If you're looking for a Pilates instructor who actually cares about your progress (and doesn't just yell "engage your core" while you wonder where your core even is), Nicole at Ritual Pilates is the one. She's patient, kind, and somehow makes you feel good about shaking like a leaf on the reformer. Her knowledge and teaching style turn every session into an investment in long-term health--plus, she makes sure you're not just flopping around pretending to work out (we've all been there). Now, I'll be real. As a man, I was very hesitant to start Pilates. I thought it was just for women who sip green juice and talk about "lengthening." But then I did some research and realized that Joseph Pilates--yes, a dude--actually created this whole thing. And he wasn't just some random guy; he developed it to help rehabilitate bodies and build real strength. That's when I knew I had to give it a shot. I've spent years lifting heavy, playing football, and pushing through sciatic back pain like a tough guy--with painkillers and sheer denial. But eventually, I had to admit my core was weaker than my willpower around free samples at Costco. That's where Nicole came in. She didn't just put me through the motions; she actually educated me. She explained the difference between classical and modern Pilates, showed me why my old way of training wasn't helping, and got me to focus on controlled, intentional movements rather than just cranking out reps like a maniac. And let's talk about class size. Other Pilates studios feel like a packed yoga retreat where you're sweating next to 20 strangers, hoping nobody notices you have no idea what you're doing. But Nicole? She keeps it intimate--just three people per class. That means she actually corrects your form instead of letting you struggle in silence while she high-fives someone across the room. And if you want even more personal attention, her one-on-one sessions are next level. It's like having a Pilates fairy godmother who ensures you're not wrecking your spine while pretending to engage muscles you never knew existed. Since working with Nicole, I've felt stronger, more in control of my body, and--dare I say--less of a walking injury waiting to happen. Every dollar I've spent has been worth it because of the return I'm getting in strength, mobility, and the ability to get out of bed without making questionable noises. So if you're a man thinking, Is Pilates for me? The answer is yes, bro. Don't let outdated ideas stop you. Come train with Nicole. She's not just an amazing instructor--she's one of those rare people who genuinely want to see you succeed (and not fall off the reformer). Thank you, Nicole, for your patience, knowledge, and for somehow making me enjoy Pilates. You're the best! read more

I started Pilates for the first time at Ritual with Nicole about 3 months ago. Although I have an extensive yoga background, I had zero experience with Pilates and felt too intimidated to show up to a group class at a Pilates studio. I contacted Nicole for a one-on-one consult and quickly found myself in a fully stocked Pilates studio in Logan. Here's what I'd like to convey to you all after 3 months of individual lessons, group mat classes, and group mat + reformer classes: 1. Nicole is awesome and is a Pilates pro. 2. Nicole cares *a lot* about you and your Pilates experience/journey. 3. Everyone who attends classes at Ritual is friendly, approachable, and genuine. 4. Nicole is great at adjusting the pace to suit your needs -- you'll meet your edge but you won't feel overwhelmed or defeated. 5. My body is changing. I'm standing up taller. My low back pain is receding. My core is getting stronger and sturdier. My mobility has skyrocketed -- and this is saying a lot, considering how much yoga I've done over the last 14+ years. If you're on the fence, or scared to try, or if you're getting back into it after a long time off, or if you're a longtime Pilates aficionado, this place is right for you. Also, shout out to the people who wrote reviews about Ritual in the first place -- you were integral to me giving Ritual a try. xo read more

Enjoyed my private Pilates work with Michelle Herrmann at the new studio. A beautiful partnership between 2 experienced and talented Pilates trainers. Our time together was strengthening overall with tools to practice on the mat at home . During my Pilates session Michelle was able to instruct me to strengthen / correct a hip pop that I have had for a long time. Happy and grateful for this healing correction. JoAnn S read more

This is the best Pilates studio in San Diego. Nicole is kind, funny, and caring. She gives her clients the tools they need to build their own strength: for right now, for the long haul, for a lifetime. Pilates is, in my opinion, the most comprehensive and effective exercise program. And, the traditional form of this program seems to be the most beneficial on all levels. Nicole is dedicated to teaching the way the originators of the program intended. At the same time, she's very aware of her clients' own unique challenges, and is great at tailoring sessions that target exactly what you need as an individual. I promise, your body and mind will be different after your sessions with her. You will look longer and leaner. Your skin will glow. You will move differently and think differently. You will find inner and outer strength you never thought you had. This is a strength that extends far beyond the time you spend in the studio with her. If you are even just considering trying Pilates, or jumping back into the practice, don't deliberate for one more second! Book an appointment with Ritual Pilates and start changing your body and your life! It's an investment in yourself that is SO worth it, and Nicole is the one to guide you! read more

I cant even tell you how much this Pilates work has changed my body and my life. Yeah, I know that sounds dramatic, but seriously Nicole is such a gifted teacher. She teaches the classical Pilates rep in such a clear, simple way, Ive been able to get out of my head so I can transform my personal connection to my body. She brings such positive energy and confidence of the repertoire to each of our virtual sessions, its a highlight of my work day. Thankfully, I can work out from home and be on the other side of the country and still benefit from her lazer eyes and creative cueing. Forever grateful and a happy student.... mostly because my body LOVES PILATES. read more

I've been practicing Pilates with Nicole for over a year now and she is by far the best Pilates teacher I've ever worked with! I'm in the best shape of my life (well, at least since high school!) due to the time I've spent on her mat, reformer, and most surprisingly, a simple wall! Nicole's knowledge of Pilates is unmatched (she was trained by a student of Joseph Pilates himself!) - she is continually able to challenge me with new movements or variations on old ones that make her sessions well worth the effort. Her sessions are tough - but she will make you better! I'm definitely far more aware of my body & in fantastic shape because of the work I've done with Nicole. Nicole always brings a great attitude & smile to Pilates sessions, works hard to ensure you improve from session-to-session (you will!), teaches you why you are doing each movement, and is the BEST Pilates instructor in town!! read more

I've been doing Pilates for about 3 years at various studios and with different teachers. I quickly figured out that instruction matters ... a lot. And I can honestly say my Pilates practice really took off once I found Nicole Martin. Nicole has a lot of gifts: one is the ability to look at a body and understand exactly which muscles are working properly and which ones are not. Then she has quite a remarkable way of giving cues so that I learn how to access and develop those muscles. This is important because the value of Pilates is when movements become internalized. My body needs to translate instructions into movements I initiate. With Nicole's instruction, I find this happens very naturally. I feel like I always get a very thorough and balanced workout at Nicole's classes. She uses a wide range of movements to strengthen core muscles, and all of them are grounded in the classical Joseph Pilates method, which I really appreciate. I've had my share of injuries doing 'hybrid' movements developed by teachers who are Pilates trained, but not necessarily in the Classical method. I'm also impressed that Nicole has a serious understanding of Pilates and how to teach it, but her manner and attitude are lighthearted, patient, and uplifting. Now she has her own studio, completely equipped with the Gratz Pilates equipment she believes is the best. I absolutely love Pilates, and I know I'll continue to improve and enjoy it following Nicole's instruction. read more

I've found my waist thanks to Nicole! My sessions are after work and I arrive at the studio tired and lacking in motivation and leave reenergized and feeling taller. NIcole has a positive outlook and good energy that translates to her instruction style. No matter how my body feels, Nicole finds the problem areas and gives excellent cues to allow for the maximum benefit from each pilates session. I love her new space and to add to my workout, I park at Lake Merritt and walk to her studio. Weekly pilates sessions with Nicole strengthened my core and improved my posture. It's amazing how the lessons learned in the Ritual Pilates Studio transforms how you carry yourself on a daily basis. read more

Nicole's pure love of Pilates is evident in her teaching. Her gentle and skillful guidance and encouragement are so helpful in getting this old body to exceed my expectations. And the opportunity to focus on mat through her online, month-long Mat Madness program has been totally incredible. I have learned so much - and even more important, I have enjoyed it beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you, Nicole!!! read more

Ritual Pilates is awesome! Nicole is a fantastic teacher who has a thorough understanding of the body and mechanics. Great workout!

Nicole is quite simply the best Pilates instructor I've worked with. She is so knowledgeable, motivating, and encouraging. She has such a great eye for focusing on what you and your muscles are doing, and how to help you make small changes that really impact your workout. I have learned so much from her about how regular Pilates workout helps my body to feel better, stronger and more relaxed. For many years I took Pilates classes (mat, reformer, cadillac, etc.) with Nicole when we were both located in the Bay Area, but then I moved to Los Angeles. Despite looking around and trying a bunch of options, I never found classes here that I enjoyed as much. A few months ago we re-connected and I started taking private mat classes with her on Zoom. I wasn't sure how effective they would be. I was thrilled when I discovered that all the things I loved about her in-person classes were available to me on-line. I'm hooked again! read more

I just started going to Nicole because Dharmaspace is now only doing private classes. What I like about Ritual is that it's small, so even if class is full there are only 4 of us there and on a few occasions I have been there alone or with just one other person. I've been doing Pilates for a long time on and off but Nicole has taught me so much in just one month of working together. She has lots of apparatus that she uses but her mat classes are really great, too. You can get there right off the freeway, just take 17th street and so far I've found parking right outside the building. It's also close to the 19th St. BART station. read more

Nicole really knows bodies and really knows Pilates. I have been to a variety of instructors and there are only a few out there like Nicole who really know what they are doing. Nicole is skilled, patient, and easy to talk to. She cares deeply for her clients and wants the best for them. I highly recommend her and her studio Ritual. read more

i've been to enough pilates classes and taken enough privates to know when I'm getting more than my money's worth and Nicole provides just that. her instruction is exceptional, it's immediately clear that she knows bodies and exactly what they need - she sees exactly what's going on with your body as you go through the series and knows when you're 'cheating' and exactly how to fix it. It's also clear she knows the method like few do. her cues are so spot on she had me engaging muscles no one else has. she is on a different level from other instructors i've worked with. Nicole is also very pleasant, encouraging and just easy to be around - very positive. i got more than i expected out of my session and felt the results immediately - i was walking and sitting taller/straighter and felt lighter all day. the next day I was the perfect amount of sore - not so much I couldn't move, but that perfect level of soreness that let's you know you worked out the right amount and the right way. Nicole seems to know just exactly how far to push you. her space is quite nice and serene, convenient for me as I work downtown near Horton Plaza, and her equipment is all Gratz, which, in my experience, really is the best by a long way. In short, I won't be going anywhere else for pilates. Ritual Pilates is it. read more