05/23/07

great one-on-one instructors!

by hmw

I take of advantage of the incredible student teachers...especially those with great experience and knowledge of anatomy. It's the best way to learn how to feel what you should feel and to take your practice and awareness to a whole new level. Relaxing yet challenging and great studio feel. This is a great way start pilates before you take a group class.

• Pros: one-on-one service, lots of diverse equipment, ambience
• Cons: sometimes loud with many little groups when it gets busy

05/16/07

Life changing and affordable (for pilates)

by keats1964

After 20 years of low back pain, I now have ZERO low back pain. Ellie Herman Studios has been a life changing experience!

It's a teacher training facility, and I'm not referring the weekend certifications that many mat class instructors at the big gyms get, I'm talking intensive anatomy, body mechanics, and Pilates. They have an international reputation as one of the best certification programs.

I've tried PT rehab, Iyengar yoga, chiropractic, and acupuncture - all providing some relief but no cure. A PT suggested I try Pilates. Fist off, there are some basic things that anyone doing Pilates needs to learn correctly from a qualified teacher before they can do ANY Pilates correctly. I committed to 1-on-1 sessions, but realized I couldn't afford it for an extended period of time. The instructor suggested a student teacher 2-3 times per week for only $20 a visit. She designed a program specific to my rehab, and instructed the student on the proper approach. Since then, I've worked with 3 trainers at the student/apprentice levels (switching teachers when certified, as hourly rates go up). The studio has been supportive of my cost conscious needs, and it's been key to my success.

It's now been about two years, and I've been pain free for over one year!

They have student teachers, apprentice level instructors, fully certified instructors, senior instructors, Master instructors, and specialists in Pilates based rehab.

Lower back pain can be a downward spiral of constant discomfort and depression. You should be able to carry your toddler up the stairs after they've fallen asleep in the car - You should be able teach your kid how to swing a baseball bat - You should be able to put in a quality day of work at the office....

The studio asked for my commitment, found a way for me to afford it, and after 20 years of pain, Ellie Herman Studios and the fantastic trainers have given me back these gifts we all take for granted.

05/11/07

Great place for guys

by 1234lyman

I thought Pilates was just for the girls...boy was I wrong. It was a great workout, I never expected it. My friend told me about the benifits of Pilates and I gave it a try. I did the 3 private intake package they have for $150 that got me started and it has been 8 months now. I am so flexible now and have no back pain.. I highly recomend this studio. Lots of classes and very talented trainers.

• Pros: Lots of classes
• Cons: not open late on the weekends.

05/02/07

EHS Pilates is wonderful!

by rebeldevil

Wow. This place rocks. It is a great environment. The best thing about EHS is that all shapes and sizes and ages are very welcome. I felt very comfortable at the studio. I was coming from a place where I was not so fit and was not at all intimidated. The staff at the front desk was great and I really like that there is always someone at the desk to answer the phone. They are very dedicated to customer service. I called 5 other studios and no one picked up the phone or did not call back for days. Worked out great for me. . .now I am a 3x a week client and I'm working on a great new body......

12/06/06

Best pilates studio in SF!

by gogocook

Ellie Herman is a great pilates studio. Since they are a pilates trainer teaching facility they have many different prices for privates. If you can't afford to see a certified trainer you can go to a student for. They also do rehabiliative work which is great for me since I had back surgery. Pilates has helped my body so much. They have classes every day of the week and all throughout the day. With friendly staff and lots of trainers they can fit me in pretty much whenever I want to come.

• Cons: 

02/28/06

User review by mattsteele

by mattsteele

Really nice studio with very skilled trainers. The work out was great and not too intense.

05/19/05

Terrific pilates studio!

by uppidywench

Ellie Herman's studio is a terrific place to learn pilates. The trainers are excellent.

• Pros: intense workout, financial options, positive atmosphere
• Cons: , parking

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

Pilates, enhanced by elements of yoga, dance and gymnastics in private, semi-private or group classes, plus massage, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy.