Evolve Classical Pilates

This place has changed my life (well, my body at least!) I’m stronger, leaner, and feel more fit than in my 20’s. The instructors are great and the facility is beautiful and clean. My only regret is that I didn’t find them sooner.

Evolve is the Real Deal.
Some of the most highly trained folks in the Bay Area, with training in Classical Pilates. Classical IMHO gives much better, faster results than other more «bouncy» classes offered at other studios. After just 10 sessions I’m starting to catch myself in store windows looking healthy and strong — I look like I have lost about 10 pounds but my weight is the same. Pricing is very fair — I’ve seen much less qualified trainers charge 20−30% more than Evolve, with far less attractive and clean studios.
Nicole Grand is great — focused and fun at the same time.
This studio is also a classical pilates equipment junkie’s dream — they have everything! I drive up from San Jose 2x per week for privates — we really need this kind of clean, caring and competent team in San Jose!
Nichole
p. s. We did have a scheduling snafu at the very first appointment. It happens. I was mad at first because I drove an hour to get there, but the team was really gracious and genuinely apologetic — I could tell that it was a rare exception, and didn’t meet the standards the team holds themselves to. And scheduling has been very smooth since.

nice and clean.

Sad that it took expressing my disappointment to get a response from them. I have in turned reached out again and not heard back.
I give up on this place
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1÷12÷15
I am writing an update to say how impressed I was with Allison (Owner) and James (trainer). Allison reached out to me when she became aware of the situation and went above and beyond to help me have a good experience. She was very sorry that my interactions had not been good and was very diligent to correct the situation.
She arranged for me to meet with James for my 1:1 sessions and he was fabulous. He explained everything very well and I loved my sessions with him.
The original Groupon incident was unfortunate but I must say Allison and James have definitely turned me from Eek! to I am a fan. Thanks LE

I was home for the holidays and grew up in Los Altos so was curious as to what studios are available in my home town. Might I say that this studio was perfect. I’ve checked out a couple pilates studios in Los Angeles and I wish I could continue trainiing here. The space is gorgeous and the equipment is new and plentiful. My mother suffered an ankle injury about a year ago and I’ve been encouraging her to try pilates to rehabilitate her ankle as well as general balance and stabilization. Couldn’t have found a better place. Highly recommend. Special props to Fumiko who is so attentive, knowledgeable, and kind.

Love this studio and its people! What people? The instructors, the reception, the members!
This has been my studio for almost a solid year. I had been looking to seriously start exercising on the regular as a 2014 New Years resolution. I got sucked in with a lovely Groupon deal that gave me 2 private classes with Fumiko for $ 65. Fumiko is absolutely lovely and so funny! I started on the reformer and tried the cadillac. Loved both! Unlike a mat experience, reformer pilates uses equipment/​a machine to pull yourself and use your core to its max potential. I like how it’s very gradual of an experience but always a challenge if you’re doing it correctly. I really wanted to be more comfortable and aimed to take classes eventually, so I ended up buying private packages.
Fumiko is wonderful! She is incredibly nice, encouraging, sensitive and funny. She is super tough and will make sure you get the workout that you’re paying for! She is also constantly trying to better herself and better understand all of her students. I think she is just lovely and really understands how to motivate.
I also started gyrotonics lessons with Fumiko. She recently got certified as an instructor. I LOVE gyro! It’s a workout and full of stretching for my stiff muscles. Afterwards, it feels like you’ve just had a massage! It’s so invigorating, relaxing, and challenging at the same time.
After taking a bunch of private classes, I’ve started going to classes. I switch off between privates and group classes and I’ve enjoyed both. The place is kept quite clean and intimate. I like that it’s never cramped and I feel like I’m part of a family in this studio.
When Fumiko’s been out the rare times, we’ve had Young as a sub. She is equally wonderful! She offers private classes. Asha is a lovely and helpful receptionist and she’s also an artist! Really great people! i’ve really enjoyed my experiences here in the past yera. I will continue through 2015 for sure! Well worth my money!
Parking is super easy in the building in the back and there is plenty of street parking and nearby lots. Very convenient.

Beautiful studio, very good instructors. The schedule however, was designed for stay-​at-​home moms, not employed people.

