Pilates Classes
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May 2005
I'm looking for a weekend afternoon Pilates class in Berkeley or
Albany. Two big babies have left me with diastasis recti
(abdominal muscles that pulled apart, leaving a gap in the
middle), which makes my tummy bulge even though I'm more or less
back to my normal weight. I'm hoping that a good Pilates
instructor could help me rebuild my abdominal muscles.
Helene Byrne would be great, but her classes are on weekdays (I
work) and are not conveniently located for me (I'm in N.
Berkeley). I tried a few classes at Yoga Kula, which is
conveniently situated in central Berkeley and has weekend classes
both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but the instructors there
(though they are not bad in general) haven't heard of diastasis
recti and don't know which exercises I should or shouldn't do
(some exercises, such as crunches, make it worse). I also called
No Sweat on Solano, but they don't have any afternoon weekend
classes.
Bulging in Berkeley
If you are willing to spring for a private lesson (roughly $60
for an hour), there are many good instructors at Synergy Fitness
on Solano near San Pablo and Center Strength on Solano near
Colusa. I've had good instruction at both studios.
You might want to give Karen Casino's ''Tri-Level Fitness''
classes a try. She offers pilates-ish classes specifically for
post-partum (and believe me, she HAS heard of diastasis ;-)) but
they might be only on week days. However, I know she also has
general classes that are on Saturdays, at her back-yard studio
near Derby/Sacramento.
meg
Hi I teach a 12:15 Pilates mat class on Saturdays. This class is not specifically for
new mothers, although I do teach a New Mother's Workout and I know all about
diastasis recti. The classes are small allowing me to provide each individual with as
much personal attention as they need. Please check out my websites at
dragonflyvillage.com/trilevelfitness and also karencasino.com. I also have a website
for my New Mother's workout. The URL for this is dragonflyvillage.com/karencasino.
I hope this proves helpful to you.
Karen Casino
I would recommend trying a few private pilates sessions before joining any group
mat classes. As a certified Pilates instructor with a master of science degree in
Kinesiology I know this problem and the best results I have seen with clients is to
first work with them alone as to assess their specific needs and then when a strong
foundation is established and moreover that the muscles have healed as well then
further progress can be made in a group setting. Also with privates you can
schedule around your work days. At our studio we offer 3 privates for $150 as a one
time introductory offer, we are located in Emeryville. Our weekend mat class is at
9:00 on Saturday morning. However I would strongly advise to get some good
personal attention before joining a group led by an inexperienced instructor. Feel
free to call for more info: 510-450 0878 or check our website:
www.eastbaypilates.com
krisna
I used a great personal trainer that came to my house and went
through the Pilates exercises with me on my own schedule. She is
a mom of 2 young kids herself...so I am sure she would know
about abdominal muscles that have pulled apart.
She was great with the ''after baby'' stomach exercises,laid back
and knew her stuff.
Her name is Kim Frank.
You might try getting private instruction for a few sessions to
learn what exercises will/won't work for you. For that I recommend
Minoo Hamzavi. She's a certified Pilates instructor and I first
met her at the Berkeley YMCA where she taught a mat class. Now she
teaches out of her home near Caldecott Tunnel. I've been taking
monthly private sessions with her for some years, which I use as a
''tune-up''. She's very observant, knowledgeable, careful, and
caring. Her phone number is 510-848-4133. I'm happy to talk with
you if you want to email me.
Jody
Ada Shedlock teaches a challenging yoga on the ball class Sunday
afternoons at 1:00 at the Berkeley Yoga Center. Ada has done
wonders for my abdomen after two babies and I had the same split
you're talking about. She has a dance, iyengar, pilates
background and really knows her anatomy/physiology. I have a
lot of abdominal strength and tone now and look much better but
my waistline just will never be what it used to be!
