Excellent! Small 4 student reformer classes. Jo Ellen (instructor) is attentive, knowledgeable, and ensures that you're completing each exercise with the correct form. Clean studio space. Love that it doesn't have the competitive culture that other fitness classes do. Everyone I've met is kind and supportive. read more

Watched Farrah yell and berate a young woman over a parking spot until her children were literally in tears. Was in the area to learn more about the studio and their services, but after watching this episode in which she used profanity, racist connotations and simply displayed a lack of human decency I decided to not even enter the studio. Times are really hard for people right now, tensions are high, but that is not how you treat human beings. I was shocked, disgusted and frankly at a loss for words. I regret not saying anything in the moment, but want to be clear that people are always watching and there are consequences to your actions. Cannot imagine spending my money somewhere that supports such a vile person and I hope you will consider somewhere else that includes staff whom are genuinely caring and supportive of all people, both in their studio and in real life. read more

Absolutely loved the experience that I received at Pilates Studio West. Farrah is wonderful and a real pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend this place o my friends. read more

a couple of years ago (maybe three; can't remember), I was having trouble with my left leg. it hurt so much sometimes that I'd wake up crying in the night. the pain gravitated, and no one could figure out what was going on. seriously, I had an X-ray, an MRI, a full blood panel, nerve testing, massage, acupuncture, reiki ~ basically everything. then the person who cuts my hair suggested I try Pilates, and she recommended Jo Ellen. why not? well, within about four sessions, my leg was feeling much better and I no longer cried in my sleep. it was amazing. a miracle, really. Jo Ellen understands the body and how it works, and since then, she's helped me with various other little issues that have come up now and then. she's patient but also knows when to push and encourage one onto the next level of workout. so that's all fantastic and I couldn't be happier, but here's the kicker and the reason I'm finally writing this long-overdue review: we're on a mini-vacation in the desert, where our main activity is hanging out by the pool. yesterday, as I got out of the water and walked back to our towels, my husband ~ who is not (repeat: NOT) prone to giving out compliments, said, "You have the best figure here." ... THANK YOU, JO ELLEN!!! read more

For the past 2 1/2 years, I've been running about 2-2.5 miles, 4-6 times a week. I run because I love food, and therefore, my weight remains roughly the same. I'm happy with that. I don't love working out, in fact, I despise it. But I love food more that I'm able to make my lazy butt run. So after two years I notice that yes, I am losing SOME fat, but my calves are getting huge. I want to be long and lean (I'm 5'2" :( )! I also look at gossip sites and see Miley Cyrus coming out of pilates and her body looks amazing all of a sudden. You can see where I'm going w/ this right? So I start to scour Yelp and search for any deals related to Pilates. But knowing myself, I know that if it's not near work or my home, I won't go. This is in my neighborhood so I make an appointment to have a private session with Jo Ellen. It has now been 2 months and I LOVE it. I feel stronger, there is more muscle definition, and I think by the end of my 3 month cycle I should see a bigger difference. BTW, I agree that I think in the beginning you should be going at least 3 times a week to maximize your results. And yes, it is pricey, but going into my third month, I'm mixing it up with classes. After that, I may just stick to classes since it's more affordable and by then I will hopefully be at the maintenance point. As for Jo Ellen, I love her! She's a big big stickler for proper form. She's a perfectionist. In the beginning, I was disheartened b/c I felt like I was uncoordinated and I sucked. But after the end of the first month (roughly 10th session), I was getting better at it. I realize how important it is for you to have proper form when using any of their machines (reformer, cadillac, ladder barrel, pike machine thingy, etc.), otherwise, you can either hurt yourself or not be working the muscles properly. Anyways, this is the only exercise regime that I actually look forward to. I love the quiet studio where at most there is one other person having a private session. I really hate classes and studios that pack themselves to the brim. I hope to stay at this spot forever! read more

Please do not go here. The owner is incredibly rude and made a number of people feel extremely uncomfortable. I witnessed her yelling obscenities at a guest who was the only person of color there. It was extremely disturbing and this is not a place i would EVER give my money. read more

I had an incredibly disturbing experience here. My experience involved a specific woman who I believe was the owner of this studio. She had a very muscular build. Her name may have been Farrah, if I remember correctly. She was incredibly aggressive, impatient and unprofessional. I left feeling extremely disappointed. To say it was a bad experience is an understatement! I will NEVER return or recommend this establishment. read more

