As someone who has always focused on cardio and high-intensity HIIT workouts, I wanted to try Pilates to reduce the risk of injury and minimize wear and tear on my body. I had never done Pilates before, and it seemed a bit intimidating--until I met Jill and discovered FitSprings. From my very first class, I was amazed at how dynamic yet low-impact the workout was. The movements challenged me in a new way, and I quickly started noticing improvements in my balance and flexibility (still a work in progress!). Jill is incredibly attentive and guides you through each step, ensuring you get the most out of every session. The small, intimate class sizes make a huge difference, allowing for personalized feedback and a supportive environment. If you're looking for an effective, low-impact workout with expert instruction, I highly recommend FitSprings! read more

FitSprings - Pilates Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is so fun!! Jill is amazing! She gives great directions and corrections. I was dripping with sweat at the end! My whole body feels energized!! Will definitely come back! read more

I love FitSprings!!! FitSprings is designed by the brilliant renown Pilates instructor, Jill Harris, for a low impact yet safe and effective cardiovascular and strength training workout that incorporates functional movements and Pilates. Every time I am at a FitSprings session I leave feeling accomplished and sweaty; it is a workout that sneaks up on you: one where you think it is going to be easy, yet 10 minutes in and you are shocked by how much tension these little springs give to the body, challenging your stability and strength in every movement. Thank you so much, Jill, for showing me what I need to work on and where all my little imbalances are! Everyone needs to be doing FitSprings. read more

Amazing work with Jill and Liz at FitSprings! I just spent a weekend with Jill attending her teaching training. Personally, for my own body, I love working out on FitSprings because it strengthens without being heavy, because FitSprings combines strength and flexibility together (like ballet), but with FitSprings' added support and buoyancy, you can work in ways that allow you to expand your range of motion safely. The teacher training opened my eyes even more to the possibilities of working with FitSprings for strengthening and rehabilitiation. And it's fun -- exhilarating, actually! I can't praise FitSprings and Jill Harris enough. This is a brilliant innovation and takes Pilates -- and dance, yoga, and basic fitness -- to an entirely new level. read more

I've been doing classes to help me recover from a car accident 6 months ago. I wasn't looking forward to a long, painful rehab, but Jill and her challenging and creative FitSprings workouts have helped make it fun. read more

If you're trying to go in for a quick workout and have a tight schedule you might not want to chance going here. Nice facility, first visit was great I got in smoothly took about 3 minutes. Second time I stood in like for about 20 minutes. They need a better front desk staff and a simpler checkin process that doesn't require you to stand in a line if there is one when you arrive. The front desk staff is handling too many things at once. Also kind of rude. read more

wow!!! fitsprings is an incredible workout! i have been trying different pilates classes around the city and went to visit jill at fitsprings last week. fitsprings is the best pilates class i have taken and i love that it is available for people of all exercise abilities. i am a former college athlete and suffer from a lot of knee and back pain, but with fitsprings i was able to get an amazing workout without being in any pain. if you have not tried fitsprings before, you need to go!! read more

In my early 20s, I was always that lazy friend. Running late for the series finale of my favorite TV show was the "only time" my friend had ever seen me run. I tried a spin class my friend was teaching and literally fell off the bike. I would huff and puff walking the hill up to my apartment. In fact, I had gained about 20lbs since college. I had to do something. Something that wasn't scary, something that I could commit to. I checked out pilates studios in the area and decided on a weekly mat class with Lisa at Informed Body. The mat classes are challenging, but Lisa keeps them very upbeat (and fun, I daresay...) and makes sure you're not pushing your body too far. The group classes are very small (usually 3-4 people), and only $20 if you buy a package of ten or more. It's a great value - with only a couple other people in the class you get a lot of personalized attention, at a small fraction of the cost of individual classes. A year later, I can reach down and touch my toes, I don't get winded walking home, and I can do pushups. (Those may not sound like big deals to you but they are a Big Deal to me!) More importantly, I've learned that I can take small steps towards fitness and stick to my goals. If you had told 2010 Cathy she would be going to Pilates every week and go running on the weekends, she would laugh at you and eat some more french fries! read more

Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain. Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques. A miracle? Not really. Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates. Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you.....as long as you have a great instructor. San Francisco's Informed Body Pilates is THE destination for fabulous Pilates instruction. This popular Hayes Valley studio offers a complete menu of private, trio, and group classes; and is well known for providing premium Pilates that packs a powerful punch. In the loft-like space, soothing green walls and sunny windows create an ambiance of peace and happiness. Tastefully decorated and well equipped with props, reformers, spring boards, and cadillacs, Informed Body has everything needed for a blissful mind-body experience. The studio's weekly schedule allows you to sample creatively titled classes like: "Bend, Bitch & Burn", "Booty Beauty", or "Pilates Bar". You can also enroll in 4-week series programs and commit to getting rid of your "muffin top" with a motivating group. Personal training, yoga, and kettlebell classes are another part of the unique client offerings. Instructors include some of San Francisco's top talent. With staff like lululemon ambassador Katie McMahon, professional dancer Amber Zuckswert, and Personal Trainer Sara Ris, Informed Body is a collection of the city's best. I was lucky to schedule a session with business owner Jill Harris for a private Informed Body lesson. The studio's great success is in part because Jill is simply fabulous. Charming and fun-loving, Jill's personality will immediately inspire you to get moving. Our hour together was challenging, entertaining, and honestly mind blowing. The class was perfectly customized to fit my body's needs and muscular imbalances. Jill's hands-on approach and expert eyes helped me make each move both strong and satisfying. I finished our workout feeling empowered and completely addicted. Hate to tell you but if you have a Pilates lesson from Jill you will be too. Don't say I didn't warn you... I'll see you at Informed Body Pilates Studio! read more

I was referred to Informed Body by my old Pilates instructor. They set me up with Heather, and I must say she was great! First off, she is very concise and focused on you during your workout. She notices the small stuff and corrects it so that you can maximize your workout and get the most out of it possible. She also starts at a level that you can work at and also changes it up once your body gets to know the exercise. Unfortunately with my work schedule, I could only do mornings and at the time I was with Informed Body, Heather didn't have any openings during the times I needed (a good sign). What was great though was that instead of trying to just say "too bad" she tried to find someone else to help work with me, and when that didn't work, she refunded me the remaining money that I had with the studio. How many people/places would do that!? I would recommend Informed Body to anyone!!! read more

I was in SF for a month back in June for a clinical assignment. Being a Pilates fanatic, one of my missions was to find a studio to take a few privates. I was really fortunate to have met Artemis at Informed Body. Teaching wise, she's the most creative instructor I've ever trained with. My workouts were nothing like anything I've done in the past. They were challenging, different (in a great way), very effective, and made a lot of sense from a biomechanical standpoint (I'm a physical therapy student). I was suffering from pretty bad neck pain and stiffness at the time. Artemis is very knowledgeable with anatomy and movement, and was able to help address my discomfort and actually help alleviate the pain and stiffness significantly. The location is super convenient and close to the Market Street BART station and some great restaurants. The hardwood floors and exposed structure ceilings add to the beautiful and inviting atmosphere of the studio. I cannot say enough great things about Artemis and Informed Body. I'm happy to know if I move to SF after graduation, I'll have a fantastic studio to train at and a place to refer clients to! read more

Oh. My. Gosh! This class is AMAZING, INSANE, SO MUCH FUN.... I have way too many positive words on my mind to describe it! I'm doing Fitmob and I went to a lot of pilates classes where I was literally bored. Not so at Informed Technique - what a unique and fun workout! AND SO CHALLENGING! I struggled the most with my coordination in the fast movements but Jill was so nice and broke everything down for me! I'm sure whoever comes frequently will build lots of strength but at the same time also train balance and coordination which is much needed in every day life! I will definitely be back and I can recommend this class/studio to EVERYONE out there, no matter how fit you are, you will be challenged here and you will learn something, without any doubt! read more

I've been doing pilates in this studio twice a week for about six months now and every time I go in I am reminded what a wonderful space it is. Not only are the instructors each very knowledgeable/good, the space itself is just really airy, beautiful, and well cared for. It makes it a pleasure to get your body work done! I've worked with two separate instructors and each are very good - they really listen, notice your particular needs and shortcomings, and tailor each session to that. I've done private sessions and trios and it's always a pleasure, even at 7am. Doing pilates here in the morning before work puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step every time for the rest of the day. Highly recommended! read more

Love it! Beautiful new studio in the neighborhood. Fabulous interior design with a great use of space. Teachers are extremely knowledgeable and very fun to work with. Right across from Blue Bottle to give you a kick before or after your workout. read more