Feb 2005
can anyone recommend a pilates class/instructor in a studio/gym
for beginners in the oakland area? i need evening or weekend
classes.
suzie
I have taken pilates classes from Sally McClanahan at the
Glenview Performing Arts center (M and W, not weekends)and
really enjoyed them. Her info is:
Scoop Postural Reconditioning Classes in Glenview
1318 Glenfield Avenue, Studio B
Semi private lessons on Saturdays are 75 minutes long and
include a
postural assessment. Classes are grouped by postural type.
(call first)
8:30 emphasis on back and shoulders
10:15 emphasis on low back and abdominals
For more information contact
Sally McClanahan
mccwest AT earthlink.net
I know of a wonderful Pilates instructor. Her name is Lisa
Mitchell and she is in Lafayette. Her phone number is (925)284-
5880. She does individual and group.
Michelle
June 2004
Does anyone know of a Pilates class that will allow me to
bring my 5-month-old? I'd like to start toning post-
pregnancy, but I don't have regular childcare. Thanks!
Helene Byrne does a postpartum class which uses a lot of
pilates. When I did it the woman next to me in class always
brought her 5 month old. there were people to help with fussy
children as well walking around the class and it was very
helpful for getting back in shape.
August 2003
I'm looking for a post-natal (ie, can bring baby) pilates class
in the Berkeley/Oakland area. I have the feeling this went by on
the list recently and I'm sorry I didn't take notes then, and I
don't see anything on the website. Any suggestions? I've never
done pilates, but after this 2nd pregnancy I really need to work
on my core, which is what I hear pilates is great for. Thanks!
Charis
There is a great post-natal aerobics class taught by Lisa
Fernadez at the Works on Telegragh Fridays 12 - 1. Its not
Pilates but she does a lot of core strengthening work as well as
low impact aerobics, the later with the baby in a front carrier.
Talk about a workout! Its a lot of fun and the babies love it!
Rebecca
Helene Byrne gives a great postnatal workout class using pilates
in Montclair. I took it with my baby last winter. Unfortunately
I don't have her contact info but you should be able to find it.
Jackie
I got a lot out of Helene Byrne's class, which draws a lot from
Pilates. http://www.exerciseafterpregnancy.com/
Lina
Oct. 2003
Any recommendations for pilates classes in the Oakland area?
Preferably one that has a pre-natal class and/or is open to pregnant
people (not pregnant right now but may be in the future). Also, do
people recommend doing pilates while pregnant (as opposed to yoga or
other forms of exercise)?
JS
Mind-Body Connection on the top of Collega Ave. has a good
reputation. They used to have pre, or maybe post, natal classes
but I'm not sure if they are still going on.
Helene Byrne
I have a great Pilates instructor, Skye, who teaches in
Oakland/Berkeley. I know for a fact that she's great with
pregnancy and post pregnancy because she just had a baby. She
practiced and taught full classes and privates while she was
pregnant and resumed teaching right away. She's awesome and
highly highly recommended. I know she does privates in N.
Berkeley but also teaches at Gold's in Oakland. She teaches at
Golds on Mon 10am, Fri 12 and Sat 11am. I like the Mon. and
Sat. classes but come early cause they get filled up. I know
Skye teaches other places, but I don't know exactly where. She
has all the pilates equipment in her studio in N. Berkeley,
it's a lot of fun too. Skye's phone number is 510-883-0124.
Sarah
Pilates is great for those who are pregnant, wanting to be
pregnant, or the recently pregnant!
That said, there are some precautions that should be followed
by the pregnant woman, especially related to abdominal work,
but also in stretching. Until you become pregnant, a regular
Pilates class should be fine, but once you are pregnant, I
think a prenatal class is better.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources around the East Bay
for Pilates classes. I teach in Emeryville (classes almost
daily) and Alameda (one evening a week), and will be putting
together a daytime prenatal class in Emeryville shortly.
Another good place for classes is the Ellie Herman Studio, on
Grand, but I do not believe they offer prenatal.
If you would like to contact me for more information, feel
free. And good luck!
