I graduated from Risa's teacher training back in January this year and I cannot stop raving about it to friends of mine. This is where my Pilates journey turned serious. I learned more about myself and about the human body from Risa, Justin, Jeanine and everyone there. My favorite day was when we went over the history of Pilates. So essential to know where it started, how it's evolved and why we do the work we do. I've attended workshops and I'm starting another training soon because I am all about continuing education. But the classical method and especially Risa's approach to Pilates has influenced EVERYTHING I have done as a teacher to this day. Main takeaway: teach to the body in front of you and be present and in the moment. There's ample opportunity to learn and grow. Her studio is equipped with everything a Pilates student needs and she's always wanting to grow and see what else would be best for her clients and her teacher trainees. Her team and herself ALWAYS welcomes you home to her studio. You join to get Pilates certified... you leave gaining a Pilates family. Wherever you go, she'll welcome you home with open arms. If your looking for a great basis for starting your Pilates teaching journey, I highly recommend coming here! read more

The studio is very nice and welcoming. The class felt more like a very small group session, which I really liked because the instructor was able to pay attention to everyone. This was only my second Pilates class, so I'm still getting a feel for it. I didn't feel much immediately after the class, but I noticed some very mild soreness the next day. The instructor was a little chatty during the class. Personally, I prefer a more focused style, where the instructor stays fully engaged with the movements and breathing throughout the session. Overall, though, it was a very positive experience, and I really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere! read more

I have been attending Pilates classes for over 8 years here. I love them! You always feel at home; everybody is incredibly nice. They always pay attention to your injuries and special needs, doing their best to address each issue. Classes are small, so instructors can pay attention to everyone. Their technique is great, and I always leave feeling my best. It's definitely not pretentious like many studios in LA; you don't feel like you need to dress up. Just show up with your sticky socks. It's always a good workout. Thank you, guys! read more

Love love love Sheppard Method Pilates! My friend, who has been practicing Pilates for a couple of years, was referred to Sheppard Method's teacher training program by a Pilates instructor at an unaffiliated studio. I was in the midst of a career change and my friend asked me if I'd like to do the program as well. At this time I had only been doing Pilates for two months, and while I said yes, part of me was terrified due to my limited experience. Let me tell you, I am beyond glad that I decided to move forward! Prior to the start of the course, I was straight-up clueless about my own body! Risa and Janine, the gurus running the teaching program, welcomed me with open arms and set me up for success on day 1! I started with a disconnected mind and center, limbs that flailed left, right, up, and down, and hips that did lie (oof, one hip forward while the other was down and back, that's a nope--they should be square and aligned)! As of this review, I am nearly two months in, and with each passing day, I have deepened my mind-body connection to movement through concentration, control, and precision, etc. Risa and Janine have been vital to my success, but it truly doesn't stop there. As a newbie, I had to put in the work, and this involved weekly privates and group classes. Through these classes I have and the pleasure to work with many of the instructors at Sheppard. The instructors are thoroughly trained via Risa's Method and then some, it's through their instruction that my movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and listening abilities have improved. I am forever and always a work in progress, but I am so gracious to Sheppard Method's team and their efforts to connect me to myself! I have to give a shout-out to Cat, Sheppard's rockstar office administrator. From my first call to the studio, her kind, cool and positive vibes eased my nerves while jazzing me up for the program. read more

Sheppard Method Pilates is the best of the best! Risa CatJanineand Britneyare the best of the best! I started as a complete beginner and left with so much improvement and loved every second of this life changing process. Highly recommend. read more

This is the BEST Pilates Studio in all of LA! Risa Sheppard developed her own form of Pilates and has certified numerous instructors for the past several decades. She is the Goddess of Pilates. The studio itself is beautiful and immaculate. The floors are a dark wood with mirrors all around and when you walk in from the urban commercial lot (corner of Olympic and Westwood), it's an unsuspecting centered, zen space. The people here are like family. Risa has amassed quite the long time following of teachers and clients. This is the place like in Cheers where, "everyone knows your name". It's so familial-sweet! Healthy treat for yourself. Low impact work outs. Exclusive space. Free parking. read more

Sheppard Method Pilates - On the wall. - Pilates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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LOVE THIS PLACE!! My boyfriend and I just finished our third class as part of a duo intro package. Our instructor (Karinna) is amazing and does a great job reminding us to keep good form. We purchased 10 more sessions and I am very excited to continue working with her. We are both new to Pilates and this studio has been very accommodating and welcoming. read more

