FITWISE PILATES offers individually tailored pilates treatment and rehabilitation programs. Ronda Priestner, the principal instructor on-site, not only looks at the physical rehabilitation needs but also addresses the whole body. My program included back strengthening, increased physical strength, increased range of motion, and diet and nutrition/life style consultation. I learned that prior to her certification in Pilates she was a professional chef that specialized in special needs (diets) for her clients. I started out in individual sessions to learn basics of pilates and have now graduated to one of her "classes" which always have four or less people in them. She's great and extremely personable. read more

After writing my review Ronda contacted me to make the situation right. I appreciate her taking the time to change my mind about my experience here. I really loved the one on one session that she gave me to compensate for the miscommuncation. I learned alot, and was really surprised how she picked up on a lot about my body without even having to tell her. She even gave me a complimentary class where i got to work with Michelle, who too was awesome. This is a wonderful place to go to properlly stretch out after engaging in kickboxing all week. I am sure i will be a familiar face here read more

I was first introduced to Fitwise Pilates about eight months ago at the recommendation of another instructor from whom I'd taken a few private lessons to treat substantial sciatic pain. I promptly scheduled a private lesson with Ronda and haven't looked back since! Ronda is not only one of the warmest and most disarming people I've ever known, but she also has mastered a complex and intricate understanding of the body and movement. Within one private session with Ronda, she utterly transformed the way in which I see and understand my body and its' movement in space. Additionally, with her abundance of skillful knowledge, keen eye, and nuanced technique, I felt stronger and more fluid almost immediately. And after seeing her privately the one time, Ronda encouraged me to start taking group classes at Fitwise - which (for the money-conscious individuals out there) only furthered my trust in and admiration for Ronda, knowing that she seeks only to strengthen and heal. I began taking group classes at Fitwise between three and four days a week and continue to do so almost religiously. Through these group classes, I subsequently have been fortunate to meet and work with the other phenomenal leading ladies at Fitwise, Stephanie and Rebecca. I leave every single class at Fitwise feeling stronger, more flexible, more in touch with my body, and invigorated (not to mention the fact that each class is also a lesson in anatomy). Furthermore, the warm atmosphere fostered at Fitwise and its' uniquely diverse client base mean that following each class I take, I leave feeling peace of mind and soul. I am not a Pilates expert, but it nonetheless strikes me as an incredible testament to the expertise of the Fitwise team that within each class, clients of all ages and skill levels can practice harmoniously, yet simultaneously receive proper individual attention for a customized (and collaborative) workout. Have I mentioned yet that I no longer experience sciatic or low-back pain? All in all, no matter who you are or what you seek to gain from Pilates, Fitwise will meet all your needs and beyond. I cannot recommend these folks highly enough. read more

I have been going to Fitwise Pilates for a year now. My job is physically demanding and strenuous.. When I started Fitwise, I was struggling with a great deal of physical pain. Ronda told me to give her a year and she would have me feeling strong agiain and without the pain. She was true to her word! I am stronger, physically balanced and fit! Each of the three instructors always begin the class by asking how each participant is feeling and what they would like to work on. The classes are no larger than 8 but sometimes smaller. The instructors are attentive to the participants, gently correcting or modifying movement so that each participant gets the most out of class without hurting themselves. There is a deep commitment to each of us having a successful experience as well as a safe and supportive one. The classes vary in levels and can be quite rigorous or more gentle depending on ones level and strength. The instructors are great about adapting to the partiants in the class and at that particular session. A bonus is the clientele. I have been going with two of my girl friends but I take classes w/o them and have met a warm and delightful bunch of other women/men. Fitwise has been a great place for me to get stronger and fit as well as providing relief from the stresses of my work day. Ronda provides more than a work out she is provides mind/body work outs with expertise in diet health and nutrition. Fitwise is a wonderful resource. I can't do without my Pilates! read more

I don't think there are enough good things to say about Ronda and her Fitwise Pilates dojo. When I first met up with her, I was suffering from lower back pain, poor posture, horrible eating habits and just struggled to shake those last few pounds. I am also an avid runner, and I wanted to incorporate in my regimen some kind of stretching/toning exercises. It's been almost a year since I've first started. Ronda's classes have taught me exercises that help improve my posture and that also help to strengthen my back and core muscles. Prior to her Pilates teaching she was (and still is) a phenomenal chef and shares her abundant knowledge of how to incorporate a healthy diet into our lifestyle. Most importantly, by including Pilates in my routine, it has helped me to become a better runner. I look forward to my class time-it's my mini-vacation. Overall she has improved my quality of life. You must give it a try! read more

After two years of CrossFit, I realized that I needed to strengthen my core muscles and work on my form if I didn't want to keep injuring my back. So I decided to give Pilates a try. I've taken several personal lessons with Stephanie and one with Michelle and absolutely love it. I feel fantastic at the end of every session. The studio is small but very well maintained, the equipment is clean and in great shape, and the instructors and professional and engaging - genuinely nice people, who really want to help you. They are cognizant of how you're feeling and work with you to make sure you're properly aligned and getting the most out of every activity. Ronda, the owner, makes a point of personally reaching out to each new person and sends out special class offers. I'd definitely recommend Fitwise. read more

There's a reason why Ronda gets such excellent reviews. She's kind, generous, patient and not judgmental. My body is slowly changing shape, and my back doesn't hurt anymore, and I am not sure exactly how it all happened. She's very precise about Pilates, so little muscles that have never been worked before, are now getting stronger. She also helps with nutrition and supplements. Overall, Ronda is a fantastic instructor. read more