Alison
Sept. 2003
I've just started taking Pilates in hopes of improving my
posture. I took one class in the home studio of instructor. It
was fine, but I feel like for the amount Im paying ($55/hr) I
should be working with someone I really love. The price of
lessons also makes it hard to just drop in on classes in
hopes of finding the perfect match
How have others found the right class? I know a
connection is subjective, but are there any instructors that
stand out? Is $55-$60 the going rate or are there more
affordable options for getting started? Once Im familiar with
the equipment are there places that offer cheap group
classes? Are there instructures that care as much about
breating as alignment (like in yoga)?
Also if anyone has any posture success stories I'd be
grateful for the encouragement.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Susannah
I can recommend Junko Sodeyama for pilates- she is
fabulous. She is so precise and notices everything
posture-wise. She emphasizes breathing and technique
and has helped me immensely with my posture and
alignment. She is also a master trainer and teaches
certifications in pilates- definitely way better than your usual
pilates teacher. She works out of a home studio (by the
way it is a very nice large space with skylights) but the prices
are a bit less than most - 50 if you do a package of 5 private
training sessions on the equipment, which is what I do. I
have found her to be a very pleasant person to work with as
well as very knowledgeable. You can reach her at
510-508-1408 or check out the website
www.optimumpilates.com
andrea
For great private Pilates instruction try Kim Frank. I've taken
private lessons in my home from Kim for two years and
have dropped 35 pounds, but it looks like 50! Kim's
workouts are deep and based on a solid grounding in
Joseph Pilates' philosophy and original intention as she is
a dancer and world class choreographer. Kim is
knowledgeable, personable and FUN! You can reach her at
(510) 526-4619 or leanmatwork AT yahoo.com Signed: Liz
April 2003
I've looked through the past recommendations but would like more
updated advice on pilate studios around Berkeley. I'm aware of
two studios nearby, one on College and another on Solano. I
would like some feedback on the studios as well as on any
instructors. Additionally, has anyone tried both apparatus and
mat-based training and could offer their experience comparing
the two? I have a bit of modern dance training which I am
looking to supplement with pilates. I'm looking for a way to
approach this in a time and cost effective way.
Thanks!
I go to Center Stregth on Solano avenue and I love it. I did
mat classes for about 4 months before working on the equiptment
with a trainer. Though it is not cheap it has done wonders for
my back, posture and core strength and I love it. I think
almost all the trainers that I worked with at Center Strength
have been great but I do have some favorites. You can email me
if you are interested. Overall I think the equiptment workout
is far superior to mat classes also because of the personalized
aspect. But if you just want an introduction to see if it is
for you than mat classes are much more cost effective and give
you longer to test out how happy you are with that type of
workout.
ilfeld
I have only done Pilates in mat classes, so I can't speak to
how mat classes and the traditional ''apparatus'' compare.
However, I highly recommend my Pilates instructor Karen
Emery. She teaches private lessons; classes at No Sweat
on Solano and also teaches classes at Ashkenas on San
Pablo at Gilman. I don't know the times she teaches at No
Sweat, but her 1 hour classes at Ashkenas are Saturdays 9
am, Wednesdays 5:30 pm (I think) and Thursdays at 10
am. You can reach her direct ly at 236-5113. She's
awesome!
Karen
I have used Ellie Herman Studios on Grand Avenue in Oakland.
They have both mat classes and private instruction. You can
focus on rehabilitation for injury or fitness. The number is
594-8507.
anon
Pilates work on the reformer is substantially different and much,
much, more effective than the floor work. Other apparatus, like
the chair and cadillac are good, though not absolutely necessary
for the avarage user. Those devises can are particularly effective
for professional level dancers and athletes who can then mimic
their specific movements while working out, thereby increasing
their expertise at their sport. Many fitness/dance people beleive
that the orginal floor work is outdated and does not reflect
current thinking on exercise physiology. Pilates training at a
studio is never going to be cheap. There are some good video
tapes/DVD's that you could do at home in conjunction with a once
or twice workout a week with a private Pilates sesssion. Look for
the line ''Stott Pilates'', by far the best on the market. As with
any type of class or personal training, the expertise of the
instructor is the key to your potential level of success.
