I first tried Pilates in the early 90's due to a back injury and was convinced of its benefits when I made a full recovery. Since then, I have been to many studios over the years but EHS Pilates is definitely at the top. The studio is spacious and light with plenty of room and equipment. Nancy Myers is an amazing instructor, focused on technique and extremely knowledgeable. She takes time to explain everything and is incredibly nice. Nancy has helped me tremendously in correcting several mechanical problems over the years. She always has great new suggestions for me! And her CoreAlign classes will kick your butt. read more

I have been a long time follower of EHS Pilates. Nancy Myers is amazing as are all he many many trainers that I have worked with there over the years. EHS has a lot of great equipment and is on the front line of he Pilates education trends. I am a big fan of her new CoreAlign classes, which are not Pilates but are a killer cardio and core workout. the spring board classes a nice, the reformer classes are awesome! If you really want toge your butt licked take a Wunda Chair class, you wont be able to laugh or cough for a few days!! If you have the means The best service EHS provides is the personal training!!! Work with an Apprentice or a Senior trainer and you are sure to see results in just a few sessions! Classes are reasonably priced, especially if you purchase them in a bundle. When time and finances allow, you can always bet that I will be at EHS getting my core kicked into shape with a smile! Love you ladies keep up the great work! read more

I've only been here for the prenatal pilates class, but I'm already a fan. Lucky me got a one-on-one session because it's Stephanie's first class back after her own maternity leave, and it was a great intro to pilates for me. She's patient and clear, and explains each move and which muscles you should be using. She also seems like a great resource for pregnancy tips and practitioners. read more

While I have been very happy with my experience at EHS, this review is mostly about my private (and group) instructor there, Laura Kirkeby (http://www.laurakirkeby.com/Pilates.html). I've been coming to classes at EHS for the last 5 months and sampled classes with about 6 or 7 different instructors, all of whom are solid, skilled, and knowledgeable about Pilates, but none of whom stood out like Laura, who teaches at EHS on Tues, Wed and Friday, and is currently a "Level 1" provider -- ie, the least expensive on their price scale, making her private sessions the best deal EVER! Over the past 12 years, I have taken hundreds of private and group lessons with dozens of instructors, but Laura has a real gift. She has a confident, directive but gentle and kind approach to teaching, both in groups and one on one. A phenomenal and very natural teacher (and dancer, and dance instructor), Laura is extremely keyed in to her students; she is SUPER observant, sharp and intuitive in her efforts to address students' (physical) problem areas, coaching and providing hands-on guidance as needed to support us attending to the work effectively. Throughout the class, she offers frequent guidance and prompts to make sure we're on point. She seldom brings up herself or her own life during class, which I find so refreshing (and increasingly unusual), as it allows me to stay attuned to and focused on my practice - just as she is. It is a huge relief to feel complete trust in my teacher as an expert guiding me to work through my weaknesses and build upon my strengths - to be the best that I can be. read more

This studio is full of very talented and dedicated trainers who really know there stuff!! They always make you feel comfortable and are very supportive!! I love the space and all the staff they rock read more

EHS is a great teaching studio; I'm glad that I had my first intro to pilates class here. They keep the intro class small, so our student-teacher was pretty hands-on and attentive. Our class of four students had the whole church, where they're temporarily located as their studio is being renovated, to ourselves. In the hour class, we went over breathing, stretches, the foam roller, springboard, and finally the reformer. I liked that she demonstrated every move for us and got on the reformer, teaching us how to carefully get on without injuring ourselves. It was a lot to absorb in the quick class but was a good overview, and the teacher was available after class to answer questions. I'm glad that had my first reformer class here, as I tried a beginner pilates class the next day at another studio in which the teacher rushed us through all the exercises and never got on the reformer to demonstrate. read more

Pilates in general gets five stars. But I feel phenomenal after a good work-out with Hilda. So lengthened and toned and relaxed. She's amazing! read more

Great Pilates studio, big selection of classes to choose from, excellent equipment (Balanced Body). Justin is really awesome with the CoreAlign! I'll definitely be going back to try some more of his classes! The vibe here is perfect for what I'm looking for in a classical Pilates studio. It's more of a therapy to counteract the rest of my fitness regimens rather than a crazy cardio workout, and the instructors really know what they're talking about as far as anatomy and alignment goes. read more