Jill Harris is a glowing powerhouse!! I was immediately struck by owner Jill's enthusiasm and zeal - she truly loves helping others look and feel their best+she's a total doll!! AND the gorgeous studio reflects her impeccable taste(down to the super cool umbrella light fixtures)! A beautiful space to get down to fitness business! From the most modern machines, to mat classes, to nutritional workshops aimed to support a healthy lifestyle; Informed Body gives you the tools to be fit for good. read more

My 5 star experience with Informed Body began before I even set my bow legged self in the studio! I moved to San Francisco about two months ago and I wanted to make myself apart of the city's healthy lifestyle. I began running regularly but I still wanted to mix things up a little bit. I found Informed Body on Yelp and was amazed at the reviews! For one place to have all 5 star reviews is wonderful! I decided to write an email to Jill Harris, the owner, and she responded immediately. She answered all of my questions and concerns. I am starting my introduction to pilates with Marisol, an instructor in training. I find this to be a great way to learn. I feel as if it is more of a partnership and a learning experience for the both of us, which makes it less intimidating. It is a great space and everyone is really welcoming. I can tell that everyone cares about the well being of their clients. Although I have only had a few classes, I already feel the difference in my body. I have felt muscles that I never knew existed. I feel toner and I am very aware of my posture. I leave every class feeling good and I wake up every morning feeling the muscles that I have worked. I would definitely recommend Informed Body for anyone who wants to give pilates a try. However you must have self control because they are conveniently located next to all the wonderful restaurants in Hayes Valley! read more

I think most people who practice Pilates know the importance of a talented and informed instructor. Search no further than Informed Body Pilates for a life changing (or at least a deeply enjoyable session) with Erin Malley. Her bio-mechanical approach to the body is inspiring and her articulate soft spoken manner really resonate and create a comfortable yet challenging space to learn and develop strength. Having a sense of humor and compassion make all the difference. She is supportive, very experienced but most importantly FUN! I recommend her to anyone in the SF area and can't wait for her next visit to NYC! read more

Fantastic! I signed up for a 30 minute private followed by a class with Jill. Because I'm not a dancer I really appreciated the 30 minute private...Jill took time to walk me through every single move and how the flow of the class feels. The moves are firmly rooted in ballet. The straps/harasses are amazing! I had a wider range of motion than normal and thus was able to challenge myself in new ways. Its also just incredibly fun. Who doesn't want to leap into the air and then balance on ones toes. But the classes ARE challenging. I'm definitely feeling the 1.5 hours today. Will definitely be back. So rare to find classes that are both incredibly small (capped at 5 ppl), interesting, challenging and inviting. read more

Informed Body is my favorite Pilates studio in SF and a place I always return to when I visit. Studio owner and master trainer Jill Harris is not only a passionate and excellent teacher, she makes working out fun. Her attention to detail and proper technique along with her creativity means sessions are effective, engaging, and deliver results. The studio itself is sophisticated, clean, and serene. A great escape from the bustle of the city for an hour of personal time. Highly recommended! read more

Katie McMahon is AWESOME! She is very knowledgeable and I'm happy to report I was always sore after each session. She is also very very personable and makes the sessions fly by. I definitely recommend her. read more

My favorite Pilates studio in the city! I have tried many Pilates studios in the city and this is as good as it gets! The studio space is perfect...enough space for 2 cadillacs, 4 reformers, 3 springboards w/ mats, and 4-6 additional mats. The classes are small and the instructors are amazing! I highly recommend Lisa Bower and Erin Malley. Both Lisa and Erin offer challenging classes while providing individualized attention and adjustments as needed. They also offer group equipment classes, private, trio or duo sessions. The prices are similar to most studios and fees are reduced if you buy a package. read more

Beautiful space, clean and modern, It was really nice to move my body like this again, it works it from the inside out. I liked that the class were small and we had more one on one time, def check it out. read more

What an awesome new workout! There are 'trendy' workouts popping up everywhere that combine bits and pieces of other fitness classes that I have tried, but they aren't always effective and the instructors aren't top-notch - which worries me because I am afraid I will injure/hurt myself. That's why I was so happy to hear about the new classes called Informed Technique! The class is taught by instructors who are dancers and Pilates instructors with years of experience. It's truly based on traditional dance and ballet (instead of made up new fitness moves), but the best part is you don't have to be a dancer to do it, which I loved, especially since I have always been fascinated by the grace of a dancer and wish I grew up dancing! Not only that, but boy is it a workout. The class is awesome and looks cool because its on a structure that has springs and a mobile ballet barre that look harmless but works your body hard - I was definitely sore the next day and can't wait to go back as I feel it working my trouble zones. One of my favorite parts of using the equipment in class was the way the springs are suspended from the structure and alleviates stress on my spine to make me feel and stand taller - which is especially beneficial for me since I have scoliosis. Class sizes are small - only 5 per class, which gives you personal attention from the instructor, but is not intimidating. read more

