For anyone who's interested in a good classical Pilates Teacher Certification Program, look no further. I started my training program at Metropolitan Pilates in Seattle with my teacher and Renowned Master Trainer Dorothee VandeWalle, and was so happy when UPPilates Burlingame became one of the Training Centers for the M.A.T Pilates Certification program. This gave me the opportunity to do my independent study hours while in the SF Bay Area. This is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare you for a lifetime of teaching Pilates. UP Pilates Studio owner and mentor Stella is a great teacher, I've been training with her before I was even interested in the program. read more

Professional, clean, energetic and knowledgable Classical Pilates Studio!!!! Stella is an expert with many years of experience and it shows in her work ethic as well as in her hands on approach to classical pilates. Her attention to detail, her knowledge and her desire to help her students be the best that they can be is superb. read more

As a ex-crossfitter, I've learned to muscle through exercise. I've taken reformer classes at other studios that were more of the same, power through movements. Stella's approach to Pilates is classic Joseph Pilates. Every session leaves me feeling longer and stronger. Stella is an amazing instructor who's able to modify your session based on where you are today. If you are looking to strengthen your entire body and add flexibility, give Up Pilates a try. read more

I started working out with Stella almost 10 years ago in San Francisco. Luckily for me when I moved to Burlingame, it turned out that she has a studio here! I love how meticulous Stella is about having good form. She's upbeat and fun, and always takes the time to explain how to do a movement properly. Those little corrections that she provides forces me to engage deeper into the muscle. I always leave with my body feeling more stretched out and better than before I came in. One of my favorite Stella expressions is, "Up is up!" read more

This review is for Stella, amazing, Stella. I'm a Pilates teacher who over did it at work last year and now I'm paying for it with low back pain. So, I sought out the help of my friend and fellow teacher Stella. She has a great eye for detail and noticed a lot of things I could fix with my posture, alignment and bio- mechanics. Things even teachers tend to forget about when they get busy. In a few sessions she has taught me some very valuable things and gotten me to initiate movement from the right places in my body while paying better attention to my alignment. I'm feeling more stable with my back and stronger too. We are doing foundational work, for now, but she is totally kicking my butt and making me sweat a lot! Stella is classically trained and really sticks to the original work of Joseph Pilates. Yes, Classical Pilates is hard work! Come to UP Pilates, it's a nice, bright and warm studio. You'll like it. Full disclosure - I work there too, this review is for Stella who does wonderful work and makes me feel good. read more

When I moved to SF 2.5 years ago I did a lot of research on Classical Pilates offerings here. Through a referral from someone in my previous instructor's network, I found Stella and her team, and have been working with her ever since. When I met Stella I already had three years of classical Pilates under my belt, but it was only after I began working with her that I realized my previous instruction had not caught areas of weakness and tightness that she observed, and the way I'd been doing some of the exercises was irritating those areas. She has been laser focused on identifying and helping me to strengthen these areas and get out of my hips and get longer since day one. I was fortunate to work with Stella and her team before, during and after my first pregnancy. Continuing to have Pilates in my life/body throughout my pregnancy and recovery was critical to help me feel like myself again physically. Stella always looked for ways to help me where my body needed the most support, tailored to the demands/tolls of the pregnancy or life as a new mom. I always felt stronger with Pilates than the weeks without it. I have loved working out in the UP Pilates space. It is quiet and light filled, free of distractions and I always leave there feeling taller and stronger. There's also always parking. If you're pregnant or planning to be pregnant and want to incorporate more strength and flexibility into your body before/during/after birth, definitely get in touch with Stella and her team (which includes new mom instructors too)! read more

Stella and pilates literally saved me from my horrendous low back issues. After a major l5-s1 disc herniation (3 years ago at around age 35), I started painfully recovering and someone recommended Stella. First, she is SO knowledgeable and observant. She stops me from making a mistake before I even finish making it. Second, she is amazingly energetic and caring. After my injury (and re-injuries), she always made me feel better, physically and mentally! It's been a while since I've been because of all she has taught me, but I can honestly say I miss going because of her! read more

I have been working with Beverly from Up Pilates for about 6 months now. I initially started seeing her because of back pain and injury from boxing, which had started to limit my ability in other types of training. Running, strength training, surfing all had become too painful to do with any real intensity. I had tried osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists and nothing had helped. Within about 4 sessions of pilates all my pain vanished and by maintaining through going once a week I am able to train with similar if not more intensity than before my injuries. Pilates has been miraculous in terms of pain recovery and also has made me more flexible and strengthened my core helping my range of motion and posture. And beyond that, Beverly is lovely and the sessions despite being difficult are a lot of fun and a highlight of each week. read more