Every instructor is amazing here, and this place changed my life and now I am knee deep in their teacher training program. Enough said, book an appointment ASAP best deal $150 for unlimited monthly mat card read more

I love my class here. It is taught by Karen, who is knowledgeable, sweet, and keeps us doing different things every week. I really don't like several of the receptionists. I have gotten off the phone with some of them before with the very distinct feeling they thought my questions were dumb and annoying...which in turn makes me feel they are really, truly dumb and annoying. "They" being the receptionists, not my questions. :) So, yea for Karen...boo for some of the grumpy snoots at the front desk. read more

Just had a great session today with Jennifer Bearse. The studio is bright, clean and spacious with a friendly front desk staff. Jen's background includes Ironman triathlons and Capoeira, so her fitness background and Pilates training is probably what makes her a great instructor. I'm definitely returning. read more

I love EHS! The space is bright, filled with awesome art and excellent instructors. It's down to earth, and real, not pretentious. The staff is always really friendly, and accommodating. I did their Bridal Bootcamp program, which helped motivate me to get into the best shape of my life. Christopher Nelson was my trainer, and I'm frantically scheming ways to keep using him now that I no longer have the excuse of pending nuptials. He's exactly what a girl wants in a trainer -- he knows his stuff, he's got a great, irreverent, sense of humor, he pushes you to your max, but he doesn't take himself (or Pilates) too seriously. Because at the end of the day, it's not a religion -- it's just an excellent way to work on your core strength, help your back, get awesome abs/ass, and avoid bulkiness. read more

EHS is a fantastic Pilates studio! I am admittedly a beginner, but I have had a very welcoming and positive experience at EHS that will keep me coming back for more. First, the facility is spacious, clean, and has the full assortment of the latest Pilates equipment, mats, reformers, arcs, etc. I saw that they even have a Core Align machine, that I have read about and am eager to try in a future session! I have been to a couple other studios in the city, and there seems to be something lacking in size, equipment, and/or overall atmosphere. EHS is a breath of fresh air, literally. Second, my instructor Esha is AMAZING! She is committed to tailoring your training to your personal needs and body type. Case in point, she picked up on my my chronic back problem immediately, and she has been able to help target and strengthen my back immensely. The abdominal work we have done had me in serious pain (the good kind!), but I already have better posture and a much stronger core because of it. She is very particular with keeping your form perfect, and so you get the most out of every exercise with her. She continues to push me within my limits, and I never feel overwhelmed, yet I'm learning a ton every session I have with her. She is truly a talent and I highly recommend her to anyone, beginner or advanced! Lastly, I was able to score this amazing deal that is 10 private sessions for $200, which is a special package with some of the EHS instructors, It is a ridiculously good deal - I highly recommend it. read more

After mostly focusing on Yoga for the past several years, I had been wanting to switch around my exercise regimen a bit, so I thought I'd give Pilates a try and focus on strengthening my core. On a recommendation of a friend, I tried EHS Pilates, and was happy to see that their facility was large, their equipment was clean, and their staff was very friendly. I signed up to work with Esha, and have been super pleased with her training. I told her that I had some issues with my ribs and back, and she listened attentively, and has always remembered to work around my sore spots. She is one of the most diligent trainers I've ever worked with, always focusing on making sure that I tighten/release the right muscles while breathing correctly (I generally forget to breath while exercising!). She also has a knack for pushing me hard, while not pushing me over my limit. Her approach is gentle yet very focused and disciplined. I feel like I get a solid workout every time we meet up, and my core is feeling stronger every week. I look forward to more trainings with Esha!! read more

I have never been to Pilates before going to EHS, having always been a yoga-swimming-weights person. Pilates was recommended by my PT, as I was "graduating" physical therapy and needed to continue to build strength. I have a low back injury and had found most forms of strength and fitness training (including yoga) quickly caused the injury to flare up. I found EHS via a coupon, and booked for private sessions with James. James is a relatively new instructor, and he has been AWESOME. He is always thinking about what he needs to do to keep my back happy while continuing to build strength, and checks in regularly to make sure that each exercise is working out. He even emails me after sessions when he has introduced new things to make sure that everything's ok. He seems to have a remarkable understanding of biomechanics, and has helped identify the causes of some other problem areas I had been experiencing for a long time. The upstairs space is also really lovely, with big skylights to let the sun in. I would echo some other people's comments re: the unfriendliness of the front desk staff, but in terms of actual training it's great. read more

