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Pilates Essence

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11668 Gateway Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064

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(310) 890-1107
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Best

In the past I've had difficulty finding exercise I enjoy - I'm not very athletic and I would get easily discouraged. Since I started at Pilates Essence about a year and a half ag...

Worst

All reviews seem positive

Best Pilates Studio!!! 6/4/2010

In the past I've had difficulty finding exercise I enjoy - I'm not very athletic and I would get easily discouraged. Since I started at Pilates Essence about a year and a half ago, though, my attitude has completely changed- I love my workouts! My body is stronger, I feel healthier and more energetic, and I'm even working towards graceful! I'd tried Pilates before, but I credit Marie and the other awesome instructors with providing an environment that encourages me to get stronger and better with every workout. more
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Excellent teaching 8/12/2009

Well structured teaching from professionals who clearly enjoy their work. more
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changes your body--fast! 5/26/2009

This is the kind of exercise that completely strengthens and changes your body, straightens your posture, and makes you feel good! I love the beautiful studio and the location is centrally located on the westside with lots of parking. I wanted to try pilates for a long time because of the amazing results I saw in other people, but after several months it's become less about looks with me and more about the way my body feels--amazing! If you just stick with it for a few weeks, I think you'll be addicted too, and have one happy, strong, stress-free body. Pros: lovely studio with professional trainers more
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exercise that i actually look forward to 3/30/2009

i hate exercising and have never been able to make myself do any kind of exercise consistently until i tried pilates essence - been doing it for over a year now weekly. i can honestly say that i actually look forward to it too - which has NEVER happend before! my body feels so much better after and my posture has gotten better. my core has gotten very strong. marie is tough but a great instructor and really cares. i would recommend pilates essence to anyone! Pros: convenient, good instructors and equipment more
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Pilates -- ""Gem"" on the Westside! 3/12/2009

I was looking for a way to exercise that would help me strengthen my core without hurting my back. My physical therapist recommended pilates. A search on the web showed several pilates classes in my neighborhood, but only Pilates Essence seemed to be equipped to give the one-on-one attention I was looking for. After a year of working in the studio with Marie and Lana, I am completing exercises that I didn't think I could do! Marie and Lana are highly skilled, enthusiastic, and fun! They have been able to incorporate the recommendations of my doctor for maximum benefit in my workout. The studio has a calm, serene vibe. I appreciate all the different equipment since the variety keeps me motivated! Pros: Serene environment; professional but personal staff, easy parking more
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Great neighborhood pilates training studio 3/11/2009

I just started pilates 9 months ago. Pros: Thumbs up more
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Inspiring Pilates Studio 2/27/2009

I was looking for somewhere to do Pilates and read other reviews about Pilates Essence. I drove by and then sent an e-mail. I have been working out there for about 6 months and am addicted. Marie is a wonderful instructor--encouraging, motivating, inspiring and incredibly in tune with her students, their needs and bodies. I love working out with her and look forward to every session. The studio is easy to get to and always comfortable and clean. Pros: Instructors, environment, equipement, location, workout, parking more
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Best Pilates on the Westside 2/27/2009

I had tried Pilates at a few other places around the Westside and hadn't really found a place that I liked. I received a gift certificate to Pilates Essence as a gift and thought I'd give it a try since it was already paid for... Pros: Instructors, Service, Results, Facilities, Parking more
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Best workout for workaholics! 2/27/2009

Great place to work out and learn to understand your own body (yes, it's challenging:)). Pros: Great workout if you make it part of your weekly routine Cons: It's not cheap but every pilates studio charges the same! more
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Perfect Place to Work Your Powerhouse 4/2/2008

I've been searching for the right workout that could help my aging jock body stay fit and grounded--and Pilates Essence is that place for me! Lana is terrific--supportive, professional, encouraging, an excellent teacher--who breaks activities down into manageable steps and who offers constructive feedback in an accessible and clear manner. I have been going for weekly sessions for about 6 months and can feel and see the difference in how my body feels. I've also taken some classes from Marie-- who is an equally gifted, patient teacher and someone who is passionate about pilates and making it accessible to a range of people. The studio is comfortable and calming--with great choices of diverse kinds of music playing while you work out. This place is a keeper!! more
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Best Pilates ever! 1/23/2008

Marie is amazing! Pilates is the only exercise I actually enjoy doing and look forward to going weekly. Even my husband loves it! We both walk out feeling leaner and taller every time we go. This is true classical pilates with REAL reformers unlike other places I have been to that have pink fuzzy handles on the machines. Marie makes sure our form is perfect and because of that each week we are getting better and better. I cannot reccommend a better studio or better workout. more
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lana rocks! 1/17/2008

i'm a very athletic person by nature but after having my baby found that i had little time to go to the gym and work out. my husband bought me 5 sessions with lana underwood, and the experience was absolutely amazing. lana is wonderful -- she knows pilates like the back of her hand and really guided me towards gaining my own knowledge of the art. she challenged my body while not running it down and i truly felt like i was in better shape and had better posture after the sessions. she was flexible with my schedule and allowed me to take sessions at night after my daughter went to sleep, which was a huge plus for me. all in all, i would recommend lana to anyone who is interested in getting in shape and having fun while doing it. she truly rocks!!! more
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Really, really great place to work out 9/24/2007