Helene
I have been going to Center Strength on Solano Avenue for about
a year now. For the past 6 months, Sara has been my
instructor. She is great. Although it is expensive, nothing
beats the personal attention of one-on-one apparatus class.
Many months ago, I went to the mat class at the YMCA, and it was
a waste of time. Way too many people, most with little Pilates
experience, so they were doing the poses wrong. Instructor
didn't correct positions. I highly recommend Center Strength.
The # is 526-3757.
Anita
Try Christina Pepper in Albany at 223-1024. She's wonderful and
everyone I've recommended has been very happy.
melissa
April 2003
Hi everyone,
It's been six months since my baby got outta my tummy and I'd
like to get back into shape! My body has totally changed since
birth.
Anyhow, I would like recommendations on Yoga or Pilates DVD's -
I figure these are much cheaper than paying for $10-$15 a class,
plus it's easier if i just have my baby w/ me in our rec room,
than getting us all together, in the car, etc.
I have a background in dance and gymnastics so i'm not looking
for anything too easy, but i'm also still a beginner! I'll
probably buy 2 or 3 to start and then build my library.
Thanks in advance!
stacy
Hi Stacy,
About pilates dvd's- I reccommend Stott pilates highly. I am
a pilates teacher and have seen a lot of videos by different
companies and Stott's are high quality and very clear and
concise. As a former dancer myself I really appreciate their
precision of movement- and they should be excellent for
someone postpartum. You can order these online at
www.stottpilates.com. You will want to start with beginning
matwork and eventually progress upwards. There are also
some yoga infused pilates titles now. These have all been
out on video for a long time but should be becoming
available on dvd this month. I also reccommend that you
take a few pilates classes as when done properly pilates is
a very precise form of exercise and it is good to make sure
you have good form to get the ultimate benefit. I teach a
couple mat classes a week- which are small so I have lots
of opportunity to correct. You could even bring your baby
along. If you have any other questions you are welcome to
phone me at 510-508-1408 or check out my website at
www.optimumpilates.com.
Good luck.
Andrea
The Stott Pilates series of exercise videos are by far the most
well-respected by professionals in the fitness industry. Moira
Stott has adapted, updated, and expanded the standard (and
previously very limited) Pilates exercises to comform with current
thinking about exercise physiology.
Helene
I recently lost 55 lbs in 6 months through the consistent use of
Pilates and Yoga DVD's at home. I know exactly how you feel-you
want to lose weight and firm up without going to the gym. I have
two toddlers (born in 2000 & 2001) and workout DVD's have been
the perfect solution for me. My husband commented that we own
more exercise DVD's than regular films, but he loves the
results. I set my alarm for 4:30am and get my daily excercise in
before my children wake up. My two favorite DVD's which have
really made a difference in my body are: Classical Pilates
Technique-Complete Matwork
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000069YWP.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg,
and Bryan Kest's Power Yoga-Intensive Body Sculpting
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000069YWN.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Both DVD's are available on Amazon.com and they are well worth
the price. They both also feature modifications for everyone
from beginners through advanced(and what Classical Pilates
calls ''super advanced''), so these are two DVD's that you can
grow with at your own pace.
twounderthree
i went the video route with pilates, and then yoga, after
pregnancy, and it was very helpful--but i also recommend taking
a series of classes and/or goign to a few drop in pilates
classes. even the best videos are not goign to measure up to a
teacher who can direct you. that said, i think moira stott's
pialtes tapes are some of the best out there--she explains well,
tells you what you're supposed to be doing and what
muscles/joints/ etc. you're working. if you've got dance
experience i'd go for her intermediate tape, but you might try
the beginner for info/pointers (or buy a book, like mari
winsor's 'the pilates powerhouse,' to get the little details).
i also like grace lazenby's 'all the right moves,' a combination
yoga & pilates (more yoga) intense workout! Jennifer
Kries' 'the method' series offers good workouts, i think, but
only if you know what's going on--imho, she offers little in the
way of explicit instruction for too many poses. you can also
read the reviews of these videos/dvds at amazon.com--many are
quite helpful.
good luck & have fun!
jessica
April 2002
Does anyone know of a good pilates class/instructor? I have
seen previous recs and would like something more recent.