I'm only 3 sessions into Pilates, and my instructor Blane has made me a convert. I hobbled into EHS looking for Pilates based rehab for my chronic back pain. (My Dr poked me in the gut and said "one word honey, Pilates".) In my first session with Blane it was obvious he was very knowledgeable about backs like mine and how to get me stronger. After my 2nd session I was able to sleep through the night for a whole week, so Blane clearly had me on the right track. He is patient, empathic and caring, and has a wicked sense of humor. Long story short: if your backfield is a hot mess get on the Blane Train. read more

This is one of the best pilates studios in San Francisco. I mainly do Reformer, Core Align and Chair class. The classes can be very humbling with some of the exercises that you wouldn't think would be challenging but they really are. The instructors here are very high quality and do a great job of helping explain or set you up properly for the exercise plus do a great job or correcting me when I'm overcompensating with stronger muscles or improper alignment. I think of Pilates as being a perfect Pre-Hab to help me to correct all of my imbalances in my body and set me on the path to properly go into my other exercising like hiking or yoga. Instructors work well with my injury limitations and with set me up with other exercises. And everyone working the front desk is wonderful and professional. read more

My experience with pilates was mostly at-home dvds, so I was a little intimidated at the prospect of the spring board and the reformer. When I went into the studio to sign up for a series of classes, they suggested I do some privates with a student instructor. This was an afforadable option, and it cost no more than a regular class because EHS is a training studio--and the students need to earn hours before they are certified. This was a great deal because my instructor Jaime really made me feel comfortable and encouraged me, while introducing me to all the equipment including hanging upside down on the cadillac and going sideways on the Wunda chair! She also reccomended a series of classes when I was finally ready to venture out on my own. I have taken Ruthie's reformer (she totally rocks!) and am now taking Julia's mat classes (ever so humbling!) but all the instructors here are so kind and deceptively gentle--they have a way of instructing you to do things like it is possible--even if you are dying half way through, they help you believe you can do it. I highly reccomend this studio, especially to anyone who is curious about pilates or wants to improve their home practice. They have a variety of decent rates, and the atmosphere is very fun and not intimidating at all. read more

It's my first Pilates studios. You can't beat a private class for $30. It actually can be a life changing thing once you take Pilates. I haven't taken any group classes yet, more on that. I bought my MBT shoes there, which I wear to work since i'm on my feet for more than 12 hrs. a day. read more

I'm happy to report that EHS is now offering additional classes. The teachers are still awesome, the folks at the desk are sweethearts, and I always look forward to coming to class. Check it out! read more

I love EHS, the location is great, it's a beautiful building from outside and professionnal and clean from the inside, everyone is so friendly and helpful. My pilate instructor is Michelle Moday, she's amazing, she knows how to teach the ropes of pilates without making you feel like you don't know anything about the subject, pilates is not easy but she makes it easy during your hour session , she's extremely patient and dedicated and of course she directs you very well with the goals that you want to achieve or why not, since i started pilates i feel better about my body, my physical performance & Michelle is teaching me a lot about my body itself at every session. Try a session w/her it's worth it read more

Since the moment I stepped into the door here, I felt at home. The vibe is relaxed, unpretentious, and you see people of all body types here. Finally, I can love a Pilates studio for the heart of it all: trainers who want to help people improve on what God gave them for a body. Sometimes this might be an injured back, strains from a Marathon you ran last week, or even just day or day stuff like repetitive strains from work. Pilates is truly for everyone. I love this studio also because the trainers are relaxed, easy going, and yet serious about their work. The classes are fun, challenging, and diverse. Ellie Herman started these studios years back, and has since developed her own method of Pilates, and has teacher trainings. Because she has built on Pilates original methods, there are more things to choose from equipment-wise. Personally I like the ball-springboard classes which really challenge your core and stability. Definately check out EHS pilates! You'll be glad you did read more