I took the time to read all the reviews, since I’m a customer at the original studio as well. Let me say up front I didn’t use the Groupon deal, because I knew I was going to need private sessions (from day one). However, I have been in several sessions with new students, so I understand how difficult it is when someone walks into the wrong level of class.
They’ve begun making an effort to assess skills, and go over basic skills required. I’ve also made the point to ask about the certification requirements, and have taken classes with Just About All the Instructors. They also do a lot of certification in house, which helps them now that they’ve got a
second studio.
Every lesson or class I learn something new, and as I work up to daily sessions, I’m very glad I found these guys!

This studio is absolutely gorgeous! Tucked into beautiful Los Altos. I had the change to take a class today. The instructor was very patient (new machines) and took us through a great series of moves. The staff was really friendly and the whole process could not have gone smoother. I would strongly recommend this to anyone traveling in the near area. The only real challenge is parking. Plenty of lots around.

The studio is a nice, clean space.
I thought the instruction wasn’t the greatest. I have done Pilates for several years but not classical. I was told I needed to start in beginning level because I wouldn’t know the classical method. The beginning classes are geared towards people who have no experience with Pilates and were not a very good workout. Another class I had a hard time understanding the teacher’s English.
I had prepaid classes but never used them to completion because it wasn’t enjoyable.

BEWARE: deceptive practices
I purchased a $ 65 Groupon for two private sessions — a $ 160 value as clearly stated on the deal. I only got a $ 35 value out of this purchase.
Evolve leads you to believe that you’re paying for two sessions with a CERTIFIED instructor (regularly $ 80/​session), but when I came for my first scheduled session I realized they paired me with an APPRENTICE (regularly $ 35/​session). That’s less than half the stated value! Not to mention that you’re not getting the same level of expertise/​experience you think you’re paying for.
If you have both sessions with an apprentice, you’re saving a whopping $ 2.50 per session!!! That’s a far cry from the $ 95 savings that they falsely advertise on Groupon. Why would I buy a Groupon to save $ 2.50? Make sure you ask for a CERTIFIED instructor.
I decided to take the loss knowing the next session I scheduled would be with a certified instructor.
So… I’m on my way to my second session today and got rear ended! Ugh. Thankfully, no one got hurt, but I obviously wasn’t going to make it to my appointment.
I called 5-​mins before my appointment to let them know I was in a car accident and wasn’t going to be able to make it. The woman on the phone, Melody, had ZERO EMPATHY, didn’t even address the fact that I said I was in an accident and just went straight into asking me about who my appointment was with. I couldn’t remember and told her that I could look it up in my email and call right back to let her know. She wasn’t satisfied with that and started suggesting different names. Seriously, after getting hit, I just wasn’t all there… where’s the customer support… why can’t she just look it up herself?! Finally I came to my senses and told her I was coming in for gyrotronic and her tone shifted. She was clearly unhappy that I was wasting the time of one of their certified instructors. She dove right into reciting their 24 hour cancellation policy making me feel like I was purposely standing them up. I fully understand a no-​show is a no-​show and an inconvenience to the instructor regardless of the reason why I wasn’t able to honor my appointment. I felt bad that I couldn’t make it and didn’t even try to put up a fight about losing the session, but I was pretty bewildered by the way she was conducting herself and making me feel like I was inconsiderate and screwing them over. SORRY I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT! It wasn’t a choice and it wasn’t on purpose. I get that it’s leaves the instructor hanging, but I paid for it so it’s not like they’re out of any money… I wasn’t even trying to get my money/​session back! I don’t really get why she was so cold and horrible.
Based on how she was strictly business, I decided I should try to at least get the full value of my first session. I was completely nice and mentioned that my first session was with an apprentice even though the value of my Groupon was for a certified instructor. She had a hard time understanding and so I tried to explain three times. She said she had to think about it… then came up with some excuse… basically saying too bad. I tried to explain again that Groupon clearly states that the value of the deal is $ 160… but I only got $ 35 of that. She obviously did not care and I told her I’d just take it up with Groupon because she wasn’t budging and I couldn’t stay on the phone.
A few minutes after we hung up, she called back and left a voicemail. Her tone was much softer and nicer this time. She said that the instructor was willing to start 30-​mins late if I want to come in. What part of «I just got into a car accident» did she not understand? I was willing to throw away today’s session. I didn’t care because it’s ultimately my fault for not showing up. I care more about the fact that they’re falsely advertising their «deal».
Basically, I spent $ 65 for one session with an apprentice that should have only cost me $ 35. The instructor was nice, but I think the less experience shows. I had a private session at another studio with a very experienced instructor yesterday and there was a pretty significant difference.
If you want to go to a studio with deceptive practices and staff that could care less about you, try it out.

