I have been working out at Fit First Pilates for 8 years. I started on the advice of a spine…read moredoctor who said Pilates would be a great exercise given my low back issues. She recommended Fit First. I started with one on one classes with the owner, Stacy Allegro and eventually moved on to small group classes. I now take classes with Sharman who is fantastic. I like the individualized attention, awareness of injuries and ability to modify to meet each student's needs. Looking forward to the next 8 years!

NOTE: Fit First Pilates has moved into a beautiful new space in Corte Madera at 21 Tamal Vista…read moreBlvd. Ste 162. 415-458-4477 This makes it very centrally located in Marin. Pilates is the best method of fitness that I have found. A few years ago I was experiencing tremendous back pain from carrying my camera fanny pack. I planned a 3-month trip to Europe shooting but couldn't imagine walking in such pain. I only had 3 months to recover when I discovered Pilates and Fit First Pilates. All else had failed. Not only did my trainer, Stacey Allegro, get me up and walking in the 3 months but with continued workouts, I have never relapsed. My back is strong. I continued Pilates for 5 years and then returned to swimming. Fit First offers personal training at a very high level. The trainers are able to work with your doctors and other therapists and know anatomy and how your body works. She was a lifesaver, for sure! Take them your pains and let them put those muscles to work!

Yelp is asking me what went well?Honestly~Everything at the studio goes well! I have an amazing…read morePilates trainer, usually I get to visit twice a week, 4 to 5 Group classes that work perfectly with my schedule. It's been with me through many sizes, many strengths, and a sliding scale of ability - the birth of a child. This studio has been able to go up and down with me. The pain in my body has dissipated - one session at a time. When this studio first opened, it gave me my life back, at my pace, my ability, my schedule. Cue the Core continues to give me and feed me what is welcomed and what is needed. I fear to share my personal trainers as I really don't wanna share her. But I am willing if you ask me directly. Needless to say, the women at Cue The Core are inclusive, loving and kind. There is someone for everyone. The studio is so amazing. We even have some men. Including my amazing husband. Who joined the studio a year after he saw the gift I was receiving. Thank you, Cue The Core, I love all of you. Thank you for being inclusive.

I have now been practicing pilates for oof 20 years with varying levels of investment and…read moremotivation. I think it's saying a lot that these teachers have kept me engaged and consistently attending for around 5 years. Firstly, I love the community of loyal followers they have amassed and I have best time seeing new faces in the studio as well. It's not like other studios where new people are made to feel like they are walking into a private sorority event. To this point, Cue the Core offers classes that vary in levels of difficult and experience. There are classes For beginners, advanced and everything in between. Importantly, I find I can jump into nearly any class as Karen and Wendy call out modifications for those who need/ want them ( mods that allow people to up the level of most moves). I find this flexibility opens up the availability of classes I can join. It's a welcoming place for people who are curious and want to try it out as well. Admittedly, I'm picky now since I've tried many different styles, different studios, and different teachers. I know what I like. Also My body has changed as I've aged, so my goals around exercise have changed. Karen , Wendy and the teachers they have brought on (shot out to Deborah, Gen and Susan) offer more than 50 minutes of awkwardly messing around on equipment. They each have deep knowledge and extensive training. A little of my journey with Karen and Wendy... When my goal was to work out without losing my pelvic floor, I felt safe with Wendy and Karen...they had my back. When I craved a more toned version of mom bod for summertime, despite back pain from spending 95% of my life picking crap up my kids left on the floor... guess who got me confident in a swimsuit? (Karen and Wendy in case you aren't following). Now, I am maybe the strongest I've been in years and feel good about how I look. My fitness focus is on continuing to grow lean muscle without risking injury. It's nearly full circle - I find myself prioritizing form and breath while maintaining strength and flexibility. Wendy is a master teacher with classical background knowledge and training. I trust her to push me without injuring me. Karen brings athleticism to my practice and even weights (which I would normally balk at). She is also a trained wellness coach who is clearly dedicated to bringing her deep knowledge base in that world to the studio. The studio itself has come a long way and reflects the breadth and depth of Karen and Wendy's interests. I mean, come on... they've got a Cadillac (if you know you know) , can pull out a ladder barrel for privates and have outfitted each reformer with towers!! Don't see that everyday ... and for those who are familiar, these added apparatuses add such diversity of content and muscle/ tendon target to a class. I had never even heard of Fit Springs (think Pilates using springs suspended from ceiling- ish) before they installed a whole room of them. Did I mention their main reformer room set up includes CHAIRS for each reformer?!?? My favorite class is currently a classical class where we move between the reformer, mat and chair. It's advanced and challenging and feels soo good to see not only my own progress but the progress of the women who get the pilates shakes through these classes with me... I mean, bring on Jackknife... Big Twist Teaser?!?? Pshhh been nailing that one for months. Any thing Inversions? Child's play. Ok... I'm mostly joking about feeling like I've mastered these moves... each milestone we reach, master teacher Wendy reminds us there are always ways of advancing most moves and she encourages us from a place of safety and confidence to step out of complacency -as ugly as it looks the first couple times through (we laugh A LOT). It's kind of magical... we shall see if I can pull off the Boomerang with even a modicum of grace by the end of fall. lol. Outside of classes, they've got a spectrum of offerings from speciality, pop up and themed class events ( Bubbles and Bounce- pilates with jump board and sparkling wine?... amazing combo!), to non- class but mind and community building offerings (Book club anyone?? So good!) and inspirational goodies ( the past few weeks have been fun with playful and healthful takes on a summertime favorite ... lemonade). I don't even like lemonade but on my way out of class yesterday, you can bet I happily sipped on the "bright and connected" combo I created from the menu and spread of add-ons (basil, rosemary, juicy strawberries, to name just 3 of about 10 offerings) Karen put out for people to try out.