I followed Stella here from San Francisco. This studio is beautiful, clean and motivating. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 6 years ago and had given up hope on what my future mobility would look like. I found Stella a year into my "new life" and she completely transformed the way I think and use my body. I have consistently gone to Stella for almost 5 years now and have never felt stronger or more capable. I still and will always have limitations but if want to do the most for your body, mind and spirit; my suggestion will definitely be up Pilates with Stella Sandoval. read more

I've worked with Stella for many years through group and private Pilates lessons. Stella is a Pilates guru and she knows body work from so many angles. I've learned so much from her different approaches and feel so grateful for her knowledge. read more

I first started Pilates with the UP team based on a recommendation from my spine specialist after suffering for over a year with multiple bulging discs. Happy to say that I'm now pain-free thanks to Stella and UP and I'm probably the strongest I've been since I played competitive sports in college. I recently injured my knee playing sports and my doctor mentioned that if my muscles weren't so strong, I definitely would've had a more serious injury. I know I have UP to thank for that. Classical Pilates is the way to go if you want to strengthen your core and your body overall. And UP is the way to go if you want to get stronger in a welcoming, clean, environment and work out with a knowledgeable instructor who really cares about helping you meet your overall health goals. read more

Before the beginning of every session Stella asks me, "How's your body feeling today?" This seemingly simple question sets the tone and signals why I love Classical Pilates, it reminds me to always listen to my body. Stella is an incredible instructor, she guides me through every exercise and offers modifications based on what my body needs and how it is feeling. I've noticed improvements in my posture, in previous athletic injuries, and my lower back pain has reduced significantly. Not only is Stella an amazing instructor, but the space is also great. There is plenty of free parking on site (a rarity throughout the Bay Area), there's a private single stall bathroom, workout towels are available so you don't have to worry about bringing your own, there is a comfortable waiting area with couches and coffee tables should you arrive early to your appointment, and the studio is furnished with all of the Pilates equipment. I highly recommend this studio to anyone who is a novice or experienced in practicing Classical Pilates. read more

I had been power and Olympic lifting for the past 4 years, when my wife noticed that I had become less flexible. Being a former NCAA athlete herself, my wife could tell that I was over-developing certain muscles, while losing flexibility in key areas: being able to stand straight, engage my core, less shrugging of the shoulders (common in snatches and cleans). The wife had been doing Pilates for some time now, and I just assumed it was the new fangled "fitness" akin to yoga with all its cute accessories. Men don't do that stuff. Men lift and drop weights and get calluses. And Ride big ole Trucks. Yeah. I was wrong. 100%. Pilates is a way to stretch your lesser used muscles: your entire back chain. Quads? Nope. Biceps? Nope. Pulling your arms way too high for that press? Nope. All of that stops in Pilates. You start engaging muscles that were probably never used in weightlifting, and then you realize how much more difficult it is. If you are on the edge about Pilates, I encourage you. I implore you. To give it a try with Stella. She's keen on learning how you move just from simple movements, so that Pilates can correct those problems. And trust me, if you think your sore/tight/inflexible now, it will only get worse as you age. For those that were not into weightlifting before, you still need Pilates. You maybe more flexible than weightlifters, but try it out and see much more different you feel. read more

Stella is an exceptional instructor. I appreciate her patience for those of us who are new pilates and her willingness to break down exercises. I look forward to my sessions and have seen significant improvement in flexibility since beginning with her practice. read more

UP Pilates studio is just what you need if you are looking to start your pilates journey. Stella is very detailed, honest and encouraging. I have never tried Pilates before when I met Stella, but she continuously helps me to get stronger and build my love for Pilates everyday. I recommend UP Pilates to anyone and everyone who is a beginner, more advanced or pro in Pilates world, Stella will challenge you no matter what! read more

I love the dedication and professionalism Stella brings to every session. I've worked with Stella for three plus years. I didn't expect the results I've achieved with Stella, gaining core strength improved my posture, and Stella continues to structure my workouts to address my specific challenges as a office worker staring at computer screens and reviewing documents, Pilates has been a blessing, It's been work, struggle and results that keep me coming back. You want results? Stella delivers! #classiscalpilates read more

I began working with Stella Sandoval a number of years ago at another studio. I had previously taken private lessons and had been disappointed with the prior instructors level of commitment and attention to detail. One class with Stella and I was hooked. With her direction and focus on my physiologic needs we have reached my first set of fitness goals and are now working towards new ones. She tough when she needs to be and supportive. You will sweat, tone and feel great! Up is up! Thanks Stella! read more