Pukka Pilates & Physical Therapy

As a newer pilates instructor, I am always seeking to improve my practice and teaching skills by taking classes from master instructors. Pukka Pilates peaked my interest because many of their instructors are also licensed physical therapists.
Having practiced pilates for more than 10 years, I was expecting for the class to be a walk in the park, like most pilates classes I’ve taken. Boy was I wrong! I took my first private pilates session with the owner and master instructor, Sharon, several months ago. I was hooked from that day forward. Sharon helped me to find the deepest connections in my body, and she made the most basic of movements challenging. In addition, she was very generous in sharing the knowledge she had when she learned I was also a pilates instructor.
Of the many pilates studios that I have been to, I have never met an instructor like Sharon. She is a compassionate person with an in depth knowledge of pilates and the body. I was so impressed by her that I purchased several classes even though I have the same pilates reformer and chair at home, not to mention access to free classes at the studio I work at. To me, it is an investment worth every penny.
Fast forward to today — I am continuing to take classes at Pukka Pilates, aiming for at least 1 class a week in between my own home and studio practice. Sharon has taught me so much within such a short time, and I am so grateful because the knowledge I have gained has made me a more competent instructor. Through Pukka, I have especially learned that pilates instruction is not about creating new and crazy exercise variations all the time (which I used to pride myself in). It is about perfecting each exercise, performing even the most fundamental exercises with precision and control — squeezing the juice out of each movement.
In a nutshell, if you want to take your pilates practice to the next level and feel amazing after every class, Pukka does not disappoint! I am so happy I found them, and so are my clients :). They notice the difference, and that’s the best news to me.

If I could give Pukka more than 5 stars, I would…
I have been to both studios (Scripps Ranch and Carmel Valley). They are both very clean, bright, vibrant and welcoming. Classes always start and finish on time. Booking a class is easy and convenient (through mindbody, online).
I mostly take Sharon’s (owner) classes, and she is an excellent teacher. She knows her Pilates inside and out, and really focuses on correcting clients’ form, making sure they are safe and keeping proper form. She goes above and beyond what you would expect. She handpicks highly qualified instructors so you can be sure that no matter what class you take, you will be in good hands.
I love that classes are kept small (5 people maximum for Reformer), so you really get the attention and hands-​on corrections that you need, and especially love Pukka’s Healthy Back classes, which are basic yet challenging.

Update 1 year later: My strength and flexibility has improved, muscle tone is much better and just today, my doctor took me off my blood pressure medication. My lab results for my cholesterol are the best in a long time and are now in the Very Good range. Pukka Pilates is also helping me with an old shoulder injury.
Thank you for getting me back on track with my health!

Pukka Pilates has been a great addition to my routine. I swear by their healthy back classes. Sharon (owner) is phenomenal, though I think she can make anything a physical challenge, I appreciate her knowledge of the body.
Started here because I had a back injury. Benefits are plentiful. Sharon, Jess — all the instructors know their stuff!

If you’re into getting fit and being the best that you can be, then Pukka Pilates and Physical Therapy is for you! Back in June 2013 I decided I needed to focus on core training in addition to the other activities I do (swimming, cycling, weightlifting) and was pleasantly surprised by the improvement I witnessed in each of those areas because of attending Pukka on a regular basis. My posture improved (and don’t we all need that!) but most importantly, my low back pain that I had learned to live with over the years was gone. That’s real results and I’m hooking for life! Pukka Pilates offers classic Pilates, cardio sessions, Mat work, yoga and so much more.
Come join the fun and be hooked like me!!!

I went to the grand opening today and took my first pilates class from Sharon, the owner. It was really good. She was clear, helpful and dealt with several students at different levels. The studio was super cute. I will definitely return.

I have had nothing but a positive experience at Pukka! Sharon who owns the studio looks for only the most well qualified instructors. I have had positive experiences with every instructor. While they all have slightly different workouts, every one has given me instructions to tailor the class to my specific needs even with 4 others in the class. Additionally, I love that only 5 students maximum per Reformer class because I get almost a one-​on-​one personal training workout which also pushes me to work harder. I haven’t gone to any other studios and don’t plan to. Pukka is the place for me!
I highly recommend Pukka’s pilates classes to those looking for a great strengthening and conditioning workout that will get you the toned results that you are looking for without risking serious injury. I have noticed the difference in my body, my stamina and energy levels when I take the classes consistently 2x a week, in less than a month.

Pukka Pilates is the absolute best! I started Pilates at Pukka back in May of 2013 when they opened, and have seen tremendous improvements in my physical condition, both in overall strength and either elimination or reduction of physical problems the doctors told me I had to live with (back, hip, shoulders, neck). The combination of Pilates and physcial therapy is exactly what I needed. Both Sharon and Natalya are not only great Pilates instructors, but are both certified Physical Therapists. They really know how all the parts of the body work together, and always have a workaround if my physical issues get in the way. The workouts are balanced and even in a class of 3 or 4, exercises are individualized when necessary.
I highly recommend trying Pilates at Pukka!

Pukka is awesome! Led by Sharon Manzuk, the whole team focuses on classic Pilates and making sure their clients do it right! I’ve been coming here since May ’13 and felt my endurance and strength increase immediately! Try Pilates JUMP and Circuit! Challenging & Fun!

Pukka Pilates is awesome! I had never done reformer Pilates before and now I’m hooked. It is a combination of weightlifting with cardio. Since I’m focused on doing the exercises correctly, I do not realize how hard I’m working (until the next day of course when I can’t move). I truly feel like I’m getting stronger! All the instructors are knowledgeable, challenging, and genuinely want you to do the best you can while remaining safe. Sharon is great and is truly passionate about what she does. Come check out Pukka Pilates! Your first private session is free :)

Great small yoga class midday.

I had my first session with Sharon today and loved it! I really had no idea that I was doing the basic positions so incorrectly. Sharon is really helpful and nice too. I am stoked about having a great place to get fit so close to home!!!