Some of us are born ballet dancers, some of us pretend we are. But Jill welcomes us all, that is to say, even two-left-feet me. Being strung up like a puppet then dancing? So much fun. Having to roll up slowly and stretch to contour abs? Who knew hell was made out of springs and pop music? I've been going on and off to Jill and Susan's classes and left with a straighter, leaner posture. More importantly, I leave with a smile. The studio is clean, large, and full of pilates stuff - beautiful machines that scare me - even though I regularly kickbox, run in the mud, trample in the woods. There is a changing room in the back with a bathroom and cubbies to keep your stuff safely stored as you go to class. Reformers, a whole pilates machine - this is a serious place with experts on the body and instructors who love teaching pilates. read more

This studio rocks...and that's coming from a guy who's a gym rat. No seriously, love my trainer at Informed Body who kicks my a%s on a regular basis. I've found that mixing in a day or two of Pilates a week really helps in all of my other physical workout activities. Also found it to help my golf game...at least my club swing mobility. The studio itself is very chic & visually interesting inside - totally fits the Hayes Valley vibe. Highly recommend it to anyone - amateurs or experts alike! read more

I rarely write Yelp reviews these days but I feel obliged to share this one because if I were searching for an intelligent, playful, and challenging exercise class (wait! I AM often searching for this sort of thing :), I'd want to know this gem existed. So here's what you need to know: Informed technique is a fantastic work out which engages your body via a series of exercises rooted in ballet and pilates while being held "afloat" on an endemic spring system. This allows your body to go further and yet have better support in doing so than traditional mat exercise. The classes are intimate (capped at 5) and taught by a truly talented staff, most of whom I've encountered have been professional dancers at some point. Jill, the studio owner, is very savvy and insightful about each unique body and her corrections are grounded in training. As someone who lives and plays seriously in her body, and has for years, its fairly rare to find a setting where new corrections and insights are both meaningful to me and thoughtfully languaged by instructors so I can quickly assimilate them. This has been my experience on every occasion and I've taken the technique classes from now 4 different instructors. Why these effective and joyful classes are not filled to the brim and bursting with wait lists is beyond me but for now, i'll appreciate the offering of such an intimate setting to get my dance on! Highly recommend this little studio in Hayes read more

Let's get real here- working out isn't the #1 fun thing to do on my list. But at Informed Body, the individualized attention takes the focus away from what is really happening. (Smile). With a lecture series and recommendations for a better lifestyle in wellness, Jill Harris, Owner, makes getting in shape a piece of cake...which is the #1 sweet treat on my list. Most small businesses are just not putting in this sort of effort to ensure the client's experience is top notch, which is why I recommend Informed Body for private or group classes. read more

This place is fantastic! The space and decor is tres chic and the trainers fabulous. Jill and Shona really know their stuff and are all about getting you to work hard. You definitely get your $$$ worth. And come on, how can you not LOVE the fact that you can pick up your Blue Bottle Coffee apres class???? read more

let me be more dramatic than other reviews - informed body has given me back my own body. i'm a movement addict; someone who started yoga at 14 and has never stopped for long; biked on and off road every weekend for years; swam and ran most days; backpacked and rafted and kayaked and skiied and rode horses whenever i could. then serious spine problems emerged, and like any good san franciscan, i practiced every natural/alternative possible to avoid surgery, including most kinds of bodywork, acupuncture, diet changes. i had surgery, only when i realized how much functioning i was losing. long story short - surgery succcessful and i regained function, except pain has remained. nothing worked, so i gained weight, felt pain every day, and kept trying new things that usually ended me up in bed on drugs. Then i tried pilates with jill and anne, and it's all been good since. i didn't believe chronic pain was real until it happened to me - boy do i know better now - and i also know how important it is to work with people who understand the body, how it's hooked together, how the bones and the nervous system and the muscles and the fascia all meet up and support each other. At this point i work out several times a week with anne and lynne, and have received wonderful body therapy from shona when i've had a pain flare-up. i totally trust them with my body. the best part, though, is how much FUN i have. my exercise partner and i work hard, but also giggle, pretend we're getting ready to be in the circus, get her dog to stretch with us or walk on an exercise ball (not too often, really) and generally feel like we're at recess. it has changed my life. and yes, it's a comfortable and creatively decorated studio, decent parking in the neighborhood, and not only is blue bottle right across the alley, but miette confisery is at the end of the alley. i can't believe no one else has pointed out that little geographic treat! read more

