"Love Mia ! She is honestly one of the best teachers you can find particularly if you want to work on your form in the postures. Her hints and tips to make sure you are maximising the benefits of the posture while preventing injury are something that is rare to find. Each month is tailored towards an area, progressing each week. This isn't a class for people that are happy that their alignment isn't great and want to lose themselves in their breath. If you want to gain strength and improve, this is the class for you!" read more

Pilates Essence - Pilates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I always enjoy coming to Mia class! She has a great way of getting me centered, making sure I'm breathing haha and feeling brand new out of an auto shop! It's definitely a challenege with these new moves but I see them helping me improve in my performance! read more

Pilates Essence - Pilates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Mia is super sweet! She came to our school to do some warmup exercises with our preschoolers before they ran for their Fun Run fundraiser. It was wonderful having her. The children enjoyed the exercises and we had a wonderful time. Thank you Mia for coming. read more

Pilates Essence - Pilates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Took my first Pilates lesson with Mia today and she was an awesome instructor. She was very patient and informative instructor.

So, me not being very limber or in shape, I was a little nervous so sign up for virtual Yoga. That nervousness passed less than a minute in. Mia immediately made me feel like we were partners, and together we would stretch and strengthen my body with absolutely no judgement. I had such a good experience during the yoga session, that I signed up for the Yin class. I'm hooked! It's exactly what I need--relaxing stretches held for longer periods of time, that gently open muscles. The focus is gentle and meditative attention to any areas where there may be stress or tension. After the session I feel relaxed, but also energized, if that makes sense. Tension is released, I feel "grateful" to my body, and I sleep much better after the Yin class. I also noticed that I was more productive the day after the Yin class. I recommend this class to ANYONE feeling any stress or tension these days. read more

I only took 2 classes in the studio with Marie and she's wonderful. Teaches you as much as you can in the class period, always encouraging and tough when needed. The studio isn't big, but it's a very clean, organized and cozy place. The class is very good and I felt like someone else the two times I went, I didn't continue due to lack of time but it's really invigorating. read more

Finding Mia was the perfect thing that happen just in time. Mia is a master plates instructor who brings the perfect balance of professionalism, discipline, and spirituality. Her sessions are challenging and rewarding in so many levels. Mia seems to know my strengths and weaknesses, and works to make me complete. She is a wonderful person who want to help you become the strong and amazing person she knows that you are. The studio is a always clean. You can be sure that the equipment is cleaned after each client. If it is your first time at pilates or if you are seasoned, Mia is the person to get you stronger. read more

I had been wanting to try Pilates for a long time and took a free intro session at my gym. I really liked it but the session rates were outrageous! So I held off for a while and was very excited to learn about a Pilates studio just blocks from my house. I go every week now, the rates are much more reasonable. The instruction is awesome. Marie knows her stuff and has a great method of motivating, teaching and encouraging all at the same time. She has great energy and is always nice to be around. I was visibly more flexible after just the third session and definitely feel the difference on a daily basis. The studio itself is intimate, but very comfortable and pleasant. They are also one of the few studios that offer group Reformer classes! I am telling all of my friends about it. Pilates Essence Rules!!! read more

This is a wonderful studio and Marie the owner is a top flight instructor. I was a top level college athlete with lots of injuries etc. I also dabbled in non-orthodox California style pilates. I have to tell you get the real thing and get it at Essence Pilates. It will remake your body and you will feel great doing it. Guys learn what women are doing here, you will gain lean muscle and flexibility. On the studio. Marie is tough and sweet at all the right times. The studio is always clean and welcoming. It is a very professional warm environment. I have worked out with lots of professional trainers and Marie even world class coaches and Marie is in the very top 1% of those I have worked out with. I honestly quit my personal training even leaving sessions on the table. I just could not get what I was getting at Pilates Essence! Go check it out know. Men and women you can't beat it. And go for the traditional style. It is way better and more organized than Califronia style pilates. You will see after a few weeks. read more