I was very fortunate to try this place out via Classpass. I went in completely new. I had never tried reformer pilates before so I was quite nervous. Alice, the instructor, was so sweet and provided excellent instruction and guidance. There was another student who stayed just so that I would not be the only one taking the class. It was nice of her and made me feel less pressured. On the way back to my car I came across the owner. She asked if I just took the class, seeing me in my workout gear. She introduced herself and was also very kind! My goodness, these ladies did not fill the reformer pilates stereotype you usually hear about. They were so warm and welcoming and that's what I really loved about this place. Their 5 star rating on Yelp is well earned! The place is just filled with lovely people and I will certainly go back when I have the money to do so! :p read more

Love the instructor here so much. Very knowledgeable and amiable. Also love the atmosphere here, everyone is so funny. I have been to many studios before, this is the one I love and choose to stay. So glad this place is near my neighborhood. read more

Hidden Gem in pilate world. Always small class (only 5 reformers) and instructors are knowledgeable and patient, I always got my butt kick in a good way. The building has plenty parkings, the studio is on the second floor. I think they specialized in one on one although nothing is private (room) as everyone is in the same big room together. The three times I was there for reformer class, there's a separate private session going on with the owner). I really love all of their instructors, they are patient and very detailed. Since the class size is so small you do get a lot of attentions and corrections on the forms which I love ! I use classpass to take their class and it's definitely my top three favorite pilate studios! read more

Love this place! I just started my journey in getting back in shape. Round IS a shape, but not the one I want to be in. I also ride horses and pilates is something almost all competitive equestrians do to improve your balance/body position in the saddle. I tried this place off of classpass and let me say, I'm so glad I found it. Rini is an awesome, patient instructor who focuses on position and working around any injuries you may have. Smaller classes=more hands on training which is awesome. Also, parking is extremely convenient. Two thumbs up! read more

I've been going to Bita at Sheppard Method for about 4 months now and have been consistently going about once a week through Classpass. I LOVE Bita's classes! Whoever says these extraneous, difficult workouts are the only way, obviously has not been taking Reformer Pilates classes! Out of all the Pilates classes I've taken in West LA, Bita's class is by far my favorite. She is such a sweet woman and focuses on techniques while allowing the students to challenge themselves. She does fun/harder exercises such as planking, ab/side abs, etc, but always makes sure that each student feels comfortable to their ability. I am hooked on pilates, and I truly feel it's been my core stronger, and I couldn't imagine another workout without it! Plus, parking is a breeze and FREE! And, in Westwood- what more could you ask for?! read more

Saw my neighbor on the elevator one day and he was looking good and smiling so I asked him why he was so happy and he said because he just left Risa Sheppard and his back felt great. I called right away since I had been looking for just someone to help me with my back problems. Oh, it was the best call I ever made. After years of back pain I felt I found the best person and most knowledgeable person. I have been going to Risa for several months now and I absolutely love the way I feel when I walk out of there. The studio is small and intimate with a few other Pilates Instructors and everyone seems to be in good spirits because these instructors are professionals that know what they are doing and you can see the satisfied look on their clients faces as they bounce out the door. read more

Great class however if you are allergic to dogs, sensitive to smells or simply prefer a Dog free environment you may want to go elsewhere. It was difficult to focus due to the two dogs that were walking around freely and in need of baths. read more

This is definitely a classic Pilates studio with a personal touch. I have been going here for months and look forward to every workout. I feel like my muscles are longer and leaner, while my flexibility has increased as well. The entire staff knows there stuff and they communicate it so well. Very nice studio and the personalized attention they give me is remarkable. read more

I went back to Sheppard Method Pilates and also saw Zoe. She is very knowledgeable, and patient. I have had back problems and also issues with my joints. She was able to direct me how to use the equipment so I could get a good workout without injuring myself. I love the studio! It is super clean with the latest equipment. Definitely worth trying Zoe at Sheppard Pilates! read more

I was first introduced to Sheppard Pilates via a girlfriend and signed up for a groupon-type special with the intention of going for just those sessions. But I fell in love. Risa is amazing - I contribute a healthy fit pregnancy to my weekly Pilates sessions with her and cannot say enough about how fabulous she is - as an instructor and as a person. I was able to continue my workouts until my due date thanks to an ever-changing routine that Risa adapted to my abilities as my belly grew. I just had my first post-baby session today and it felt amazing to be back. I'm sore - but not too sore...and full of energy. Thanks Risa!! Go see Risa at Sheppard Method Pilates - you wont regret it! read more

