Elevation

06/12/09

Ok place if this is your only option - but it isn't

by SunsetGal at Citysearch

I went to Elevation for three years, and I finally got so fed up I left. At first I was happy with the prices, the location (I live in the neighborhood) and the quality of the teachers. I was willing to put up with some really un-businesslike practices - classes cancelled at the last minute, the ever-changing front desk staff - but I finally left after yet another beloved teacher disappeared . They just sent out an email that her classes had been taken over and they took down her picture like she never existed. Spooky.

Anyway, there are many other Pilates studios in SF that have happy teachers (many of whom worked at Elevation), cheerful front desk people, and reasonable prices. I now drive over to the Parkside or to Noe Valley/Mission, but it sure is worth it. I would much rather spend my money in a place that seems to want my business.

• Pros: Convenient if you live in the Richmond, affordable
• Cons: Terrible customer service, unhappy teachers who leave

02/20/09

Terrible customer service experience

by rk10 at Citysearch

Over the past two years I have been taking private classes and have had six different instructors. The studio hires excellent instructors, all of whom unfortunately leave because they cannot stand working there. In fact, each class served more as a complaining session for each instructor to criticize the studio. Their receptionists and office managers rotate just as often, each creating own rules and policies, and always ensuring that the customer is kept out of the loop regarding these changes. Previous rules are never honored and the only way to receive any sort of information is by pressing for documents regarding the changes. Furthermore, the modifications are aimed at getting more money out of the customer, not at improving the studio or the service.

Lastly, in order to get an idea of what this place is like, you must understand the owner. I took a private class with her, where she spent 60 minutes just talking to me. Call me silly, but when I pay for a private class, I expect exercise as part of the deal. Her stories were not worth my time or the price that I paid.

Customer service at this studio is simply non existent. Instructors have cancelled on me only hours before the class and the studio has never cared enough to find a replacement or has been decent enough to offer an apology. Yet the studio will bill a loyal, long term customer for canceling a session within 48 hours. If a customer woke up feeling sick, where is the justification in expecting a cancellation 48 hours prior?

This studio's ethics are straightforward: you are neither a client nor a customer. You are merely a credit card holder and nothing more. The only thing working or this studio is that there are no others in the area. So if you live nearby and do not want to deal with parking, this is an ideal place for you. However, if you expect customer service and are looking for high standards, avoid this place at all costs.

08/05/08

Clean Cozy Great Exercise Studio

by Emme1212 at Citysearch

I've been going to Elevation since it opened and have really liked the way the place has evolved. They have some great, experienced instructors - including owner Peggy (very experienced and fun to work with) and all their Nia instructors, and offer a number of exercise options.

My favorite classes are the ball classes with Peggy (whew - sore abs afterward!), the stretch classes, and Nia. If you haven't tried Nia, you've got to go there for a class. It's an interesting mix of modern dance, martial arts, spirituality, and freedom - plus an amazing aerobics workout.

What's cool too is occassionally they do some interesting, out of the norm, weekend classes. If ever you have a chance to take one from Randi - do it!

Overall I've found the staff to be friendly and helpful and the customer service gets better and better as the studio ages.

My only two negatives - parking in the Outer Richmond has become an ordeal in recent years and meter monitors are quick to ticket. Also, Nia is only one day a week currently at a hard time for my schedule.

When you get done - a burrito at Chino's across the street always hits the spot.

• Pros: Small classes. Great instructors. Variety of class options.
• Cons: Parking.

03/12/07

Great lil Pilates & yoga studio on Balboa

by tequilamex at Citysearch

I recently stopped in to Elevation after some time and right away noticed changes! Walls have come down & gone up literally! Along with a faboulous new outdoor deck area where there was a pilates class going on in the great weather on Sunday! Staff was attentive and introduced me to their online sign-up service (technology!!) but I live in the neighborhood. It was such a pleasant pit stop I'll definitely be back (if not to exercise to pick up a cool gift).

08/22/06

not a welcoming place

by sobachiagirl at Citysearch

Good place to go if you are already familiar with pilates. Not so good if you are a beginner or have any reservations about going to a new place for classes. Atmosphere is nice, but they are very disorganized about taking money, signing in etc.-- if your teacher is late (as mine was), then nobody is there to help or give information about how to sign in, pay, where to go, etc.

Also I went to the "no experience necessary" pilates mat course and was told that it would not be a good class for me, as I had no experience with pilates! There is a bit of a slenderella yuppie vibe to the place-- if that kind of thing bothers you, go elsewhere.

• Pros: peaceful, clean, mellow space
• Cons: parking, no front desk staff/assistance, insider vibe

03/13/06

great pilates studio

by mc94117 at Citysearch

I've been going to Christy for the semi-private trio classes for over a year now, and I can definitely see the changes in my body. She's a great teacher - really pays attention to your progress and manages to structure the class around everyone's needs. The trio classes are a good value, too.

I've tried some of the mat classes and been quite happy - small class sizes. I would love to take more but haven't been able to squeeze them into my schedule.

07/14/05

Great studio in the outer Richmond

by eipass at Citysearch

I love Elevation and have been going there since Peg opened two years ago. The atmosphere is totally unpretentious and friendly and the staff is just awesome. The classes are also really small so you get a great value and lots of attention and they have yoga, pilates and NIA. I'm so happy Elevation is in my neighborhood and highly recommend it!

• Pros: Good Value, Easy Parking, Awesome Staff

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor at Citysearch

Richmond district studio offers private and semi-private sessions, group Pilates, yoga, movement classes, workshops and more.

07/23/03

Great place!

by brevana at Citysearch

I'm so glad I discovered Elevation Pilates. It is worth the drive - the classes are great, the prices are unbeatable and the staff is very knowledgeable.