Center Of Balance

I feel so lucky to live in the same town as this studio. I doubt there is anywhere else on the planet that is this good. The PT here has given me help rehabbing lumbar disk issues that has made all the difference for me, and was so many orders of magnitude better than what I was getting at the doc prescribed PT, and yet, the doc prescribed PT I had was still quite good, as such help goes. Am just saying, the Pilates based guidance is so much better than the mainstream stuff — you can’t even compare. Also have been to many classes at COB over the years… mat Pilates, equipment Pilates, teacher training… all have been totally enlightening, brilliantly taught. These praises apply to all staff I have worked with at COB. COB is just a totally inspired operation. the best.

CoB is definitely my favorite Pilates studio in the Bay Area. The owners genuinely care about the customers and are constantly trying to improve how things are being run. The instructors are always very professional and helpful — I started out as a beginner but I didn’t feel intimidated at all. It has such a great atmosphere and overall awesome experience. Beautiful studio too! The retreats and workshops they organize also seem very interesting — one of these days I’m going to sign up for one!

I have been very impressed by this studio. The space is great for classes and the instruction has been very high quality and consistent amongst the teachers.
$ 50 for 5 classes intro offer is a steal, you should try this if you are thinking about pilates.

This is an amazing studio! I come here for private sessions with my trainer Matthew Ryan Carney. They have an extensive selection of equipment and it’s really clean and beautiful. Don’t get scared off by the crazy looking Pilates reformers — I was definitely intimidated at first but you will get an extremely targeted and effective workout. Not going to lie, when I first saw a reformer it looked like a medieval torture device or something from 50 Shades of Grey… it’s actually great Pilates workout ;)!
My training with Matthew has helped me recover from a hip flexor injury and has also improved my core, balance, and flexibility. Sometimes you won’t feel sore until the next day — after a recent workout I was feeling pretty good that day but when I woke up the next morning I couldn’t laugh without my abs burning! Hopefully I’ll get that 6-​pack soon!
I highly recommend training with Matthew if you are looking to sculpt and tone, if you are trying to recover from an injury, or just improve your overall fitness. He one of the most awesome instructors and will give you a unique workout tailored to your needs! I love that our workouts progress each time and it’s not just the same class or movements over and over. Each workout is fun yet challenging and he is good at motivating lazy and whiny clients (like me !)
I really love the convenient location (right off of 101 at the Shoreline exit). My boyfriend goes to workout at Google on the weekends, so I just ask him to drop me off at Center of Balance down the street. There is always lots of parking unlike at some other studios.
Note: The studio also has a cute sitting area and cubbies for your shoes & purses!

I like this studio. I feel like I have only experienced a fraction of the classes and services that are offered, but I will share my experience any way.
Positives:
~Mat Classes Only– introductory pack: $ 50– 5 classes!
~Variety of talented teachers (I strongly encourage you to try them all before you decide yay or nay on a more permanent class package or membership)
~Conveniently right off the freeway.
~Plenty of parking available
~Super friendly front desk ladies
~Great retail store to purchase props, books and videos for home practice
~Most of the mat classes are great for people that have been injured, experiencing extreme stiffness and/​or don’t have much of an exercise or physical workout routine
Negatives:
~The equipment and several props that are in the studio class space looked like they haven’t seen a cleaner, sponge, or spray since the beginning of their existence.
Maybe I’m just a germ-​o-​phobe, but I couldn’t help but notice every single time I was there.
~Some of the classes are very light for a seasoned yogi or athlete. Don’t expect a grueling sweaty workout, instead expect some myofascial release and a good stretch with some light toning. Consider the mat classes a supplement to whatever your workout plan entails.
Would I return after? If I’m in the neighborhood and it works out with my schedule, yes I would definitely return. Perhaps I would even do one of their workshops or try out the tower or reformer Pilates next time around.

I signed up for the starter package of 3 privates and 5 group lessons. Since then, I’ve joined two different groups so that I am in two sessions per week. The instructors (I’ve had 4 different instructors) have all been wonderful. They tell and/​or show you exactly what to do, and how it should feel when you are doing it, which is very helpful. They also tell you why that particular exercise is helpful and what muscles you are working.
The facility is smaller than I expected, but they make use of every space and have very nice equipment, all in excellent condition. It has never felt crowded.
I’ve been doing Pilates for several years through Kaiser or city run programs, but having a small group with really good equipment has stepped it up for me. It has improved my posture, and I’m feeling & looking more toned. The hour goes quickly, and I leave the studio feeling relaxed and refreshed.

My wife recommended Center of Balance since they really helped her with some medical conditions she’s been struggling with. I love this place so far. I got a welcome package, and I’m now doing more private sessions. My instructor (Amy) has been extremely helpful, and Pilates has been far and away the most helpful thing I’ve tried for my back problems (including more than $ 1000 in ergonomic chairs/​keyboards/​desk and massage). I feel much more aware of how my body moves, and I’m still learning a lot every time I go.
The staff is always friendly, though they can be hard to reach by phone. As to the other reviewers who’ve given it a negative review due to the price, I think that’s a bit unfair. Yes, the place is quite expensive, but the prices are clearly posted on their website. Every time you make a purchasing decision you evaluate two things: price and quality.
The quality of instruction here is excellent. Center of Balance may or may not be in your price range (or worth the price to you), but that has nothing to do with how good they are at what they do. I’ve been supplementing the private lessons with cheap yoga classes at my gym, and my instructor has given me quite detailed instructions for exercises to do at home. I think at least the welcome pack is well worth it if you’re suffering from muscle/​joint pain issues which might be helped by exercises. Compared with a bunch of other things I’ve tried for my back, it’s actually ended up being a much better overall value.