EHS (formerly Ellie Herman Pilates) has the best class selection and offers the most classes in SF. I do pilates 3 or 4x a week, so I pay monthly for unlimited classes. It's definitely worth it. The instructors are amazing. Never had a bummer class. They all teach differently, so you can attend a few classes and then stick with the people whose style you prefer. read more

Love this place.I've moved back to the East Bay, and the online reservation system makes it easy to book a class and not worry that the class will be full by the time I arrive. I really hope that I find a great studio like this when I move out of state. read more

Easily the best Pilates studio in the city!!! Blane's class rocks! I am almost a bit hesitant to mention it as I don't want it to fill up. He is an incredible teacher. Fun, smart, kind and so so good. Try to get Ruthie for privates. She is so hard and yet your body will feel great afterwards. Her intelligence, wit, and wisdom about the body and pilates is profound! I learned something new each time. I would find myself sweating and laughing simultaneously. I love Ruthie! If you can afford her, sign up now. I am so grateful for EHS on Valencia. It has changed my life and my body! read more

I've been going to EHS for the past 5-6 years and its hands down the best Pilates studio in the city. The staff is very very knowledgeable esp if you are recovering from injuries. AnnaMaria is a great trainer. Try their private student training sessions - a steal for getting a private one on one class with knowledgeable student trainers. read more

Similar to John Paul G., I used a LivingSocial deal to get 3 private sessions. Unlike JPG, I had a GREAT experience. All the girls were courteous and helpful, in person and over the phone. When I called to make my first appt, there was an option to sign up for 10 group classes or 3 privates and the girl over the phone said the privates might be a better option since my deal was actually expiring soon. I had created a profile on their website a long time ago so that part was over with and scheduling me for three classes was no problem. First two times I walked in, the instructor was waiting for me. As a first timer, I was nervous but Jenna was very gentle and introduced me to everything, equipment and beginner exercises. I wasn't even expecting to use the springboard, reformer, or cadillac, but she got me on all three (cool!) after some intro mat exercises. Laura was awesome! I asked her for a harder workout and she made me sore the next day. Very sweet, very nice. My last session was with Erica who I couldn't find in the beginning and she seemed a little more standoffish than the other two, but still another great instructor. She had me on the cadillac the whole time and made me do some really great exercises. Each instructor taught me new and different exercises and I'm a total Pilates-convert. Parking is easy in the area, studio is clean. No pressure after the completion of my three session to sign up for anything. THANK YOU EHS for my first Pilates experience! read more

I've been taking classes here since it was still Ellie Herman Studios. Call me nostalgic, but somehow it now seems more chaotic. The on-line sign-up is quite confusing and sometimes you get attitude when you call. I started with the one-on-one apprentice classes (with Julie and Moana) which were awesome and a great deal to get the correct form down and then moved into the group classes. If there is a time that works for you, book it out well in advance (on-line booking won't let you do that). CoreAlign classes with Moana are fun for working on developing your posture and balance. She also used to teach Cardio-Pilates which I loved...made the pilates feel more like a workout. Definitely worth checking out, some really great instructors, but my rating reflects their class packages and booking practices...I've lost $$$ on not finishing my card in time. read more

I love pilates! Everyone at EHS, from the instructors to the people attending classes, have the same passion and it's infectious. After trying about 8 different pilates studios I've found that EHS offers a great variety of classes with competitive prices and great instructors. read more

Nancy you are a goddess!! Working at my desk like a fiend all week, there's nothing I look forward more to than my session with Nancy Myers every Wednesday. No matter how slouchy, bent over and stiff I may feel going in, I always feel like a million bucks when i walk out the door. Nancy really knows her stuff and I know I'm in terrific hands. EHS has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the folks there are all wonderful. Special thanks as well to Andrea and Tracey for making me always feel at home. read more

I have been taking pilates at EHS for over one year now with great results. Recently, I have also tried their new machine called the CoreAlign. I felt like the CoreAlign gave me a good cardio workout and helped strengthen my knees, which I need all the help I can get with a torn ACL and a torn Meniscus. Overall, I feel the CoreAlign is helping me get a great workout and I am looking forward to getting stronger as I take more classes. read more

