How many times/ways does a woman have to ask someone to stop before they'll stop? The owner has chosen to shame the woman's reaction to being touched aggressively/non-Pilates, instead of choosing to rectify the situation entirely with humility. The owner has chosen to shame my fiance's in proportion response to me being aggressed, instead of reprimanding the actual aggressor (her employee). I've been going to Pilates reformer classes since I was 13 (I'm now 34) and have NEVER had this experience. I showed up for the empty class 2 minutes late. Firstly, before class began, I informed the owner and instructor about my existing sore ankles after a recent fall (in writing in their intake forms as well as verbally). No broken bones, no bruising, just sore. A normal, professionally run class would not have affected my ankles poorly. The abnormal, unprofessional class I received did affect my ankles poorly. The instructor, Vil, secondly did not lead me through a foot and ankle warm up as is traditional to Pilates reformer. He STARTED me in with jump board changements, which is a maniacal decision for any reformer class setting. That should have been my cue to leave. Class began, and I then had to ask Vil to repeatedly avoid the sore ankle areas when giving his style of "adjustments and corrections" that were continuous, unwarranted, too invasive for a 1st class meeting, and I was the only non-staff taking part in the class- receiving all of the brunt of his "style" of corrections. I believe Vil chose to take out some "empty studio summertime boredom" on my body and did not stop twisting and forcing placements on my body the whole time. I nervously went along with as much as I could stand until it became too painful and uncomfortable. The non-stop adjustments I received were given without consistent consent language, and were given with an extremely heavy hand. It was painful, over the top, and abrasive to say the least- Causing my nervous system to go into fight/flight mode. Not AT ALL Pilates etiquette. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TOUCHED SO AGGRESSIVELY IN PILATES EVER. It is so rare when I've been touched in reformer classes at all. The instructor typically uses words to describe body placements, or an extremely soft hand with over the top consent language when physically adjusting. I repeatedly asked him to stop touching my ankles once he started in on them. I first brought it to his attention by saying "please mind my ankles", after he had grabbed and adjusted them into a position he could have described with words instead of touching me. Moments later he readjusted my ankles with excessive force again and I said "hey, please remember, my ankles". The studio owner then acknowledged my concern with a wince and an apology, and we continued on with the class. He did it again with the same force and I said "if you touch me like that one more time, we're going to have a problem". He said sorry, then moments later DID IT AGAIN and abrasively grabbed my ankles and twisted them into a position. I flew off of the reformer and backed away, horrified by the experience and confused at how he could not and would not hear my requests, then demands to stop hurting my ankles. He used non-Pilates etiquette from start to finish. Throughout the class, he also made degrading and insulting remarks about my body including remarks about "being too young to have a double chin", "not looking like a ballerina anymore", and was overall abrasive in his tone with me making comments like that of a wanna-be ballet director talking down to a dancer- not a Pilates instructor coaching a paying customer through a normal class. The instructor, upon hearing of my ballet background, chose to run the almost private class in the "old school" way that the owner and instructor later stated was totally OK to do despite me voicing clear discomfort/concern, while being alone in the studio with them. Very uncomfortable. The owner witnessed and acknowledged the instructor's conduct, yet instead of taking my concerns seriously, attempted to offer me complimentary sessions, minimized the seriousness of what had occurred, and dismissed my concerns about the instructor's behavior and lack of professionalism. Both stated that the instructor is just "old school" and there was nothing wrong with that. Well, I'm a "new school" 34 year old psychotherapist who doesn't tolerate disrespect, comments about bodies, aggressive touching, and consent being ignored while being hurt in a class I'm paying for. No one should leave a class feeling humiliated, dismissed, and unsafe. The way this situation was handled was deeply concerning, and I have reported the incident. The owner doubled down on her support of the instructor's egregious conduct: it is clear she is perfectly OK with instructors at her studio being forceful, abrasive, and not using Pilates etiquette. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this business to anyone. read more

Wonderful studio, had a great workout and stretch while visiting. Felt really good after the class was over. There's 6 reformers at this studio, the instructor gave some cues to make it more challenging during certain exercises. I would recommend this place and is very accessible to beginners read more

I'm extremely impressed! I just moved here and everyone is so welcoming, knowledgeable and kind. Probably the best Pilates studio I've ever been to. There are benefits on being in a small class you actually learn the techniques, basics and history of Pilates. Love, love , love this studio! read more

Siri was knowledgeable and helped correct my positioning throughout class. It was a different more classic Pilates class than I am used to but I enjoyed the workout and will return next time I'm in big bear read more

Looking for a relaxing time in Big Bear. Found this online and was looking forward Walked in and immediately felt uncomfortable, and unwelcome. Won't be going back read more

I consider myself a pretty serious student of Pilates. I have my own Reformer, Cadillac and Ladder Barrel. I have probably taken at least 300 private or semi-private classes. I have been to many studios and have worked with many teachers. I love Big Bear Pilates and Siri D. First of all Big Bear Pilates is the best studio I have ever worked in. Bright, open, and with a terrific selection of top quality equipment. Siri D deserves credit for having the cleanest studio I have ever seen. . I love it!! Siri is a terrific teacher. She is very knowledgeable about Pilates. Something that I find very unique about her is that she has an instinct for how hard to push you in a workout. My biggest objection to other teachers has been that their workouts were either too easy or too hard. Siri pays attention, and pushes you as hard as you need to go at that moment, as opposed to running you through a generic series of exercises. A great Pilates Studio!! read more

I began taking Pilates classes here about 3 months ago and I LOVE IT! Patty is a gifted teacher and coach. She is very specific with her instruction which makes it easy for a beginner to a more advanced student to easily work together. Patty is very intuitive and seems to know just what you need. She customizes the routines to the special needs of the client and for me that is specifically a weak knee. I feel very comfortable there amongst a wide range of ages from 20's to 70's. I can't believe this wonderful pilates studio is in my small town of Big Bear!! read more

Patty owns this studio and is a outstanding teacher. I love Big Bear Pilates! Patty is a fabulous instructor. Great location, wonderful people, solid instruction. Patty has inspired me to get certified and continue my practice further. Super place for a drop in class or go several times a week. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

I have only been to about 8 pilates classes but I am addicted. I have a regular place in San Diego but since we have a home in Big Bear I wanted to find a true traditionally trained reformer pilates teacher here. Siri Galliano is amazing. She takes her time in ensuring good form, correct exercises for goals and adapts to needs of participants. She is amazing and an asset to Big Bear. I have added her to my contact on my iphone and plan to schedule sessions with her every time we come up. Downsides: Her studio is small so it would be hard to bring guests but I expect that to change and her equipment is good but not top of line. She is definitely a truist so expect that. All the rest if upside and if you like Pilates, you will truly enjoy your time with Siri. read more

This class is both humbling and empowering at the same time! I am obsessed with how this has made me care about myself. Body and mind! Thank you Patti ! You are my hero!!!!! read more

Patti was so kind and friendly. Clean, warm atmosphere. Will definitely visit next time I'm in town

Big Bear Pilates is the best! Patty really takes the time to make sure but you are working at your level and have correct alignment so that you can have the best workout for your body. Such a great and balanced workout. I have gone with both of my daughters. We always feel strong and revitalized after a session with Patty!! read more