One on one sessions with Marie are one of the best things you can do for yourself and your body. Marie shares her years of training and expertise with you every time you step into her studio, so be prepared to workout when you are there. She's encouraging and tough when needed, adjusts your workout to target strengthening your weak points. The studio is small and very clean, truly a private session in the best way possible. If you go once you will want to go everyday. read more

Love going to Pilate Essence to get my muscles squeezed. I was new to Pilates although I had intended to try for 15 years. I guess I was intimidated by it, but Marie made it easy for me to enter into this new form of fitness especially because she only does private or semi-private, so pays attention to every little movement and correct me promptly. Marie's passion for this discipline is so palpable. The studio is clean and tranquil, and Marie's calmness really helps. Thanks Marie! read more

Love Mia, she is the best and very inspirational. I always have hard time to stay focused and get results I want , but with Mia it's totally different, it's fun and I am getting BEST results EVER.If you want to get in shape fast this is a place to go for Pilates read more

Still enjoy coming here for my regularly scheduled Pilates workout. i have made Pilates a part of my life thanks to having a good instructor. I no longer suffer lower back stiffness and my posture has never been better. I leave here with my head held high and all the kinks crunched out of my neck. Marie's workout is not a walk in the park, it is challenging and really helpful. I appreciate that Marie works with you limits as you improve, and has always been able to accommodate for my schedule. read more

I have tried many different workouts outdoors and indoors but couldn't find something to make my routine. I hate running:) I really liked yoga but didn't feel it was enough. I tried Pilates and loved! It's addictive - the more you work out, the more you feel how your body needs it. In general Pilates helps to understand your body , so it's a great tool to survive hours of sitting in front of the computer or driving! The studio is clean and very well organized, Marie and her instructors are great - they make sure the workout is tailored to the needs of the client and teach to understand how to work out consciously (and not just repeat reps automatically). Yeah for Pilates Essence!!!!! read more

I consider myself a pretty serious student of Pilates. I have my own Reformer, Cadillac and Ladder Barrel. I have probably taken at least 300 private or semi-private classes. I have been to many studios and have worked with many teachers. I love Pilates Essence and Marie. First of all Pilates Essence is the best studio I have ever worked in. Bright, open, and with a terrific selection of top quality equipment. Marie deserves credit for having the cleanest studio I have ever seen. She is scruplous about having you clean every piece of equipment including mats and handles. I love it!! I have worked out on enough stinky equipment at other studios to really appreciate this. Marie is a terrific teacher. She is very knowledgeable about Pilates. Something that I find very unique about her is that she has an instinct for how hard to push you in a workout. My biggest objection to other teachers has been that their workouts were either too easy or too hard. Marie pays attention, and pushes you as hard as you need to go at that moment, as opposed to running you through a generic series of exercises. A great Pilates Studio!! read more

Since I work on my feet for 12-14 hours a day, it is a great change of pace to get a workout on my core and abs. That is what Marie taught me to do at Pilates Essence. She is very knowlegable and is a patient instructor. But, she also makes sure that your muscles feel the workout. She has helped me with my energy level and posture tremendously. I highly recommend Marie and Pilates Essence! read more

I had 5 sessions with Marie and can say that she is a solid instructor. She is very attuned to the body which probably comes from her previous background in massage therapy. She does have a bit of a quirky personality. However I found her to be charming and very professional. read more

Mia is a fantastic Pilates instructor! I was a pilates novice when I started with her and cannot believe how much I have learned in the past few years. She really listens to what her clients want and delivers a challenging session. Mia has a great attention to detail and constantly helps you correct your form. Nothing gets by her! Pilates at Pilates Essence helps clear my mind, body, and soul. I look forward to my session every week. read more

I am new to Pilates, and I just love it! Marie is very professional--she is very focused on giving her clients the best session possible. The studio is clean, organized and user friendly. Marie embodies the Pilates spirit, and I feel very fortunate I found her. Come and try her out...you will not be disappointed. I am over 50 and 25 lbs overweight and not very athletic, and I had seen results in just a few weeks. I am stronger, I feel better, and my friends have been asking me what I have been doing to look so good. Love those holiday compliments!! Thanks, Marie. read more