This is a beautiful new studio in a LEED certified building. There are two rooms, a large one that has a ton of equipment, but plenty of space. And there is also a smaller room where they do cycling, yoga, and TRX classes. I think they’re also adding zumba. The instruction is often on-​on-​one, but they also offer very small group classes. I’ve never visited at a time where there were too many people moving about or the noise level got to be too loud. Parking is a little bit awkward, but they have a small garage behind the building.
Watch out with the directions that Unilocal gives: The studio is on the first floor of a stand alone building on the same side of the street as Safeway. If you’re coming north on 1^st street, it’s past the Safeway and the Safeway parking lots. I got really lost the first time I tried to visit because Google maps took me to The Dailey Method down the street.

I’m so happy I found Evolve — what a breath of fresh air for my lucky body and mind! Best way to start this new year — here’s to my favorite home away from home now :)
Love Fumiko — my first Pilates Teacher — she’s so patient and supportive and encouraging — despite what I think I must look like she makes me feel encouraged. Since then I’ve also taken classes with Shannon and Mallory — couldn’t ask for better instructors who stretch me and give such enthusiastic encouragement.
So many thanks Evolve!

This is a great place for a thorough workout, I hurt all over afterwards. The teachers are excellent and the studio really try to accomodate my unpredictable schedule. I have outstanding posture and a great core after one year! I have been recommending this to all my friends!

After my first Pilates Reformer class here I ended up buying a 5-​pack of classes, using the $ 100 for $ 75 Unilocal deal. Not only is the studio really nice and clean and relaxing, but both trainers I’ve used were AWESOME! I’ve done Pilates Reformer in SF and I didn’t realize that class kind of sucked until I found the Evolve studio (moved to Mountain View). Everything else pales!

Finally gave this a try after buying a groupon for the reformer class. Instructor Jim was so patient with me and my friend teaching us the equipment and the right way to do the exercises. We can’t wait to go back and try again!
The studio is fresh, clean and welcoming. So nice to be in a nice building and the amenities are great. All the equipment is in perfect condition and I personally love having such large windows and the openness looking outside. The time flew by and I enjoyed, give it a try!

First of all. this studio is beautifully set up, clean and green! My review is only for yoga classes and workshops since I don’t do Pilates.
If you want to explore the world of Anusara Yoga, I would highly recommend this place! Every single teacher here has a strong base, teaching experience and knows how to make a group become a community. Anusara Yoga is worth trying if you want to have a healthy yoga practice that will work your core but from the heart.
I particularly LOVE Alice’s classes, Kattrin’s, Samatha’s and Kelly’s workshops are awesome as well. This studio is committed to bring in the best quality yoga teachers in the Bay.
There’s parking in the building and in the street. The front desk staff is always smiley, friendly, they even remember who I am each time and always helpful.
I live in SJ and I wish I had them closer. nonetheless I come often cause it is so worth it!!!

Gorgeous studio! I went in to check out their yoga clothes and WOW, they had such a cute and trendy selection. Perfect location in the downtown, easy to get to and tons of parking. I can’t wait to check out the classes!

This review is for the yoga classes and overall service at Evolve as I haven’t taken any other classes or lessons there.
Pros:
–The studio is so clean and beautiful. I love it. Nice wooden floors. The bathrooms are sanitary. The color pallette of the walls is relaxing and there are huge windows in the yoga room.
–There is a «front desk» so the teacher doesn’t have to check people in.
–It’s priced competitively at $ 18 for drop in. That’s pretty standard.
–The classes that I have taken are amazing. Jana has a strong grasp of the Anusara style yoga, and even though I don’t go exclusively to Anusara classes, she makes it very graspable for me. I have also taken a class with Samantha which I love. There are very reputable teachers there that know their stuff.
–The mixed levels classes are suitable for mixed levels. I like that we can adapt our routine to our own level of difficulty.
–Everybody is so friendly, even the clients. I always feel at home there (even though i live down in Campbell).
There are no cons, really! Except that the clothing they sell in the story is so beautiful I’m always tempted to do a little shopping!
I’ve become a big fan of Evolve. Try it, maybe you will, too!

Beautiful Studio! The BEST teachers!
Lovely, airy and fresh feeling space. I’m not crazy about the exercise machines (I’m an iron girl!) but for some people having both will be a plus.
Having this quality of Anusara instruction is the kicker for me.