EHS Pilates

Classpassers are extremely fortunate to be able to take EHS classes through classpass. EHS is one of a handful of studios where I ALWAYS take my three allotted classes per month! Too many of the pilates classes around SF never discuss fundamentals, encourage students to go beyond their range of motion, and in doing so they basically deprive you of the primary benefits of pilates. You have to understand neutral spine, people!!!
Across the board the EHS teachers are the best pilates teachers I have found. I am so glad that EHS continues to focus on pilates fundamentals even in their most advanced classes.
If you are interested in learning more about your core or want to really understand what pilates is all about, GO TO EHS! The mechanics that you learn from EHS teachers will benefit you in all of your other classes – ranging from spin to barre to yoga to TRX – and help you keep your core working and your spine safe.

I’ve been really happy with the classes I’ve taken here, especially the more advanced reformer ones. The instructors are talented and personable, and they vary the exercises a good amount within a class, so you’re getting in a well-​rounded workout. Each class has also been fairly different, which is great because there are so many Pilates exercises to practice (outside of the hundred and single leg stretch!). I love that the studio is clean with updated equipment without being stuffy or too glitzy.

It has been about 8 months now doing Pilates an exercise practice I knew nothing about. Due to bad knees, yoga was out. At 57 being a professionally videographer I do a lot of lifting for my work. EHS and Pilates has given me a core strength I have never had. The superb instructor, Laura Kirkeby that I have been working with has gotten me from ground zero with Pilates to understand the power of this type of work. With lots of injuries I have been able to work through all of them with the professional care of EHS.

Great Pilates studio, big selection of classes to choose from, excellent equipment (Balanced Body).
Justin is really awesome with the CoreAlign! I’ll definitely be going back to try some more of his classes!
The vibe here is perfect for what I’m looking for in a classical Pilates studio. It’s more of a therapy to counteract the rest of my fitness regimens rather than a crazy cardio workout, and the instructors really know what they’re talking about as far as anatomy and alignment goes.

I’m happy to report that EHS is now offering additional classes. The teachers are still awesome, the folks at the desk are sweethearts, and I always look forward to coming to class. Check it out!

Best Pilates studio ever! Tons of classes, beautiful equipment, patient and knowledgable trainers and all within a spa-​like studio space.
Because of a degenerative spinal condition, I underwent TWO disc-​replacement surgeries in 2014. As you can imagine, I was very concerned about working with folks who understand the mechanics of healing and supporting my new, improved spine. These guys nailed it! I cant thank them enough for taking part in what has been an amazing recovery.
I’ve enjoyed EHS so much I’m now considering getting qualified to teach through Nancy Myers’ Pilates certification classes!

EHS is a great teaching studio; I’m glad that I had my first intro to pilates class here. They keep the intro class small, so our student-​teacher was pretty hands-​on and attentive. Our class of four students had the whole church, where they’re temporarily located as their studio is being renovated, to ourselves. In the hour class, we went over breathing, stretches, the foam roller, springboard, and finally the reformer. I liked that she demonstrated every move for us and got on the reformer, teaching us how to carefully get on without injuring ourselves. It was a lot to absorb in the quick class but was a good overview, and the teacher was available after class to answer questions. I’m glad that had my first reformer class here, as I tried a beginner pilates class the next day at another studio in which the teacher rushed us through all the exercises and never got on the reformer to demonstrate.

What a great studio! It’s bright and airy, beautiful and relaxing, all in all a lovely place to work on your form.
I’ve been a pilates fan for years and am now completely addicted. What I love about EHS is the quantity, quality and variety of classes. For whatever skill level you’re at there are options. The class sizes are small so once you’ve been coming for a bit the teachers can assess and work with you to improve your gait, fix that wonky knee, strengthen your pelvic floor, balance out your dominant side or what have you.
Check it out!

Love this place. I’ve moved back to the East Bay, and the online reservation system makes it easy to book a class and not worry that the class will be full by the time I arrive. I really hope that I find a great studio like this when I move out of state.

My physical therapist told me to try out this spot. She’s a very nice lady — the kind of lady where you would never second guess anything she said.
I wish the staff here was just as sweet.
It is a beautiful studio. Sunny spot, just don’t talk to anyone. Or fart in the studio, they don’t take too kindly to that either.