I have always loved Pilates because of the excellent benefit I get in my body. But after being away from it for years, I was a bit apprehensive about returning to a studio. Could a middle aged woman become strong and limber again? One hour with Risa Sheppard all my apprehensions left. She worked closely with me to evaluate my ability and to guide through exercises that were appropriate for my level. After the second session I was breathing better and so much more limber than i had been in a long time. She is very personal in training and encouraging and i am committed to continue training. I know that there is no reason that i cannot continue to train and to strengthen my body to get in excellent shape. I cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

Small studio but knowledgeable and well trained instructors. Have been working with Jeanine for many years. Staff is very personable and the owner, Risa, is on hand with special tips and pointers. The location is couldn't be more convenient (Westwood and Olympic) and there is loads of free parking. read more

I have been working at Sheppard's for over a year now. Browsing through Yelp I was surprised there were no more reviews, since Risa has been teaching Pilates for 30+ years. So I decided to add one. Risa Sheppard, the owner and master mind behind the Method is one of the best in the business, for sure. She studied with Ron Fletcher, who studied in New York under Joe Pilates, so that says a lot to me. Just got her DVD to work at home. The DVD has been given an award last year, so I figured it is good. Now I just have to play it and start working out at home too - that may take a little while. I like to vary trainers, to get different perspectives. So I worked with most trainers in the Westwood studio, and I do not have a complaint about any of them. All very attentive and knowledgeable. Thanks, all! The studio is set in a small space, which creates intimacy and a spirit of camaraderie amongst clients and trainers. If I have a complaint, is that sometimes other people training at the same time engage in too much talking personal stuff during their sessions. It is disruptive to me, but that's me, I need quiet. Otherwise, two thumbs up. read more

An intimate workout studio with outstanding hands-on instructors. After years of high impact aerobics I needed my left hip replaced. I wanted a new way to exercise and I discovered the Sheppard Method studio. I've been going here for 4 years and I haven't looked back. I am pain free and I know that Sheppard Method pilates has saved me from having my right hip replaced. I love and trust the instructors! I wish that I had discovered this years ago. I've changed my body in a way that I never thought that I could without going to a gym. I love this studio! read more

I always wanted to be a calm zen-like rock so BAD!! So I forced myself to try different styles of yoga and try different relaxing techniques. But you know what! I really really REALLY don't like yoga or tai chi or meditating etc...So I accepted that I'll just be an intense-bootcamp-loving-kickboxing-little-beast for life...UNTIL... someone told me that I really needed to calm the F down! (sorry Risa for saying "F" lol) So I seriously admitted to myself that I needed to figure out a way to ENJOY feeling GROUNDED and ENGAGED with a some kind of mind/body/spirit discipline. And I remembered enjoying pilates years ago...but only because I got to play on the reformer, the wunda chair, the cadillac and cute props. That was definitely engaging for me. But I stopped because it was just so expensive. So then I tried to find other affordable pilates studios that use the reformer, but I don't like how they want to see you go fast & sweat, more than they want to see you CONNECT and be engaged with your mind/body. LUCKILY I was reading beautiful Ashley Greene's interview and she raved about pilates with Risa. So I checked out her website, was amazed by her resume/reel/personality and called immediately. This is DEFINITELY my home pilates studio :) Risa is so fun, positive, warm, attentive to the little details of your body and accomodating (not only physically, but financially as well). I respect her so much. I told her I wanted to try some creative pilates workouts and hopefully grow a bigger butt...and she introduced me to cool guy Justin! He is also so sweet and fun. I loved my private with him because he created some of his own advanced pilates/TRX moves that got me so focused, so grounded, I LOVED everything we did! I said to Risa during one of our privates, this feels so "magical." And she smiled. The way she describes things helped me visualize & focus & feel sharply present: "relax/pull your shoulders down as though warm oil is going down them; plant your feet as though there were magnets on the center of them; hold your head/spine up as though a rod is shooting up" (I may not be saying it exactly right, but you get the point) I have never felt this calm, uplifted and happy after any Pilates or yoga session. It's like I'm walking on clouds... Empowering, graceful and fun is at this studio. I've been shopping around different Pilates studios from Santa Monica to calabasas. This is it. Thank you Risa and Justin for helping me find my zen. p.s. For those of you that think pilates is for weenees, well! I just deadlifted 165 lbs recently thinking I was the shee-it, right. But I found myself shaking way more doing these "girly" moves with Justin on the wunda chair. He assured me that you can never stop challenging yourself in pilates!! WHAT A BONUS! read more

