I'm glad that Blue Sparrow decided to cross the bridge and open up their second outpost in Temescal. They definitely get points from me for proximity and parking (you can easily cruise into a free spot if you take a 07:00AM class)! I've taken two of Emily's Barre Fit classes and really enjoyed both. She uses a variety of props in this class that keep things interesting: ankle bands, hand weights, balls and of course, the barre itself! I like the combination of dance, cardio and strength training. Whilst I sometimes have a harder time picking up certain bits in Bar Method and Dailey Method, I find Emily's teaching really meets me where I am. I can easily see myself being a regular in this clean, spare studio. I'm also really looking forward to getting on one of their six reformers. NOTES: - Grip socks are required for all classes so bring your own or buy some here - There are lockers at the back of the studio read more

Beautiful studio and good selection of grippy socks. Compliments end there. New clients are afforded a rate of $20 for their first class. I sprung on this deal, reformer classes are typically upwards of $30. After reading the descriptions of the classes available online, students with injuries are dissuaded into signing up for any pro or pro plus class, so I opted for the fit. There were not many timeslots available and ended up with one that was within a realistic hour I would actually wake up for. I was still late, blame it on the traffic, rain, my horrible walking and parking skills. Thanks for answering the phone during the class and directing me in the right direction. I got there finally, 15 minutes after the class started and the two other students were still doing mat work. What, I signed up for a reformer class, to use the expensive equipment I don't have at home, I didn't miss much. Throughout the rest of the class: -adjustments and instruction were always directed to the other two gals, I don't need a lot of attention, but seriously, I was chop liver -10 reps and then stretching?!? I didn't even break a sweat, please more continuous work The instructor at the end of the class was only interested in selling me more socks, hearing the good feedback and did not want to provide me any other airtime. Case in point, I let her know constructively, the class was a little slow for me and she had a gall to say 'anyway' and keep rattling on. What ego. Completely miffed. read more

Blue Sparrow Pilates rocks! Holly Furgason, the famed STOTTS pilates instructor and owner of Blue Sparrow in north beach, San Francisco recently opened this brand spanking new studio in Temascal and it's great! The studio is spacious, has the newest STOTTS reformers, TRX bands and a huge area for barre classes. Holly, Emily and Erica are seasoned instructors who will make sure you get a great workout in any of the classes or private sessions. There's even a separate room equipped for private classes. The studio is located in a busy and popular strip mall with lots of parking, even on the weekend. If you're looking for professional and effective pilates sessions, check out Blue Sparrow Pilates read more

Blue Sparrow offers a wide schedule of high-quality classes taught by fantastic instructors at a great value in a beautiful space. What more could you ask for of a Pilates studio? I have been going five or six times a week for about a month now. Already, I see and feel my body changing for the better. My core is stronger, I look taller, and I feel more flexible. What I love about Pilates is that the exercises feel good. Your muscles burn, but you don't feel any uncomfortable straining, crunching, or pulling. The point of Pilates is to condition your body not to wear it out. A friend of mine is a spinal expert, and he warned me against doing any high-impact exercise. As a former gymnast and ex-cardio/weight-lifting addict, I know I have done damage to my body in the past. Now my focus is keeping it young and spry until the end. There is a misconception that Pilates is just stretching. It is not! It is a complete system of exercises, some of which are much more difficult than they appear to be. What sets this studio apart from other studios is the quality of instruction and the value. The instructors are spectacular, all of them! Each one is special, and I couldn't pick a favorite. They all have deep understanding of the structure and mechanics of the body which they are able to explain in the context of the exercises to help clients achieve optimal benefits from them. They lead classes with a nice flow and variety that makes them fly by. They always seem to know when I need assistance with an exercise. And since the classes max out at 7 or so, you get a lot of personal help. I have no idea how they remember all of these exercises, anyway. They are always bringing out new ones! As for value, it is pretty rare that a true Pilates studio like this will offer an unlimited class option. Blue Sparrow does! If you are like me and want to come almost every day, it is reasonable to do so. Most Pilates studios barely give you even a few dollars off the single class rate if you come regularly. I appreciate that they have a wide selection of classes to choose from, especially in the morning. I also love that they have a few jumpboard classes throughout the week which are a fun challenge. I want to echo Charlie M's feedback to consider revising the layout and adding a later Sunday class and an earlier Monday class. read more

I found this gem of a studio through Classpass and I have had nothing short of an amazing experience. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable in regard to good body mechanics and reinforce solid form during the movements, which for anyone who has ever dealt with a sports/workout injury is pure gold. Knowing your instructor is there to build your fitness while also protecting your body is what puts this studio ahead of many other Pilates studios. Erica is friendly and helpful to even the most newbie of Pilates students and the atmosphere is one where you won't feel intimidated, no matter your knowledge level. The studio is clean, and the equipment is brand new. I've only been to the Oakland location but I encourage anyone new to the world of Pilates to take their intro class. read more