Love Pilates Essence and Marie! Such a peaceful studio. I've been working with Marie for about 5 months now. Coming from large group pilates classes it's nice to have the instructors full attention. My favorite has been working on the cadillac - something that you definitely don't get to do in ordinary pilates reformer group classes. Thanks Marie! read more

Pilates Essence is a great studio on the west side, and my sessions with Mia were awesome. Fun, attentive, great attention to detail, and a wonderful workout. I love it there and am happy to see the changes in my body from the workouts she has given me. When I need to be pushed and work harder, she does. When I need more stretching or a gentler workout due to my work schedule, she modifies for me, and I am very thankful for that. Couldn't recommend enough :) read more

Mia is the best instructor I have ever had! Just look at my waist, it's down 6 inches ;-) I've done Pilates in the past, but I've never had an instructor that was willing to take their time and help me with my form. As a result, I severely damaged my back. That's when I came to Mia and have never been happier. I've been with her for over 6 months and can definitely see the change, not just physically but emotionally as well. Mia has a very positive outlook on life and her energy rubs off on you. I can honestly say that I feel better every time I leave her class and look forward to coming. It's hard to say that with most exercises places. When I started, my body was out of shape and I could barely do a sit up. With Mia's help and guidance, I was able to transform my body. She pushed me but always made sure my form was correct. That was something that was key to me. I needed someone that was willing to take their time and show me the correct moves. Mia definitely did that. Don't get me wrong, she is a tough little cookie and the classes are hard, but she's the best. If you're looking for someone to shape your body, boost your energy, and push you, go to Mia! read more

I find Mia to be not only an exceptional instructor of Pilates and Yoga, she is an exceptional human being, and my association with her over the years has had benefits beyond the physical. She is patient, but always encourages me to move beyond my position on the physical axis. She is a pleasure to talk with, but she does not waste time idly chatting about inconsequential things. She is scrupulous about keeping appointments, and I find that I have had to become better about my time as a result. If you value your time, you should consider working with someone who values her time and yours. read more

I had tried Pilates at a few other places around the Westside and hadn't really found a place that I liked. I received a gift certificate to Pilates Essence as a gift and thought I'd give it a try since it was already paid for... I had my first session with Marie and loved it. I have never had an instructor as attuned to me and my body as Marie. She is dedicated to making sure that you actually learn the practice of pilates and not just absentmindedly mimic what she's doing. I have been going to Pilates Essence for over a year now and wouldn't go anywhere else--and I am very picky. read more

I loved my private session with Mia (the owner) at this Pilates studio. She is so focused and really knows the body well. I was so comfortable during my session and when I left I felt fantastic! And afterwards I loved the sushi at the Japanese restaurant downstairs! I look forward to spending more time in LA so I can visit this studio more often. read more

Marie has been my trainer for 7 months.The transformationof my body has been remarkable.I have lost weight and gained long, lean and toned muscles. I have done pilates before with many other trainers, but I have never achieved these results.Marie pays attention to the details in each exercise and she is an excellent teacher. The studio is always clean,neat and a very pleasant environment to work out in. read more

Pilates Essence is such a serene environment for a workout! I have been going to the studio for three years and look forward to my sessions. Frances has been my trainer since last spring, and I really enjoy her approach. She varies the workout to keep it fresh and make it challenging. She is well-versed on all the equipment and is a lot of fun to work with. All the instructors are great at accommodating any physical limitations. When I started I had been experiencing a lot of low back pain, but since strengthening my core, I seldom have any pain! read more

I always have fun working out at Pilates Essence. Marie is amazing, she is so sweet and funny! I owe her big time for shaping my abs and thighs. I love my body after Marie's help and will continue to see her on a regular basis. read more

Cynthia R. Thank you to Tarla at Pilates Essence for overseeing my training on the reformer. The studio is clean and organized, and you were great at guiding me and pointing out weak areas and ways to improve. I appreciate the use of a coupon and recommend Pilates Essence for those interested in individual attention and a calm atmosphere! read more