I’ve been coming to EHS off and on, lately a little more regularly for almost a year now. I’ve also checked out some other pilates studios and classes around town so I can compare.
PROS
+ lots of different classes for different levels and different types of equipment
+ they limit their classes so that instructors are always observing the students and you get constant feedback, largest classes are mat classes and even that is only 8 max, it’s not like elsewhere where you can barely see the instructor because the room is so full
+ their super-​saver 3 card is a great value, knocks the price down a lot if you can commit
+ instructors are all great but have their own styles, very friendly
CONS
— i wish they had more after work classes because it’s located in the mission and not near downtown
— for privates it’s sometimes weird to have a class going on at the same time, or another private right next to you, not for the shy and timid
— instructors seem to turnover frequently, always new people teaching the classes
— wish there were more advanced classes! what about the wunda chair?
I’ve been mostly taking classes with Brigitte (mat) and Chris (springboard). Recently I also tried Tre’s advanced reformer class. My favorite instructor is Esha — I’ve followed her here from SF Pilates for logistical reasons — but I only take duets with her and just a few group classes.
Almost my favorite pilates studio (fave is SF PIlates but they don’t do group classes).
PS I’ve never had an issue with the front desk. Everyone here is super friendly and after a few classes the instructors will start remembering you. I recommend trying out a few classes to find the best class/​instructor combo for you but once you find something that works stay with it while you can because building a history with the instructor is really useful.

Awesome! 10 out of 10 for me.
I just came for the first time today, took an intro springboard class with Brigitte, the instruction was great — she was great at explaining things. She is quick to give modifications if you should need it and I always love that. Really good teacher, and I think I will do more springboard now.
When I walked in to the studio, as a newbie, the really nice lady behind the desk took me on a little tour, and when I left she said «goodbye, dear!» The studio is really nice — busy — but everyone is nice — and you can tell that most people are regulars.
Friendly place, great instruction. I love a neighborhood business that’s well managed and has a great service. Can’t wait to go back.

I love this place! I originally came as part of a Living Social deal for 3 sessions, but loved it so much, I’ve been going for almost a year worth of personal training.
The studio is clean, brightly lit and the perfect place to be to relax and feel totally comfortable. I have been working with trainer Cindy Shepard for almost a year and keep coming back every week because my body feels so good after our practice! She pays great attention to form and strength so you get the most for your time and money, and we’ve noticed I’ve gotten stronger week by week! I even referred my brother who now commutes from Oakland to see her!
They have an extensive selection of equipment including many reformers, chairs, body work tables, rollers, balls and springboards which are great for people of any level. Haven’t taken a class yet, but I hear they’re excellent. Personal training with Cindy is awesome!

Bought the three-​class Core Align special after getting stuck in SF due to the hurricane. I wish I could do Core Align back home in DC. Mystie
Cho was a fantastic instructor, the studio was very welcoming, and the Core Align classes, which are limited to four students, gave me a great strength and stability workout. Over three days I took a the beginning, intermediate and cardio versions of the class. I highly recommend it and
EHS!

What I like most about EHS Pilates is the sense that there is a real community. It’s a feeling in the air. You can count on being greeted warmly when you walk in the door, and all of the clients coming and going and working out are smiling. The instructors are skilled and dedicated.
I know this atmosphere doesn’t happen by accident. I used to attend classes at another studio where the teachers were talented but there just didn’t seem to be any joy. So I stopped going and gave up on Pilates for a couple of years.
Glad to have found EHS!

Everyone is just so nice, they have everything, including acupuncture! Mystie Cho is so sweet, and gives you one heck of a workout, too!
Had so much fun my first time– I immediately made an appointment for the day after!
Great great place.

This pilates studio is amazing!
EHS: Energy, Health, Strength
I first found it on Groupon (but between me and you, I don’t think the business is suffering, I think they were on Groupon to spread the word about thier great facility).
EHS is in a great location with a super cute décor and (non-​pretentious) mellow vibe.
The people are extremely knowledgeable, warm and passionate about what they do; maybe this is why it is such a great place?!?
Clean facility to say the least.
Anyways, I have always wanted to try pilates:
1) Working out at the gym I have been slacking and not feeling the «burn»
2) I also have some knee issues from years of working out at the gym
3) Yoga is just too slow and a little boring for me.
Pilates offers an excellent workout!!!
I felt the burn for literally 3 days, but the kicker is:
I felt full of energy after leaving my HOUR LONG session!
I kid you not!
Pilates is very safe for your joints, especially if you need them strengthened. I have had Hafsa as my instructor the past few times I have come, she is incredible! Very hands-​on and expresses awareness for correct posture/​movement as well as the target areas you want to work on – whether its that trouble muffin top or you want to tone up your arms or thighs. Its great for toning, cardio and endurance.
The classes are very small-​with (intentionally) just a few people attending. They offer a variety of different classes, styles, machines, etc.
Very highly recommended from a work-​out junkie! Can’t wait until my gym membership expires.