Barre is my new favorite workout and Pure Barre at Vintage Oaks is one of the studios I go to. I…read morehave the ClassPass app and PB offers their classes on there. They offer plenty of classes throughout the day which is nice. I have taken various classes from different instructors including Jessie and Jo and they're fantastic. They are all supportive and friendly. I love their playlists and the classes aren't crowded. Be sure to check them out if you're looking to try something new or add something different to your workout routine.

barre has wonderful women who all enjoy their classes even when it seems hard and the women are…read morevery supportive of other. All women are supportive of each other they bring inside an extremely negative attitude and laugh as they dump all the negativity unto the employees and run out the front door.

Roc Pilates is my favorite place. The large spacious studio is equipped with new reformers, always…read moreimpeccably clean and well organized, the decor is pleasant to the eye, and there is always free parking on premise. Christine is very accommodating and informative, and along with the other instructors is very attentive to each client. Roc Pilates is my little heavenly place and I walk out after each session feeling more toned and amazing. Thank you to Christine and Wendy and Ysabel !!!

There is a ton of research that supports how regular exercise can help boost mood and reduce…read moreanxiety & stress. So recently I started going to ROC Pilates classes with instructor Christine (as well as streaming yoga classes from Jessamyn Stanley of Every Body Yoga through the Underbelly app - highly recommend :). Pilates is so much more than a workout! This mind-body practice will target muscles you never even knew you had, and includes stretches that feel ahhh-mazing. I would recommend committing to a couple of classes a week to begin to understand the foundations of pilates eg learning the basic moves, getting the breathing down, eventually getting into your flow! You may have to fumble a bit through the first few classes because you are doing unfamiliar moves and learning new ways to move your body. Consistency is key, I've been doing the classes for almost 2 months now & I finally have my rhythm down. It feels really good, and I'm improving my balance, coordination, posture, and confidence. I feel strong! Christine is an excellent instructor. She is nonjudgemental and kind. She gives individualized attention to ensure your form is properly aligned, and to incrementally guide you to more advanced moves. Also the space is calming, clean, with brand new equipment and sustainable touches (eg machines are cleaned with lemongrass & tea tree oil, and there are hand towels in bathroom as opposed to paper towels). Wonderful experience :)

Brand new barre studio in Novato. I found Collective Barre online recently and immediately signed…read moreup for a class. I took the Barre 45 class today with Ella. She packed in a lot in 45 minutes. It was challenging, but fun. I'm already sore, it was that good of a workout. I met Emily who is one of the owners. She introduced herself and was very nice. She even participated in the class. The studio is located in a small shopping center in Hamilton. They are all the way in the back. There's a sign on the fence in the parking lot which made it easier for me to find. I can't wait to sign up for another class!

this is a very nice location with nice members who are very enjoyable without any negativity and i…read morehope they will continue to be wonderful to see in class always.

I love this studio! With 6 reformers and a cozy feeling with plenty of fans for air movement and a…read morenice clean studio. I have taken classes all over Sonoma County and hands down Luv is my favorite. Every time I take a class I feel better mentally and physically. I love that Luv gives me a place to go and better myself while challenging me. Liz is an amazing instructor that works with the principals, and makes Pilates available for every body. I always feel safe in my movements there knowing that the instructors are there for me. I also take Janet's classes she is a fantastic teacher and gives you plenty of options for movement. I will be back again and again. 5 star rating from me

I started going to Luv a few months ago with a couple of my girlfriends. We have the best time…read moreworking out here. The instructors are great, and can easily adjust to most people's abilities. Everything is always clean and every class is always a good time.

recently switched back to Body Kinetics after spending the last two years at Anytime Fitness, and…read moreI'm really glad I did. The yoga class with Daniel is a huge highlight. He's honestly one of the best instructors I've ever had. It's also nice that the classes are included with the membership. The basketball court is awesome, and I really like how open and spacious the gym feels. The equipment is newer and updated, and they do a solid job keeping everything clean and well maintained. What stands out the most though is the community. The members are friendly, the staff are great, and it just feels like a welcoming place to work out. The only downsides are the hours. They're not open 24/7, they don't open very early, and there aren't multiple locations, which can be tough since I travel a little bit. Still, for me the positives easily outweigh the negatives.

I just join BK in Novato and love the gym. Towel service is a treat. Nice & CLEAN facility. Super…read morefriendly staff and members.