Having been a client of Blue Sparrow in North Beach, I was delighted when the new location opened in Oakland as this is where I live. The studio is a really beautiful space and the equipment is top-drawer with the added bonus of being able to park easily - but that is not what sets Blue Sparrow apart. The quality of the instruction and the care that the teachers show for their students is fantastic, especially for someone who is by no means a Pilates expert and whose flexibility left the building about the time that Thatcher was in Government (I'm British, apologies). I find the prices to be reasonable given the attention and expertise that you get for both the group classes and privates. The level of professionalism and focus on doing the right things for your body to reduce the risk of injury or to help recover from previous injuries (this was key for me) is something that comes straight from Holly, who I have to say is one of the most talented and committed teachers (of anything) that I have worked with. This dedication and focus on quality is evident in all of the instructors and I do enjoy the different personalities that different teachers bring to the classes. I decided to write this review having read an article this morning about how some of the top sports teams are now incorporating Pilates into their routines and then thinking about the benefits I have got from working out at the studio. I would highly recommend giving it a try, read more

For most of my life, I have found most forms of physical fitness to be painfully boring. At least physical fitness that involves going to a gym and/or using a machine. Jogging is the worst. Weight machines are also the worst. I also find the smell of gyms, a musty blend of rubber, sweat and maybe cleaning fluid, to be repellant. I've usually gotten my exercise by hiking in the woods or at yoga. However, after turning 35 last year, and suffering the effects of a terrible job that involved a lot of stress-fueled hunching over a desk, I decided to give Pilates a try. As it turns out, PILATES IS AWESOME. Or at least, Pilates at Blue Sparrow is awesome! The instructors make each exercise is so focused that the classes cannot be boring, since you actually have to pay attention to what muscle group you're using with each motion. I find the classes to be both physically challenging and mentally engaging. I cannot speak more highly of the instructors, who pay close attention to their students and offer many corrections and assists throughout each class. I have noticed that Holly, the owner, has expertise in the technicalities of Pilates, but also approaches her students with encouragement and creativity. She also seems to pick instructors who follow in this vein, and are a pleasure to work with. I will also add that the studio is beautiful, filled with natural light, and does not smell of sweat, rubber or cleaning fluid... read more

I still love this place with a passion, but just wanted to give an updated review. They recently changed the layout of the equipment in the studio, which has made it harder to see and hear the instructor during class. Also, some of the machines are now too close to the wall, so your arm will hit the wall when doing extension movements. I really hope they consider moving things back to the old layout. On the positive side, they now have a Sunday class! More of these please! :) I also with they would add an earlier class on Monday morning that I could make before I go to work. Overall though this place is amazing and I love taking classes here, I've seen great results and I love all of the instrcyor read more

After all the good things I have heard about Pilates, I cannot believe I made it this far in life before signing up for a class. I am so glad I was introduced to Holly and Blue Sparrow. Everyone I speak to raves about both and after a few short months, I am really reaping the benefits. Bye bye lower back pain. Hello strong core and improved posture. I was introduced to Holly, the owner, by one of her clients earlier this year while still sporting "a boot" after a bad ankle sprain. She took the time to talk me through the workout in light of my injury, and encouraged me that I was ready to start despite the boot. This particular sprain (not my first) was particularly demoralizing and, Holly taking the time to encourage and inspire me, meant a lot. I cannot recommend Blue Sparrow, Holly, and all the instructors highly enough. Check them out. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is my regular spot for Pilates. I've learned so much from taking the small group classes there! Holly, the owner has regular Monday classes and she is amazing. Her instructions are clear and spot on, and her classes are run so tightly that you achieve an unbelievable workout, which is pretty incredible after one hour. read more

I've been going to classes @ Blue Sparrow for a little over a year now and it's made a huge difference in my general health. I'm stronger, sleep better, and my back hasn't gone out in a whole year! I have the instructors @ the studio to thank for it. Over the last year, I've become addicted to Pilates and every time I travel, I've gone to different studios. Malibu, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Upstate New York, San Luis Obispo.... The instructors are great and they really care about your well being. read more

I was a client in Blue Sparrow Pilates for years then moved to the East Bay and rarely went into the city so was SO HAPPY when BSP opened a location in Temescal. The studio is beautiful, its easy to park and more and more classes are being added to the schedule. I love it! The quality of the instruction is second to none. All of the instructors are Stott Pilates certified which is truly the best certification out there. I like to be pushed but also understand when its beneficial to have exercises that don't make you 'sweat' but are really working those deep stabilizing muscles. I take 1-1's with Holly who kicks my butt and I also take group classes which are a mixture of mat based, small props, barre and reformer - a great mix that keeps you interested and working every area of the body. Thanks Holly for opening this location! read more

Great studio. Friendly staff and great instructors with a strong knowledge in Pilates form, movement and routines. The instructors are approachable if you have any injuries and they usually check in with everyone prior to the workout about any injuries or if clients have preferences on what they want to focus on for the class. Parking is free in their lot. I love the jumpboard cardio class! read more