I love EHS - and Nancy Myers is a miracle worker. I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and an inflamed Achilles from a previous surgery many years prior. My doctor recommended an orthotic to help ease the pain. Unfortunately, the $400 device was not covered by insurance (or should I say fortunately because I would never have called Nancy if it had been). I was not willing to give up the heels just yet. Nancy assured me that she had an intensive three-day program that could help specifically addressing my Achilles and plantar issues. Within 2 sessions, I was running the Lyon Street Stairs with ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN or any of the days following. Thank you Miss Nancy! read more

I started doing Pilates hesitantly when a friend of mine used me as a guinea pig while she was doing her teacher training program at the original EHS studio - ten years ago. I have been hooked ever since and I can't thank her enough. After ten years of sitting at the computer and slouching over a drawing board my back is in excellent shape. The only time I have any aches is when I don't do Pilates. I have seen this studio evolve. It has blossomed into an inviting, non-intimidating atmosphere that sincerly cares about the community of people it serves. The classes and the teachers are consistently high in quality. 10 stars. read more

My first visit to EHS was more than six years ago. I'd had lower back surgery, was still struggling with back problems and had never been much of an athlete. My body hasn't been the same since discovering EHS, and lower back pain isn't even a part of my life anymore. It's also a fun, positive place to spend time. The women who own it are great. The trainers are amazing. And the space is light and bright and easy to move around in. read more

This pilates studio has really changed my life! The men and women who work here have only one agenda-to keep your body healthy and functioning to it's fullest capacity. Friendly, no-nonsense knowledgeable instructors and staff, clean machines, bright upstairs studios, nice classroom...all in all a super awesome place to get stronger and feel good. And leslie is an incredible person and instructor! read more

Love this place. Good equipment, thoughtful, dedicated, patient and approachable instructors, who take the time to figure out your individual issues, even in classes. Class sizes are small (8 or 9 for the big studio downstairs), prices are good ($180 for a ten-class mat/spring 'card'). I have been going for about four months, and every time I think I kick ass at this they make me realise I can still learn more about how the anatomy works and how you can work with it. I usually go to classes 2 or 3 times a week and have varied the trainers I work with, I like Alicia and Abi's classes best but haven't yet had a bad experience. Also they are so helpful when the bike racks are full, always letting me bring in all my crap and leave it safely inside whilst taking my class! read more

I joined EHS pilates studio 6 months ago and just love it. Karen Goldstein, my springboard instructor, has helped me so much with managing my s.i. joint problems. Being a ballet dancer herself she understands my injuries so much better than other people I have turned to for help. She is also very funny! Kerri Myers is my reformer teacher and is just fabulous. I love how much stronger I am since starting her classes. I have the monthly membership and that means every wednesday and friday I am in her class. What a way to start a weekend, with champagne fridays. Two of my favorite things, pilates and champagne, can't beat that! Moan Luna teaches core align and I have done some of her classes. I love her serene way of teaching. Especially a class that for me is quite challenging. She keeps me going with encouraging words even though I feel like I am the worst student possible! Thank you EHS Pilates you are the best! read more

As an older, not particularly fit woman, my experience at EHS has been so important to me. I feel "normal" and accepted as I am, with trainers who are able to work with me from where I am, helping me to build strength and balance which are so important as we age. It's not the kind of place where you look around and everyone seems to be 25 and a size 0! Lots of different kinds of people, men too! I'm so happy to have found this excellent studio. read more

I can't emphasize this enough: This place is very strongly geared towards people who are already in shape. Moana doesn't have the faintest clue about how to teach newbies - she was incredibly insulting to me. Ana Maria was better. But when I arrived for a third class which was supposed to be taught by Ana Maria, Moana was there as an unannounced substitute so I just left rather than be subject to ridicule. The whole thing was a bad experience. read more

I really did NOT want to write a bad review, however, I personally wrote and emailed an EHS co-owner and Balanced Body University regarding my negative experience at a 6-day Pilates Mat course that cost over $1000 and NEVER received an acknowledgement or a reply. I was very disappointed with my experience and merely wanted a response to demonstrate that my feedback was worthwhile to them. Apparently it is not. If you are a medical professional or have any experience in health/wellness, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND paying and participating in a Pilates Module at this location. I hope they can make positive changes for their future clients/students read more