This was the best thing I ever did. The instructors are awesome and really motivate you. I went with my co-worker after work a few times a week and Maria made the classes something to look forward to. I hated and failed at many attempts to ""get fit/healthy"" but with each class I found myself feeling better and more motivated. After the first set of sessions I already felt myself getting stronger and more flexible. It's the perfect routine for people with busy schedules too. more
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Best Pilates studio and teachers 7/22/2007

I never thought I would become addicted to one particular exercise routine but after working with Lana at Pilates Essence I can't imagine doing anything else. I've been physically active my whole life but like many people have struggled with finding the perfect exercise to suit my body type and physical abilities. With the skillful and thoughtful instruction from Lana in this perfect Pilates studio I've become stronger, my body feels better and I'm in the best shape (at 35) then I've ever been in my life. I've been fortunate to work with Lana since she started teaching and I followed her to Pilates Essence when it opened. This studio is perfect. The atmosphere is ideal and the equipment is the best you could use. I highly recommend anyone from beginner or experienced to take pilates here. more
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Best Pilates 7/8/2007

Ever since having a weekly pilates session with Brooke Miyasaki, I've noticed a great improvement in my physical as well as my mental outlook. I've never been one to like to work out and even now sometimes I complain about having a weekly session. But after every session, I feel physically stronger and glad I didn't skip the session. Brooke keeps you motivated and makes every session different even though you're performing the same routines on the same apparatus. She's ensures a full workout even though I have back issues. I notice when I'm tense and tight from a week's worth of work that my muscles look forward to stretching out on the reformer. more
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A Pilates Studio that CARES About YOU! 7/6/2007

WISH LIST: To have a 1-on-1 PT (personal trainer) Pros: Love the background music. Cons: Zero more
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Highly Recommended Pilates Instructor at Pilates Essence! 7/5/2007

Diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 14, my physical therapist provided me with a list of daily exercises and stretches in order to strengthen my stomach muscles to support my back but to also prevent the curvature to worsen. Now, at the age of 34, I wasn't sticking to my daily routine and in the middle of the night, I was awaken by severe upper back muscle spasms. I was immediately taken to the hospital and had to undergo physical therapy for three months. After the muscle spasms went away, I turned to my friend and Pilates instructror, Brooke Miyasaki at Pilates Essence, who slowing helped me strengthen my body and get me back into shape. Pilates has been a life saver and I highly recommend it to anyone who is suffering from the same back pain that I am. more
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Great Pilates In a Zen Like Atmosphere 7/3/2007

Pilates Essence is one of those rare gems that you find once in a while. The atmosphere is beautiful, clean, follows the principles of feng shui and the equipment is Gratz, which is the top of the line. I've been training with Brooke for over a year. She is a highly trained and talented Pilates instructor. She has a fun free musical spirit that is contagious. Brooke seems to have an innate ability to know exactly what my body needs each session and she choreographs the workouts accordingly. Sometimes, like all of us, I can lose my motivation to workout. Brooke shines once again by sending me motivational text messages! Thanks to Brooke and Pilates Essence I look good and feel great! Pros: Brooke, studio atmosphere, easy parking more
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Great Instruction! Try Pilates, and try it here! 7/3/2007

This is a great studio - a variety of nice equipment and outstanding instruction. There's positive energy to the studio. The whole staff is friendly and welcoming and Brooke is a talented instructor. You have her focused attention, and she tailors each workout so well. She also has a remarkable ability to find helpful imagery to guide you through the sometimes complicated postures and manuvers. Pros: Outstanding staff and instruction Cons: Not local for me more
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Challenging, Motivating, and Truly the Most Efficient Way to Strengthen and Stretch Your Muscles. 7/3/2007

Brooke has been working with me for the past year or so. I started going to pilates because I had gone through physical therapy several times for my shoulders without noticeable change...nor a home regiment that I could stick to. Brooke made me a strong believer in Pilates from the beginning...tailoring the exercises to my needs n' focusing on my weaknesses while capitalizing on my strengths. And with each session she progressively challenges me, motivates me, and in doing so...keeps me coming back for more! Brooke moved to Pilates Essense...and I gladly followed. This studio provides a nice quiet and clear atmosphere...and the mirrors help keep me honest! :) If driving to LA from the OC isn't testament enough to say how much I value Brooke and what Pilates has done for me...I'm not sure what else I can say! Pros: Personalized fitness plan Cons: The distance I drive to get there more
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Owner Message

  • Pilates Essence is a Classical Pilates Studio in the heart of West Los Angeles. This is a very unique studio. You will feel like you are a VIP. There are no more than 2 teachers teaching at one time. Private sessions and Semi-Private sessions only taught here. We have top of the line equipment, and teach like the creator himself "Mr. Joseph Pilates". Experience what all the hype of "Classical Pilates/New York Method/ Traditional Pilates" is all about.

Editorial

  • Serene studio offers traditional Pilates taught by expert instructors.

  • 5/2/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon 07:30AM-08:30PM, Tue 07:30AM-08:30PM, Wed 07:30AM-08:30PM, Thu 07:30AM-08:30PM, Fri 07:30AM-06:30PM, Sat 09:00AM-02:00PM
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