05/13/08

Fabulous Pilates studio in Cow Hollow

by rhondayvous

How else could a mother of three reduce that mid-section "pooch" without the help of Mercury Fitness?? I've noticed not only stronger abs, buns and thighs, but my posture is better and I feel energized after each class. The studio is fairly large and can accommodate two group classes at a time (one mat class and a machine class) as well as private sessions. What I love about Mercury Fitness (aside from living in the neighborhood, so parking is not an issue) is the ability to reserve/change classes on-line or over the phone, and the personable instructors make each class, shall I say it... fun!!! .

05/12/08

Abs of steel had nothin on Mercury!!

by marifre

It's like my "Cheers"- everyone knows your name! They have taken my stalled body and really toned it up and I've lost weight in the process! I traditionally have done triathlons and got into pilates down in San Diego and realized I wasn't REALLY doing pilates until I got Mercury! They will take a first timer and make them into a pro- and they help you engage muscles you never knew you had. Be prepared to sweat- especially in David's classes! All while smiling of course...

• Pros: Awesome ambiance, you get your money's worth, one on one training, great location
• Cons: If they get rated number one- which they will- everyone will know my secret!

05/12/08

Best hour in your day

by HammerCPA

The hour I spend with Lara or her other instructors is the faster and most enjoyable hour of the day. I started practicing Pilates a little over two years ago after finding myself bored from the repetitive nature of the weight training and cardio vascular training I have done for the past twenty years. I have also just returned from a vacation where I did two private trainings with two different instructors in the same studio. The training sessions in the other studio were identical and showed very little innovation or personalization to my needs or interests. Whether we are working on the mat, chair, reformer or cadillac, the training sessions at Mercury Fitness are personal, interesting and innovative. The only part of the workout that I don't look forward to is. "I am sorry that is all the time we have for today."

05/12/08

If You're Serious About Pilates....

by EllkaySB

...this is your place. I have been practicing and studying Pilates for 20+ years, and while I don't live in SF, I visit frequently and searched for quite awhile to find a studio who delivered the level of instruction I always hope to find when away from home. Mercury does a great job and it's always a joy to grab a session there when I can. Instructors are knowledgeable and fun as well. You can't go wrong here as long as you're looking for a healthy, strong workout.

• Pros: Great location, beautiful studio, great instructors
• Cons: Can be tough to get a session or class unless you book ahead

05/12/08

No Pilates Studio Like This One!

by Mmyers28

It took me three years of living in SF to find the quality of classes and instructors that are present at Mercury. Other classes covered only basic Pilates with very little room for advancement. Those studios that did offer advanced classes or machine classes, were incredibly expensive or required that I hire a private instructor. I'm a teacher, so I can't afford to spend $65.00 an hour and upwards to keep rock hard abs.

Laura's classes are fun, challenging, and most importantly, she keeps me safe. I have a previous back injury and years of gymnastics left me a little gummy in areas, but Laura has helped me strengthen my back and rebuild my lithe physique (after the college beer-swilling years).

The reformer classes are excellent and offer variety. It's never the same routine twice, so I'm always focusing on different parts of the body. Pilates isn't all about the abs you know!

With reasonably-priced classes and expert trainers, you can't go wrong with Mercury. Thanks ladies!

05/09/08

Go hard or go home!

by CanadaRN

I've been taking classes at Mercury Fitness just shy of one year now...started out with the Mat and now am a Machine junkie ! I absolutely love it. Instructors are approachable,knowledgeable, helpful and kick my butt everytime! I feel like I've had an amazing workout with each class...All classes vary so I never get bored! A must try....prepare to get hooked!

• Pros: Knowledgeable instructors, great results

05/21/07

Every girls secret to a long lean body

by sophiaa

Lara Hudson and Pilates instructors are amazing! They focus on strengthening and lengthening for the long lean body. In the few months of my experience I have noticed remarkable improvement with my posture and muscle flexibility. As my body continues to improve they continue work with me on good form and physique. Yes, I do see a definite change in the hips and thighs and abs. They are awesome professional Pilates Instructors I am please with the results. Mercury Fitness is every girl?s secret to a long lean Physique. By Francesca

• Pros: Thumbs up!

05/08/07

Always Sure to Get You Going

by khint

The instructors at Mercury Fitness are amazing! They are all extremely qualified and friendly. Coming in to work out is always a great time, especially when you're leaving and can already feel where you're going to be sore the next day. I was a first-timer when I walked in, but have seen constant improvements with my strength and overall physique. I've taken classes with another instructor (while out of SF) and she was impressed with my level for the amount of time I've been taking pilates classes- I owe that all to Mercury! The studio itself is a great space with the perfect ambience. I highly recommend Mercury Fitness to anyone who wants a good butt-kicking!

• Pros: Instructors, Ambience, Online Scheduling

05/04/07

Best workout, bar none...

by brooksgriffin

Mercury Fitness is the best work out you can find, anywhere. It's not just the workout (though that will kick your butt), it's the whole experience. I have worked out in many environments, but I find their space more comfortable and inspiring than other gyms or studios. The customer service is warm and friendly. The staff is very knowledgeable and versed in all things pilates. They have not forgotten any detail to make a great work out. I would highly recommend Mercury Fitness to anyone.

• Pros: excellent staff, amazing space, attention to details

09/08/06

Best Pilates Studio EVER!!

by bernadiva

MUST... GET... HOT... DANCER.. BODY... BACK..... These are the thoughts running through my head as I do my "hundreds". You see, Pilates was once part of my daily routine in college (dance major here) and then my weekly routine (post college) and then my gym lost all their great yoga and Pilates instructors and now here I am starting from ground zero. Did you know that your abs are the first set of muscles to go when you stop exercising? Onto my review...

I am a huge Lara Hudson fan too, she was my Pilates and yoga instructor at Crunch Fitness, and I was wondering where she had moved on to after she left the gym. (She has two DVD's out - and is shooting her third as I write this). It turns out she and her husband Darren opened up Mercury Fitness down in the Cow Hollow area...it is an absolutely beautiful studio - almost like a sleek and suave restaurant with aromatherapy candles and dim lighting. They do private instruction, group machine classes, and group mat classes. The fabulous thing is that the machine classes are limited to four people and the mat classes are limited to eight, so you always get a lot of attention. And what is more convenient than online purchasing and scheduling? Darren and Lara have created a masterpiece of a studio and I am so excited that I get to take class there!

• Pros: Great workout, excellent instructors, convenient location.
• Cons: Parking can be difficult.