This place has changed my life. My mom introduced me to Farrah and Pilates Studio West, which makes sense because this is such a family place. Farrah's mom works as an instructor here, and there are a ton of mother-daughter students who go here. Anyway, my mom always raved about what Farrah was doing for her balance and strength, and I nodded distractedly like daughters do, until... I got pregnant and had a baby, and in the process, um, gained a few pounds. In an effort to help me regain my strength (and my figure), my mom very very sweetly signed me up for a series of training sessions with Farrah. Amazing. In addition to being the funnest, funniest, coolest girl you would ever want to spend time with, Farrah knows *EVERYTHING* about the human body. In six weeks, all while still nursing and therefore still eating for two, I lost 12 pounds, three inches off my waist, two inches off my hips, and I regained abdominal strength and just strength! I literally cannot describe the depth and breadth of Farrah's wisdom about health and well-being, in part because I literally don't know all the words for all the muscles and moves that she incorporates, but there is a seemingly infinite variety of creative exercises in her magic hat. She's also incredibly supportive and kind and funny and so cool. I love going to the studio, which is located in a beautifully remodeled, midcentury-style building in Brentwood, across from the Longs Drugs. The place is spotless, but never sterile. The floor is a great dark wood and it's so tastefully decorated. This is the Pilates and workout studio you would install in your house if you had the money. But it's not just the physical appeal of the place--Farrah's created a real community here. The other instructors and other students are a genuinely friendly and lovely bunch, and it's a pleasure to work out with them. If you're looking for a new Pilates studio or just need any kind of wisdom about any aspect of your body or physical fitness, don't be shy about visiting Pilates Studio West. We all love it and you will too! read more

I've been going here for 3 years. JoEllen is excellent. I love that the people that go here are more down to earth and into stretching and balance. I used to have back pain from scoliosis and I feel like coming here has made all the difference. I do one group pilates class and one individual a week. My body feels 5-7 years younger than before because I don't have all the aches and pains I used to. Highly recommend! read more

A friend who's always trying to get me to exercise, got me 5 private Pilates sessions and swore that I'll fall in love with this one. I am lazy, undermotivated and get bored easily. I gave this place, and my friend, a shot and see if this place can really keep my attention. Spoiler: yes it can! Farrah is my instructor. This woman is a human x-ray machine. She could tell what parts of my body are not doing so great just by looking at me as I did a very simple and basic exercise. I was quite impressed about that and I was very surprised that I was impressed because neither one happen too often. Farrah will keep correcting,and encouraging you, until you are (somewhat) perfect, and then you'll just get better from there, provided that you can hold the pose with the right muscles without collapsing, which I did countless times. It takes time to get to perfection, but without proper guidance, one can never achieve it. With all that said, if you are looking for excellent progress and results, you need to meet Farrah, or Jo Ellen, Farrah's mom who looks FANTASTIC. Farrah's future health is looking great! BONUS: Farrah will easily become your inspiration because when you first meet her, you'll think, "I just need 1/10 of her muscles" and that will automatically wake up your urge to workout as it is a realistic and achievable goal! Happy workout! read more

Pilates Studio West is fantastic! Had always wanted to try Pilates and am so happy I finally did! Farrah and JoEllen are both very welcoming and instantly make you feel comfortable. The studio is very nice and spacious and immaculately clean. I am currently taking private classes with Farrah and she is outstanding. Along with expert knowledge, she has a positive, upbeat style that is very motivating. She makes it fun to work out and the results are amazing! I feel myself getting stronger and leaner with every session. This is truly one on the best things I have ever done for myself. I highly recommend Farrah and Pilates Studio West! read more

Farrah is the best best best!!!!!! :) There is nothing better than a fitness instructor who knows their stuff and cares about their clients. Farrah has been my instructor for over a year. She doesn't just provide exercises, she teaches you how to get "into" your body and emphasizes the importance of control, proper breathing, keeping your core tight, and targeting the correct muscle groups. It's not just about putting weight on a machine and doing the movements, it's about focusing your mind on your body - ultimately increasing strength and flexibility! (And who couldn't use a little more flexibility?) Pilates Studio West has a comfortable ambiance, great trainers and they provide results. Plus.... They are located in the heart of Brentwood - Perfect location. I wouldn't go anywhere else! :) read more

I read other reviews on YELP to help me find the best Pilates studio I could find. After 3 epidurals, COUNTLESS doctor bills, drugs, etc, the spine surgeon suggested Pilates over physical therapy, IF I could find a good Pilates instructor. Farrah is everything and more than I could have hoped for. She is knowledgeable, she knows everything about the body, she has a million tricks up her sleeve and she's fun. In whatever condition I walk into the studio, I always know I will leave feeling better. I had never done Pilates before so I thought I would have a tough transition but she makes it so easy to want to come to the Studio. In fact, I've cancelled almost all of my other activities to focus on Pilates. As a side benefit, I seem to be losing weight without even trying. Farrah is THE BEST!!! I highly recommend her. read more

Working out with JoEllen has transformed my body, not only from a visual perspective but from a health perspective also. I'm stronger, leaner and have better balance than ever before. You will be monitored to insure proper form for better results and to prevent injuries. JoEllen even corrected an impingement that Physical Therapy couldn't! I had been told by my Doctor that the only remedy left would be surgery, and she confidently felt we could fix it. It took a long time, but meanwhile the rest of my body improved. Go to Pilates Studio West. You put in the work, JoEllen will make sure you get the results you're after! read more

I LOVE PILATES STUDIO WEST!! For almost a year now, I've been taking private pilates lessons with the amazing Farrah once a week, and it has changed my life! I went in thinking I'd just take one or two classes, but now, I can't imagine ever stopping. (Keep in mind, I'm a low-paid production assistant. I spend my money carefully, and these classes are SO worth it to me.) Farrah is my secret weapon. She has an amazing ability to analyze your specific muscle imbalances and movement patterns and pinpoint exactly which exercises will benefit your body the most. I came to her with poor posture that resulted in low back pain and a hip flexor injury, and now, I feel stronger and healthier than ever. Not only is my pain gone, but my body is toned in a way I've never seen it. You can actually see my abs now (I'm talking REAL definition, people!) But what Farrah's done for me is so much more than skin deep. The exercises I do with her have completely changed the way I move my body. My posture's so much improved, and I'm finally recruiting all my muscles properly. Before Farrah, I had no idea how to engage my core. Now, I can feel my core working all the time throughout the day to keep me stable and help me avoid injury. On top of all that, Farrah and her mom (who also teaches) are the most fun, enthusiastic, down-to-earth people. I love the vibe in the studio. It's so warm and inviting. I'm usually pretty quiet and let's-get-down-to-business when I'm taking a class, but with these ladies, you can't help but LOVE to chat it up with them. It's like hanging out with friends, while getting an amazing workout. I can't recommend Pilates Studio West enough! Anyone can benefit from these classes. All I suggest is to go to at least a few (not just one) because it takes some time for your body to react to the exercises. But take it from someone who knows and who doesn't have a lot of money to spend, it is SO worth it. read more

I've been looking for a great Pilates studio for years and luckily stumbled upon Pilates Studio West. Jo Ellen is FANTASTIC! She's focused, tailors workouts to her students and makes them more challenging over time. 2 things makes this studio special: 1) Jo Ellen encourages and pushes you, and as a result you progress and see results. I started working with her after I had my daughter and have lost 30 pounds in 3 months. 2) She focuses on form. I've been to numerous studios where instructors don't pay close enough attention and fail to correct poor form. This leads to injuries and less effective workouts. I don't have the time, money or patience for that. If I'm paying good money and putting the effort in I want to see results. Jo Ellen ensures you get the most out of each workout. read more

I have taken Pilates classes with Joellen for over a year and highly recommend this studio- Great classes, great hours, and always a great group of people to work out with- read more

Jo Ellen is an amazing pilates instructor. She really cares a lot about your progress and that you're feeling good. She knows how to challenge you and teaches you the right way to do everything, not just rushing through moves, but really makes sure you're getting as much as possible from every lesson. I highly recommend her! read more

This studio is just the best.! There's an amazing healing energy that fills the space. The instructors know their stuff and are friendly, warm and supportive. The instructors are a mother-daughter team who make you feel like part of the family.I am still blown away by how wonderful Jo Ellen is. She took a look at me and seemed to instantly know exactly what I needed in terms of strength and flexibility. The exercises are tailored precisely to your needs. Even though I sometimes feel so uncoordinated, my bumbling efforts are always met with humor and gentle, ego supportive advice. The physical space is lovely. The equipment is kept very clean. The atmosphere is calm and soothing. It's located off a charming courtyard in the middle of Brentwood. Fantastic location.I cannot recommend the studio more highly. I love these gals. read more