EHS Pilates changed my life. I have been looking at training there for over 10 years, when it was owned by Ellie Herman — and could not have picked a better time to give them a call, and start training when I did (finally, last December)!
The studio is now owned by two very cool and super awesome ladies: Tracey & Nancy. Nancy Myers happens to be one of the foremost experts on foot & gait therapy in the region — and has personally helped me with my screwy walking pattern (which has been giving me some real foot issues lately). She has an intuition about body movement and patterns that I hadn’t personally encountered before meeting her… and I’ve trained with multiple trainers and physical therapists in the past (as well as studied as a physical therapy assistant & advanced massage therapist myself).
Everyone at the studio is extrememly friendly and helpful. There is no pretense or snobbery among any of the staff — despite the fact that the studio boasts some of the best trainers the Bay Area has to offer. I’ve never seen a group of people so willing to help you reach your goals. I can tell they really care about helping their clients improve their lives through core strengthening and wellness therapies… and the whole group is extremely passionate about Pilates. Which I totally appreciate, because I have been passionate about it for almost 20 years, myself!
The best thing about it is it’s neighborhood ‘vibe’. The owners try to remain active in the local community, and they strive to keep all the clients on top of what’s going on in the ‘hood. I’m so stoked to train there — and will recommend it to anyone & everyone looking to get in better shape… or just improve their lives in general.

2.5 stars: 2 star front office, 4 star instruction — it’s a «tale of two cities» Pilates Studio
I like that there are various classes, teachers and teacher training.
The teachers seem really warm, sincere and very knowledgeable.
So if you can bypass the front room +++
My criticism is the «agent Friday» meets «Romana» front office staff demeanor with a cut and dried bureaucratic attitude that is a little too hard edged. Especially when there may have been registration glitches and other issues.
I realize SF can be different than the south bay, but it seems EHS (front staff) is trying to be more NY than SF in this regard. I don’t expect em to be singing «kum ba yah» or gushing over anyone, but some warmth would help. And on a somewhat side note, if you have Pilates teachers come into your studio (I’m not one), I think you ought to show them a bit more professional courtesy. Just saying… I’d think they deserved respect, not just a cha chink opportunity. It left a sour note.
A Pilates Studio is not a standard retail establishment that has to safeguard their sanctum from being overrun by bathroom visitors I’d think… but maybe they have this issue on Valencia… and it spills over to how they relate to their customers (and visiting Pilates instructors). But I personally think this doesn’t complement what the EHS Pilates instructors are trying to achieve. Further, it’d be less chaotic in the cramped front area if both front staff handled people simultaneously instead of just having one staff member handle each person one at a time.
The good news is training can make it 4 stars all around! ;-)
(I do realize that maybe I’ve just experienced an off day type of thing)
I will update my review to 4 stars where it should be, if it changes.

My friend Alvina W. and I checked out EHS Pilates after buying a 3-​class Trubate deal. I was really excited when I bought the deal because it covered Pilates Reformer classes which I tried at Equinox and LOVED, but they are usually super expensive.
When we first signed up for classes, however, we realized it was slim pickings if we wanted to use our deal since there were not a ton of classes offered on the weekends for coupon-​holders and the ones that were offered filled up really quickly. Maybe the experience would have been somewhat different if they had allowed us access to all of the classes and instructors.
We first signed up for a pilates reformer class with Daniel. It was NOT good. It was nothing like what I had done at Equinox, and we barely felt like we got a workout. Daniel did not really check our form or tell us if we were doing the exercises correctly, which was frustrating since we are newbies to the reformer. He also wasn’t very friendly. Unfortunately, Daniel is the only one who does reformer classes for coupon-​holders on the weekend, so we had even more limited options for our next session.
We next tried the core align class with Hafsa. Core Align uses a special piece of equipment that allows 2 plates to move vertically in different directions. This experience was WAY better than the first and we really liked Hafsa. She was really nice and attentive and made sure our form was correct on each exercise. We felt more like we had gotten some kind of workout and left the class pleased.
The third class we took was again a core align class, but since Hafsa wasn’t teaching, we signed up for the class with Moana. Moana told us at the beginning of the class that she hadn’t taught core align in awhile so she was a bit rusty. Uh oh. As you can imagine, the instruction was not that great and I felt like I frequently did the exercises incorrectly. She tried to correct us occasionally, but I feel like she did it way less frequently. Unsurprisingly, the next day I realized I had pulled a muscle in one of my legs. I know exactly when I did it, too, since the exercise I was doing incorrectly was a bad one to mess up.
All in all, we were not really pleased with our experience at EHS. Hafsa and Moana were nice, but we only felt like we got a good session in Hafsa’s class. 1 out of 3 is not very good.