Anywhere in Berkeley would be great. Also if anyone has been
to ''No Sweat'' recently and has an instructor to recommend.
I'd like to find someone really experienced in pilates who
knows what they are doing.
Thanks, Rebecca
Karen Emery teaches the Pilates Mat class at No Sweat on
Thursdays at noon and is an excellent instructor. I've been
attending her classes there for two years and have also
enjoyed classes taught by Skye. Both Karen and Skye teach
at other locations in the area (Karen at Ashkenaz on Weds.
5:30 pm and Sat. at 9 am, Skye teaches at the Albany Y).
These mat-based classes are very reasonable compared to
what private Pilates training costs and (I think)equally
effective. You can try a drop-in class or take just a few
classes at any of these locations and see if it's a good
fit for you.
Jennifer
Roxanne Moultry teaches at the 'Y' and at Danspace (Hudson
and Miles) in Oakland mw 7:30 pm. Her classes are 10$ to
drop in and 5 for 45$. I've never taken pilates before, but
w/ my background in yoga, find her instruction to be clear
and the exercises to be effective and safe. It's pilates
mat and pilates bar instruction. My friend who has done
pilates previously visited the class and was impressed.
Jessica
Call Kim Frank in Albany. She's an excellent Pilates
instructor and she comes to you. Call her at 510-526-4619,
and prepare your deep abdominals to work!
Julie
I know of a good pilates studio/instructor out in Walnut
Creek. The studio is called Turning Point and the
instructor that I used was named Nora (one of the
founders). Naomi is the other founder, I believe. Both
instructors worked at the pilates Dancemedicine clinic
associated with the Center for Sports Medicine before
starting their own studio. I ended up using the
Dancemedicine clinic because I had an injury, and pilates
rehab was covered there by my insurance. If you decide to
go to Turning Point and call directory assistance, make
sure you say ''the pilates studio.'' There is another
Turning Point in WC that is a therapy practice or something.
Alison
November 2001
we just moved to El Cerrito from oakland and I would like to find a yoga
and/or pilates class in our area. suggestions???
Danielle
Editor note: see also Yoga Classes
No Sweat, on Solano Ave. in Berkeley offers two pilates
classes a week, on Tuesday and Thursday at 12:00 pm.
The drop in fee is $10 or you can buy class cards. Also
Synergy on Solano Ave. in Albany has a variety of mat
and equipment classes, though I have not experienced
them personally. The Albany YMCA has a mat class on
Mondays at 12:15 with a drop in fee of $12. I would
also love to hear about other classes in the area!
Hope this helps.
melissa
I like the pilates class at the Richmond YMCA... they
also have yoga classes which I haven't tried yet. The
facility looks beautiful and the people who work there
are very kind and professional. It takes me only ten
minutes to get there from Arlington/Barrett in El Cerrito.
Susan
1999
Can anyone recommend a good pilates class or trainer? I've
tried the one at the Berkeley Y and wasn't completely
convinced - any other recommendations? (I'm trying to
strengthen a weak back).
Natasha
I've worked with two Pilates trainers who work out of a studio on
Camellia Street, near Urban Ore. I believe Jennifer Morris is still there
and she is the last person I trained with. You can either give her a try,
or talk to Nanci Pecker who runs the place, and she can recommend
someone else. I've known Nanci for a long time and she is very
trustworthy when it comes to recommendations. Nanci Pecker, 528-0707.
Good luck!
Catherine
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