I wanted to update my review after a class that I took this weekend. Due to traffic construction in my area, I was late to class. They were so nice to me that they called Armando back and he returned to the studio for a Zumba class! I really appreciated how accommodating they were. Thank you!! It's such a wonderful space, everyone there is so nice and professional!! read more

I love coming here after work. A good workout and stretch, I always feel better when I leave . Plus it's close to work, so I always make the evening classes read more

The reformer class with Bita is wonderful. It's calm and spiritual while also challenging your muscles. I haven't been in a class with more than 4 people which really lets the instructors focus on individual form. All and all it's a wonderful start to your mornings. read more

The quality, precision and heart at Sheppard Method Pilates is incomparable to another other studio in Los Angeles. Each teacher has a unique approach to guide you to change the way your body and mind feel on the inside and look on the outside. I have been attending classes at this studio for over 2 years and the teachers are always shifting their approach to help you as your body changes. The teachers are attentive, caring and experts in the industry of Pilates. I have recently been taking more of Rini's classes and truly appreciate the precision and variety she gives to her students. Thank you Risa and Justin for your creative approach and generous hearts to helping all that walk into the doors of Sheppard Method. read more

I started Pilates with Risa 14 yrs. ago because of a back condition. It not only helped with that, but strengthened me physically as well as mentally. Risa is very knowledgable as well as caring. I am so happy to be able to recommend this studio. read more

I feel so fortunate to have found Sheppard Method Pilates. Risa, the owner, is a funny, kind and lovely woman who truly cares about everyone that walks through her door. The quality of the teachers at Sheppard Method is what keeps me coming back. Alice is a doll who makes class fun, challenging and always new. Leslie is one of the most precise and attentive teachers I have ever had. Rini is caring, keeps me focused and challenging. Bita approaches pilates in such a unique way that challenges my body and mind. I love this place! -Lindsay read more

When traveling to the Los Angeles area, it is such a positive and uplifting experience to visit the Sheppard Method Pilates Studio. The boutique atmosphere and individual attention is beyond reproach. When I am at home, I use their Pilates DVD to keep me fit and in shape. What a benefit on every level - mind, body and soul. Barbara read more

I was a client of Laurie Perrault at Inline Pilates in Westwood. Laurie now has decamped for the Pacific Northwest so I had to find a new Pilates studio. I wish I had more of a scientific method for locating a successor but basically I just called around to find somewhere else reasonably close. This proved to be serendipitous and I can report I highly recommend Sheppard Method Pilates. My instructor (instructress?) is Bita, who is excellent. What I like best about the studio is that it emphasizes extensive stretching both before, during and after doing various Pilates exercises. This really is helpful as for me Pilates also is a form of physical therapy. I have no hesitation in giving Risa and her staff a five-star review! read more

If you wanna switch things up in your life and do pilates (as we all should) this is where you should go! I had never really done pilates, always danced, and yoga, until I found this little gem of a studio! Risa is of course amazing, but so are all of the instructors! Each instructor has something special and unique to bring to the table, so I suggest getting a package and trying them ALL out! Bita is my personal favorite! She has a matt class that I just fell in love with! Check this place out, its GREAT! Also, free parking for two hours!! read more

I took the last teacher training certification with Risa Sheppard and Justin Cook. I am so thrilled that I learned with Sheppard Method! Both Risa and Justin are gems in the Los Angeles Pilates community. They've put their hearts and souls into creating the perfect teacher training where you end your practice feeling like you know everything you need to know plus more and they make sure you're ready to be a successful teacher right out of the gate!! They're there for every question and concern you have along the way and are super supportive through your process! Do yourself a favor and learn from this fabulous duo if you're looking for the perfect teacher training program!! read more

I love dancing ballet, and am unable to always get to a class. I worry about not being dance fit when I am able to take a class. However, The Sheppard Method Pilates keeps me strong and flexible and the staff is so pleasant and the dogs are so sweet than I love coming back each week. I have been training at this studio for 18 months and it has made a big change in my posture, ability to balance as I get older, and stamina, as well as fitness. read more

This is a excellent studio with knowledgable teachers and a very warm and friendly environment. It is a pleasure to exercise in such a positive and encouraging atmosphere and look more fit as well. I take private lessons with the wonderful Bita as well as her Mat class and have benefited from her skill as a teacher. Leslie is also an excellent teacher . I feel I am in good hands. Thank you all for a exceptional experience. Kathie Kellogg-Taxe read more