I never write one star, bad reviews , though this time i have to speak up.Had this been a good experience Marie would have had a regular and grateful client . I purchased a voucher for 2 private sessions after being assured sessions would be tailored to my specific and physical concerns . This is not what transpired obviously. Marie is rude and unprofessional, sometimes taking days and numerous phone messages to receive a return call .My Sessions were basic and "rote " and Marie was absolutely unconcerned about my physical goals and needs, I actually caught her glaring at me with a freaky grin..Beware this chick needs therapy .... read more

Before Pilates I was never able to find an excercise regiment that I could stick to. The work out is great, never the same and has really toned my body. Marie is serious about Pilates so be prepared to work. read more

I trained in NYC where Pilates is like a religion. I moved out to CA 5 years ago and was horrified I could not find a Pilates studio that did not follow Joseph Pilates classical method of training, it had seemed LA took some classical elements and then morphed it into something completely different. I had almost given up until I found Pilates Essence. I found a classical studio with amazing instructors and my body has never been better. Marie and Lana constantly challenge me and my overall has health has never been better!! Its an amazing studio and if you really want to try Pilates this is the studio to practice in, your body will never be the same, it will be amazing! read more

Mia at Pilates Essence will literally transform your body. She is classically trained so Pilates with her is the real deal. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to her craft is inspiring. She makes sure that I execute every detail of each excercise correctly and I can really see and feel the difference. Sure, I like all the compliments I'm getting but it's the relief from chronic back pain that keeps me coming back. Mia is my chiropractor, physical therapist, and Pilates guru all in one. Plus, she's a really lovely person. Bonus! read more

Marie is a wonderful person and instructor. I am new to Pilates and thoroughly appreciate the level of education and expertise she brings to it. The focus on your ability, strength and experience makes each session feel fine tuned for your needs. So many different machines to use and change up your workout every time! read more

I was looking for somewhere to do Pilates and read other reviews about Pilates Essence. I drove by and then sent an e-mail. I have been working out there for about 6 months and am addicted. Marie is a wonderful instructor--encouraging, motivating, inspiring and incredibly in tune with her students, their needs and bodies. I love working out with her and look forward to every session. The studio is easy to get to and always comfortable and clean. read more

I am currently 7 months pregnant with my first child and still doing Pilates with Marie at Pilates Essence. I began Pilates training here about 4 months prior to becoming pregnant, and I had never done Pilates before. I also run, weight train, and do yoga. Pilates gave me better results pre-pregnancy as far as lengthening, strengthening, and flexibility. Now, I know that the extra core support workouts helped me maintain my figure (I still have a waistline!), aid in healthy weight gain (I've only gained 25 lbs.), and has kept my energy up for work. Plus, the spine and posture work is amazing; I have NO back pain, even with my 25 lb. belly. Marie is an extremely knowledgable trainer, she is very concscious of how hard to push you, and her studio is very clean. Like the other reviewers, I appreciate all of these characteristics! You will get an amazing workout. I have taken private, semi-private, and reformer classes here. read more

I can't believe how much my body has changed! A great workout with amazing instructors. You can pick your schedule because it's very flexible here and definitely not uptight. These teachers are well trained in the classical pilates - the real thing - with the best equipment and a very clean studio. The instruction is so professional that even if you're working out with a partner, the teacher always has an expertly trained eye on you. read more

Two years ago I was in a lot of pain and didn't know what to do. I was seeing a physical therapist, but she didn't seem to be helping me. As I drove to work every day, I kept seeing a sign that read PILATES. Not really knowing what it was, I started to do some research. I soon found out that it was perfect for my type of pain - lower back. I immediately called Marie. We scheduled a session, and I was instantly HOOKED! Two years later, I sit here pain-free. I am proof that Pilates works, and I couldn't have recovered without Marie's help. Not only am I pain-free, but I have also seen a physical change in my body. She is an EXCELLENT instructor, who really knows her stuff! Not only does she teach you the moves, but she also explains the benefits of doing them. Marie runs a very professional business, and her studio is very clean. She gives each of her clients her undivided attention. I highly recommend Pilates Essence! read more