Informed body is amazing! I never knew how sore my muscles could feel from a form of exercise that didn't involve insane cardio or using weights. Jill is very knowledgeable, professional and fun to work out with! I also love to follow her creative and beautiful videos on instagram! Such an inspiration! read more

Jill Harris is AMAZING. I am a personal trainer & won't recommend my clients to anyone else. I believe in mixing up modalities of exercise as not one method is the best, but combined it's wonderful. I go to her myself. She has so much knowledge & experience. read more

As an intern at a local nonprofit, I reached out to Informed Body to request support for an upcoming silent auction; the owner, Jill Harris, got back to me immediately, and was courteous, responsive, and very supportive. read more

This is a beautiful environment to do pilates! The instructors are welcoming, smart and funny and the studio has everything you need. I take group mat classes and do reformer sessions with a friend or two. Each has its benefits and I'm completely addicted to coming here. It's incredibly easy to set up a session by calling or emailing, thanks to Jill, and I know I'll get a great experience. I've done mat classes with Katie (challenging and very entertaining), and I've done reformer with Anne and Amber. Anne and Amber each have their own style - they both create tough, fun sessions and I never feel I'm doing the same things over and over again. There's always something new to try and all my muscle groups get involved. Love it! read more

It was my first time trying the class. Jill was super patient with me and guiding me and helping and assisting me with the new movements. I was surprised by her. She teaches the class with smile.. She is the best.. I will definitely return to her class.. read more

In all my years of dance training and as a personal fitness trainer, I have never been as fit, strong and sleek as I am now. I owe it all to Jill Harris! Her passion for teaching and fitness is inspiring! Thank you Jill! xxoo read more

I've been a devotee of Informed Body since it opened a year ago. The space is a delight, creatively carved out of an old building on Linden and designed as a peaceful space for your work out. It's not just a hot spot for working your core but also for getting the latest scoop what's new in everything from Barney's shoe department to the coming and going of shops in Hayes Valley. Workshops and special nutrition classes are offered monthly. Jill Harris is an brilliant teacher and it is treat to work with her. read more

I decided to start Pilates after a pregnancy that beat up my body pretty badly. Informed Body turned out to be the perfect place for me. I am amazed at how much progress I've made. The studio is clean and welcoming, and the instructors are great. I highly recommend both Anne and Victoria. read more

I had never done a pilates class before the one I took with Victoria, so I was kind of nervous. But from the second that I walked though the doors I felt completely comfortable with everything about the class and Victoria. She is super nice and friendly, yet is not afraid to kick your ass a little to get the most out of your session. She was extremely good at explaining how to do the various exercises and motions in order to get the most out of them. She's very energetic and her presence is great! The hour class definitely doesn't feel like an hour with Victoria as your teacher. Informed Body and especially Victoria come highly recommended!!! read more

Attention all Real and Wannabe Yogis: Finally a Yogini that makes you fall in love with yoga! I first attended a group session led by Adriana a few weeks back. Even though I hadn't done yoga in 10 years, that session left me feeling so relaxed and blissful, I knew I was going to go back for private lessons. Before starting, she looked at my posture and picked asanas that will help relieve muscle stiffness and reverse all the damage a desk job does. Her instructions are clear and detailed and she provides subtle adjustments to make sure I was in the perfect pose. Its incredible how many times just changing the spacing between my fingers or looking in a particular direction or breathing slower makes impossible looking poses easier. The session gets progressively challenging and ends in a guided meditation that lets you to transcend the spacetime continuum. The soothing music, the spotlessly clean studio, a witty and inspiring teacher - all 'yoga' crack! Get addicted!! read more

You can't beat Jill Harris' studio, Informed Body in Hayes Valley! If you want an amazing quality pilates experience, go there! It's beautiful, down to earth and professional! Jill clearly cares about her clients and their well being. She is personally committed to the growth and health of her clients and it shows in her enthusiasm and success. Check it out. read more