I had the pleasure of taking a group class here and had to write about what a great experience! I have been taking Pilates for many years and I was so hoping to take a class that would challenge me while understanding that I have old injuries that I need to pay attention to. The instructor Hannah Husband was compassionate and joyful in her approach, exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed every minute of the class and never felt rushed through a movement, while getting consistent challenge through the whole hour. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable with a focus on really achieving your goals. Hannah's professional eye for form and kind attention made me feel very cared for while not feeling overly serious. I felt great the next and could definitely tell I had a good work out. The hour flew by to fast and I look forward to going again. Thank you Hannah! read more

I love this studio!!! That's it in a nutshell. This review is way overdue as I've been coming here and working with the ladies here for over 5 years now but I'm finally sharing my love with all you other yelpers who might be searching to begin or improve your pilates practice. For myself, working out can be a chore a lot of the time, but I get such a great workout due to the level of attention and support from Ronda and her ladies in each session that I leave Fitwise feeling centered and ready to tackle the day! Generally I take semi-private sessions and what sets this studio apart from the pack is the fact that the instructors here are constantly challenging me in every session. Every session is a different mix of movements and lesson plans are carefully thought out to target goals that I've set out to achieve. I've seen my fitness level rise immensely since I began here and I look forward to many more years of practice. read more

If you have never tried Pilates, then this would be a fantastic introduction. I cannot recommend Ronda Priestner, the owner, highly enough. The studio is lovely and full of light, Ronda is a delight and her classes are fun and rewarding. I started doing pilates over a year ago and the results have been amazing; I lost weight and became very toned and limber. It has also helped me with my workouts at the gym. Promise me you will at least try it once! read more

I took a private session with Mari and also Michele. Both of them are amazing trainers: they are not only knowledgable in physiological aspects of training that they gave me but they also are extremely skillful in teaching the training. They are sweet and funny yet they maintain courteous and professional attitude. I haven't had a chance to meet other trainers but I have no doubts that all trainers in FitWise Pilates are awesome and incredible! So, I highly recommend anyone who has a back problem like myself or simply wants to strengthen core muscles. read more

Fitwise Pilates is one of the best things I have done for myself! I had been a runner for many years and in decent shape, but about 5 years ago I herniated two discs in my lower back and was in great pain. After 2 epidurals and 2 months of Physical Therapy, I was given the green light to find an exercise activity to strengthen my core, yet be gentle on my back. My husband purchased 2 private lessons with Ronda and that was all it took to get me hooked. Ronda is fantastic and the other instructors( Stephanie, Michelle and Mari) are terrific. My core is stronger and my back pain is minimal...usually when I have skipped a week. I no longer run, but do a lot of hiking and some backpacking. Pilates has given me the strength to stay active. What I find truly amazing is how the classes are ever changing, keeping it fresh, challenging and rewarding. I cannot say enough about Ronda, her instructors and Pilates. Thank you Fitwise!!! (Oh and did I say, my husband is an avid goer!) read more

I've been going to Fitwise for 1.5 years and I absolutely love it! I was new to pilates when I started going to Fitwise and all of the instructors have been excellent in teaching me so much. The classes are small and the instructors are skilled in keeping an eye on everyone's form and making suggestions/adjustments whenever necessary. I've gained a ton of core strength as well as awareness related to my posture and how I go through each exercise. Still lots more to learn. The studio is very small and only offers one class at a time. Hopefully they'll expand down the road to be able to offer multiple classes. Saturday mornings tend to be very popular! read more

Ronda is so incredibly knowledgeable, motivational, kind, and inspirational, which is what I was seeking in an instructor. After each work-out with Ronda, I feel so much more centered, and my body feels fantastic. I am already awaiting my next class. Thanks so much Ronda! Fitwise is AMAZING! Hands-down my go-to for all things fitness. read more

Pilates is and art and Ronda is a master artist. But she is not just only exceptional Pilates instructor she also highly knowledgeable in body kinetics and working with clients that have physical injuries and/or movement limitations. Ronda is a motivator and an inspiration. I highly recommend Fitwise to anyone who is looking to get fit, loss weight, or rehabilitate from an injury. read more

There is a reason Fitwise has almost all 5 stars! Classes are small to reasonable. The instruction is fantastic. I have been struggling with pain in my hip/glute for 4 years now and THE only thing that helps besides walking is Pilates. I go even when I am in pain as they will accommodate me in the class and make sure I do not do more harm. I was constantly getting injuries from Yoga. This is my 4th year going to Fitwise and trust me, I do not stick with many things that long. I look forward to the classes and love that I can go early morning and have my whole day for work. read more

I have been a attending classes sat Fitwise Pilates for many years. I started in the little corner studio in El Cerrito. I have continued on and love it. Ronda is awesome and her team (Stephanie, Josslyn, Mari and Michelle) have all worked with me to rehab my broken ankle and my torn up knee. I hate when I miss! Fitwise is awesome!!!!! I recommend it to everyone! read more

Ronda, Stephanie and the rest of the gang at Fitwise are all exceptional. Each of the instructors has her own style, but it is clear that they coordinate as a team to serve clients to meet their individual health and fitness goals. As a decades-long distance runner, my body is stretched to the limit. Pilates has saved me. I cannot recommend them highly enough, especially the fantastic private sessions. The classes are also great. I only wish I could do it every day! read more