This is my third review of BSP and it makes me sad to say this, but the owner, Holly, has demoralized me to a degree that I didn't think possible. This from a studio whose name is based on "the sparrow [which] is a symbol of freedom, happiness, integrity, and revitalization, which are characteristics that Blue Sparrow Pilates aspires to bring out of its clients." First, some history: I have been enjoying classes at BSP since October 2015, gaining strength, balance, flexibility at my own pace. I'm 66 years old and have knee issues, so I'm not able to do everything that others can do, but I do a lot and am able to differentiate the instruction to meet my needs. By the way, I've been doing reformer pilates for 4 years, so I am familiar with it. On July 8th, Holly called me to say that she wouldn't be offering the Getting to Know Pilates classes and I wouldn't be welcome in the Fit classes because she needed to ramp them up. I've been concerned that the business was not thriving since the afternoon classes were always nearly empty--only one or two of us on many days! So, the message I got from Holly is that the reason for the studio's failure was having me in the classes, causing the teachers (who are excellent!) to have to adjust the classes to meet my needs. How demeaning can you get! As if I couldn't adjust to the classes as taught (as everyone does). When you consider the origins of Pilates, it is deplorable that Holly thinks that putting down a client for not being good enough at Pilates is going to help her grow her pilates business. Would it not have worked better for her and the studio if she had marketed the business and attracted more students instead of getting rid of one? Finally, I must say again that the instructors are superb and I wish the best for all of them, and it is only the owner who has made me feel like shit. read more

I went here twice, the first time I took FIT, but it was so easy I almost fell asleep on my mat, So I wanted to give it another chance and took PRO, Again, SO easy, weirdly easy. I like to at least break a sweat during a class, but I think I got sweatier walking into the studio from my car. Bummer, I so wanted to love this place since it is so cute inside, and so close to my house. read more

I love this place! They do Stott Pilates so it is anatomy based and really safe. I do the monthly pass and have taken with many different instructors and I like them all! They have a wide variety of class times and since I work in the afternoons and evenings, I am usually able to make at least 3 mornings a week work in my schedule. I have only tried the Fit classes, but they are really awesome and even though there are different levels, the instructors really cater to everyone's needs and ability. I really love the small class sizes, at most there will be 7 people and I feel like I get a good work out every time! read more

Schedule and instructors are not the same from Week to week. Looked for a Thursday class and NONE are scheduled this week. Need more consistency with the schedule and the instructors. read more

I hate exercise and I didn't really even know what pilates is until a friend demanded that I go to one of Holly's classes. She is so charming, knowledgable, down-to-earth and considerate that I actually enjoyed the class!! Which never happens. Afterwards -- and for days after -- I felt empowered and energized but not sore, which is as far as I know the holy grail of workouts. Even though I was clearly lagging behind the rest of the class, Holly was encouraging but not in a way that singled me out or made me feel embarrassed. She even talked to me about a problem I've had with my knee for years -- one that a doctor told me is unfixable! -- and gave me IT-band stretches to do, which have helped immensely. I know that BSP is great for seasoned pilates gurus, but I just wanted to add that it's also awesome for noobs like myself, because Holly's so great at working with people of different abilities. read more

I've just started here and absolutely love it. The instructors are super friendly and very well informed. The class size is perfect to provide individual feedback and get the moves right for you and I leave feeling that I've done a good workout. read more

So happy to have found this place! I live in the neighborhood and heard about the studio from one of my clients. I started out with the trial week for $75. I went 6 days and was already starting to feel different/stronger. It has been 2 months now and I am hooked. I signed up for the monthly unlimited and go 4-5 times every week. Pilates body here I come and just in time for Summer! read more

I love Blue Sparrow Pilates. I'm so happy they finally opened an east bay studio. What they teach is the real deal. Pilates won't necessarily make you massively sweat but it doesn't mean you're not working. I've tried several of the east bay studio teachers and they all offer me something I need. I always leave feeling stronger, my posture is better and I stand taller. I've been doing Pilates for 15 years and Blue Sparrow is the best studio I've been too. read more

Love this studio and all of the instructors who teach here!! Blue Sparrow has made me fall in love with Pilates and working out!! I feel so much stronger and actually look forward to my workouts, hard but so fun!! I've gotten a bunch of my friends into it as well and they all rave about Blue Sparrow too!! read more

Great studio with excellent instructors and classes! Affordable too in spite of being a brand new studio with the best Pilates equiptment available! Easy parking across from Walgreens in Temescal. I've been doing Pilates for several years and this is the best studio in the Area by far. Highly recommended. read more

This was not a fitness class. I have taken a number of reformer classes elsewhere and was excited to try one out near my new spot. As others have said, this class uses the reformer equipment, but I did not see ANYONE break a sweat or breathe hard. I got a better workout walking to and from the studio. read more

This is a welcome addition to Oakland. I've been trying a number of yoga and pilates studios in the neighborhood, and am so happy Blue Sparrow decided to open on Telegraph last year. They have new machines, offer personal attention and it is never crowded. It's a non-judgemental zone, and I really feel at-home here. Of course, the teachers are what make this a great environment - they are extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I love Blue Sparrow! read more