way better than any yoga class I've taken because it takes me deeper into my yoga stretches, and I predict this will be the next fitness phenomenon. Highly recommend you try it once and then decide if you like it. You won't regret it once you do. Way to Johnny G for raising the creativity bar higher again, and again into the fitness industry.

Core Pilates located in the Loreto Plaza has made my "best of the best" list in Santa Barbara. It…read moreis my first time doing the reformer Pilates and I couldn't be more thrilled with how I feel after each class. My only regret is "why didn't I start doing this years ago"? Let me tell you why Core Pilates checks all the boxes. 1) The environment is tremendous. The skilled instructors (yes, they know what they are doing) are positive, helpful, and make you feel that you are in a private lesson! Kathleen is outstanding and should I also mention fun. 2) Unbelievably spotless. The machines are wiped down after every class. The entire place is so clean! You can tell that the owner, Chanda, takes great pride in making sure her business is done right. She is hands on and always available if you have questions, concerns, etc. 3) Variety of programs to fit your needs. I have only done the Classic reformer classes, which I love, but there are so many others to choose from. 4) Childcare. This is a biggie for moms who want to stop in and do a class and know their child is in good hands. I guess you can sense that I really love this place. If you have been thinking about starting Pilates or trying any of the other classes that they offer, I truly believe you will love Core Pilates as much as I do. They also have a free introductory class on Saturdays at 12noon. Do this once and I feel confident in saying that you will be h

Are you an athlete? or a former athlete working out some injuries? Look no further. Chanda and her…read moreteam of instructors are amazing. Their stretching class on Tuesday and Thursdays is life-changing. It's active stretching, sometimes using tennis balls, or yoga straps and blocks. There's no muscle group too small to cover and you'll leave not just relaxed but maybe even taller. No kidding! Doing one of the leg stretching exercises Chanda leads, you can actually see the leg you start with has lengthened at the end of the exercise--so then you do the other leg to even out! After two years of hunching over a computer in grad school and an injury that took me out of running, the Pilates classes really started restoring my strength, and fix my neck and shoulder problems. One thing that sets this studio apart from others in my experience is the knowledge and willingness to correct form that all the instructors have. Another is the small scale and sense of community. The instructors all really get to know the students and students get to know each other.