I LOVE Pilates thanks to Farah at Pilates Studio West! I am a newcomer to this form of exercise and started due to a back injury. In a very short period of time my back has improved significantly, and I am making great strides in my flexibility and strength. And, to top it all off I have FUN while working out with Farah. She is VERY specific about form and keeps me moving the entire time, but manages to fit in fun conversation throughout the entire workout. I'm hooked! read more

First of all I would like to say I had no clue that Pilates could or would be for me. I started doing regular Pilates for the past 3 weeks with Farrah, as someone who has studied the body in great detail I can tell you a majority of the population could benefit from Pilates. Moreover the instruction of Farrah at Pilates Studio West is exceptional, her knowledge of the human body and her ability teach how to do the exercises correctly is flawless. The changes I have seen in myself in only a few short weeks is remarkable. Pilates instruction done under the right supervision like this studio provides is a beneficial aspect to not only someone who is looking to get on a fitness regimen but also someone who is looking to improve how they MOVE in everyday life. read more

There is no doubt that Pilates Studio West is the best in town! Thanks to Farrah, the owner & instructor, I have learned so much about my body! The studio is Immaculate! It's got such positive energy that you almost want to camp in there and not leave! It's beautifully decorated, airy, crisp and most important of all, the instructors know what they are doing! Would I recommend this studio to anyone looking into Pilates? YES! YES! YES! read more

This place is amazing. What a pleasure to work out in the company of instructors who are so incredibly well educated in pilates, the body and exercise. Both Farrah and Joellen are wonderful .The studio is clean, comfortable and always very friendly. The privates are incredible as they take you from the reformer, to the cadillac to floor mat and various other equipment with a mix up that never gets dull, gets your body charged up and works muscles you never knew you had. The reformer classes are wonderful too with hands on instruction, correcting your every move while teaching you the right way to do the various movements. read more

It's been 2 years and I still love Pilates Studio West. Jo Ellen is knowledgeable, experienced and intuitive. And she makes the workout fun too, always changing things up to avoid boredom. I always feel better when I walk out than when I walked in. I love everything about this Pilates Studio and would give it 10 stars if I could. read more

Farrah is very knowledgeable. I had major back issues which she has helped tremendously. I no longer am in constant pain. I am much more flexible and move easily through everyday chores. The studio is always very clean and inviting. It is a beautiful space with a wonderfully soothing and nurturing atmosphere. The studio is in the heart of Brentwood on San Vicente between Bundy and Montana. Brentwood's hidden jewel! read more

Great Pilates studio. I've been doing Pilates for nearly five years. Started out at a Therapeutic Studio on the advice of a Chiropractor, later tried two other studios before finding Pilates Studio West owned by Farrah Faulkner. BY FAR THE BEST. Pilates Studio West is located in the heart of Brentwood with plenty of free parking and easy access to coffee shops and Whole Foods, etc. The Studio, on the second floor of a courtyard building, is one of the largest in the area, spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated and filled with light. A very calm and Zen-like setting. Unlike many studios that only offer classes mid-day or at odd hours (when there is no demand for private one-on-one instruction) Pilates Studio West offers a variety of options; in addition to private one-on-one instruction, the Studio offers group classes and mat classes at accommodating hours. Best of all is Farrah herself--she knows her stuff! She is well-trained in body mechanics as well as Pilates. She can tailor private sessions to a client's individual needs, whether those clients be teens or senior citizens. In fact there are several mother-daughter pairs who frequent the studio and enjoy interacting with Farrah and her mother, who also is a Pilates instructor. Everyone who studies at Pilates Studio West is made to feel at home, and friendships develop among the clientele. read more

Jo Ellen is the best pilates teacher I have found in west Los Angeles. She really knows what she is doing and varies her classes to emphasize various parts of the body which helps your mind and body. I highly recommend her. read more

There are certain places in LA that are true hidden treasures. Pilates Studio West is one of them. I have been doing pilates for 8 years (2 with PSW) and I've never been to a nicer studio. Beautiful light, fresh air, and always clean. The equipment is well maintained and the energy of the place is relaxed and non-intimidating. As for the people...well, this is where the magic happens. Pushing a client to challenge themselves and build strength is part of any good pilates experience, but what is really remarkable about Farrah and Joelle is that they have a true understanding of the body in general, and your body in specific. They tailor and tweak things and teach you how to push yourself and be in your body and build strength where you are the most susceptible to injury. They are patient, motivating and knowledgeable. And two of the loveliest people you've ever met. I wouldn't go anywhere else for Pilates! read more

Jo Ellen is a fantastic Pilates teacher. She got me into excellent shape and I never felt better when I was working out with her. Being a good Pilates instructor is not easy. To teach Pilates correctly, a teacher must be attuned to noticing technical imperfections. Jo Ellen has an eagle eye, and she always kept me on track and even inspired me to do more than I thought I could. I recently went to the UCLA exercise clinic and had a posture study done. They told me EXACTLY what Jo Ellen had been hammering me about my posture! Clearly, this woman knows her stuff. She knows how bodies move, and she is patient at retraining muscles that have become used to "taking the easy way out." She's also a super nice person and taking Pilates from her was such a joy. (I stopped going when my mom got sick; I need to start going again before I become any more flabby!) Jo Ellen also puts an emphasis on safety, so the student always feels comfortable with what's happening. Pilates can be very scary, but I was never afraid because Jo Ellen was always right there beside me, telling me what my body could - and could not - do. The studio was always clean, and the equipment was always in excellent working condition. For all of these reasons, I strongly recommend Jo Ellen and the Pilates Studio West. read more

This is a great pilates studio. Going here is soothing and relaxing, and I also get a great workout. After just two weeks, I could already see my body getting leaner. There are only four reformers, so the class size is necessarily small. This means you get a lot of personal attention so that you do the moves correctly for maximum benefit. I am very happy that I found this place! read more

If you live in or near the West Side, this is THE choice for reformer Pilates. Farrah is not only an excellent, highly motivational instructor, she knows so much about fitness, diet and exercise it's not funny. Don't look anywhere else: Pilates Studio West is the place. read more

Amazing studio. Jo Ellen is wonderful. Privates & classes are great. Equipment is great & studio is clean. JoEllen knows her stuff & is a great teacher. Classes are lots if fun! I highly recommend this studio. Oh and parking is easy & free! read more

I have been going to Pilates Studio West for just over two years. It has changed my body and consequently changed my life. I am a woman well past middle-age and I believe the secret to remaining young is NOT smooth skin but rather a lithe and supple body. Jo Ellen, my instructor at Pilates Studio West really understands this. She is mindful of my various injuries but also challenges me to get beyond them. She is a great person with a ton of energy and a genuine concern for her students. In the time I have been going to the studio I have lost weight, toned my body amazingly, and gotten much much stronger. Whenever I am out of town and go to a pilates class elsewhere the teacher always remarks on how well trained I am in proper pilates form. Farrah, who is the owner of the studio is also a very good teacher. I take both private and group classes each week. I have met lovely people at this light, airy, pleasant studio. I can recommend it highly. read more

This is my first pilates experience,, and I've been spoiled. Farrah seems to know what every single part of the body is all about and capable of. I can't believe how knowledgeable she is. Pilates is not for wimps, but she is so very nice she makes it fun and the same time you are working very hard. I have total confidence in the movements she insists my body does. The studio is relaxing and low key. Like most pilates classes, private is not the cheap way to go, but it is an indulgence i have thoroughly enjoyed. I can't recognize her highly enough. read more

I did a month of research before I selected a Pilates place to workout and am so happy I picked Pilates Studio West. I only wish I started years ago. I had been having issues with my lower back, left hip and thigh and found out from Jo Ellen, the owner and trainer extraordinaire (who looks 25 years younger than her age) that my body was out of alignment. As a result of my work with her, I am getting better every week -- working with Jo Ellen at least 3 times weekly. I had to take off six months earlier last year for personal reasons, and I saw how my body suffered from no Pilates. When Jo Ellen works with me, she monitors every movement to make sure I am breathing properly and keeping great form. And her studio is in an oasis courtyard in the heart of Brentwood that is always a joy to visit. Of course, it doesn't hurt that there's free parking right behind the Pilates Studio. If you're on the fence about selecting a studio for Pilates, try Jo Ellen for one week and in that short time, I guarantee that your body will feel better. I am deeply grateful for Jo's expertise and top quality training, sense of humor, and constant support. read more