What a wonderful place! Quality instructors from various backgrounds, each one a health advocate in their own way. Everyone who works there is very friendly and personable.
I started with the Welcome Package and then with several more Private sessions since I have no dance background. It took me a while to realize I was getting something out of it, but now I take 2 or 3 group lessons each week, and I get soooo bummed if I’m out of town and/​or can’t make it to my classes! I like to take classes from various instructors because each of them (I’ve taken classes from 7 of their instructors), as they each have a slightly different way to cue the same exercise and get you to «connect».
I come from a swimming background and have done weights and running on and off for 12+ years, and I thought that if you didn’t break a sweat in the first 10 minutes, then you weren’t trying hard enough! Pilates is different. I’m strong. I don’t ache. My chronic lower back issues have significantly diminished, and I feel better in the water than I have for years. Thank you, Center of Balance!

I started going to Center of Balance in 2005 during grad school because it was close, and they had a great student discount.
5 years later, I found myself going out of my way 1 — 2 days/​week to stop here on my way home from Cupertino to SF.
Owen (Monday night) is hands down my favorite instructor, but every single class I’ve taken here is fabulous. Tom, the founder of the studio teaches a Weds evening class that I started taking when I had another commitment Monday night. His classes are of course excellent as well.
Reasons why I love CoB:
— The instructors (especially Owen). They are kind, considerate, thoughtful (remember students’ names), and not afraid to touch you when correcting your positions. It’s so helpful to have someone just reach out and adjust you properly when learning an exercise.
— Classes. Yoga/​Pilates progression is the ish! I loved this class so much, I miss it (no longer working on the peninsula). It’s $ 18/​class, but you get a 90 minute workout! 30 mins of warm-​up, breathing, centering exercises, 30 mins of pilates core work, and 30 mins of yoga poses. Awesome!
— Parking. Being from SF this is always a consideration when checking out a new activity.
The studio is also pleasant and inviting. I can’t recommend this place enough!

I finished my 8 sessions (5 private, 3 mat session) because they were doing a promo. I selected the associate instructor, AnnaLenna. She really focused on areas that affect my daily living strain due to my job.
I feel refreshed, re-​energized with my posture and breathing.
I had an amazing mat/​yoga class with Owen and a good meditative class with Tom Cook.
My only compliant is that the classes are either in the early morning, afternoon, and very seldom late at night.
I was referred here by two physical therapists.

I’m pretty shocked by the high reviews here and the best of the bay rating. I went to a pilates/​yoga class with a girlfriend the other night and we both left like, «what?» We did about 10 minutes of «sort of» yoga (beginner level poses) and lots of… being… in our bodies type of movement. It felt like a preschool motor class, but with less moving around. I didn’t break a sweat. I’m hoping they were catering to the New Year resolution crowd and normal classes aren’t like this. I love that they give a second class free, so I’m going to wait a month for my next class and call beforehand to ask for the advanced one.

The Center of Balance and it’s teachers helped change my life. Not only am I 20lbs lighter with better tone and strength in my muscles, but I have learned more about the human body and how it works than I ever did in any science class. The teachers not only explain how things work, but help put it into practice for every day movement.
The studio is mostly Pilates oriented, but most classes have some yoga poses worked into them and they offer two Pilates-​Yoga Progression classes each week. For anyone who does yoga, pilates can help take your practice to another level. Pilates teaches about the mechanics, while Yoga teaches about movement, so the both compliment each other.
Classes are open to all levels. Prices are higher than other places, but the teachers and studio are worth it. They offer passes at a discount, too, so if you come often enough, it really is a deal.
Cranio-​Sacral Therapy is also offered at the studio.

So I finally got around to trying this place… finally…and I’m sure glad I did. One might say, It was on my «gut busting» tour.
I walked in for a pilates mat class and walked out with a free one-​OH YAH! I arrived a bit early to check out the digs. Bridget was kind enough to give me a tour and inspire me to work hard! Nice industrial space that caters to working off some steam! On the left is the studio for group classes, and on the right is the equipment/​reformer room. They must have had like 8 or so machines. It was cool and I assume great for personal training.
After my «tour,» Bridget set up me up right in front. «Up here» I asked? She smiled, handed me the equipment I needed and wished me good luck. I remember lying nervously awaiting the arrival of the instructor. What was I going to have to do… AND in front of the class??? Wowza!
Enter Jocelyn S., whose simple stature and being was very deceiving. She was strong, flexible, and very easy to listen to. I liked the sound of her voice, and she made me feel very comfortable and strong all at the same time. Thanks to Mercy B… I was ready for this class. I loved it, and can see how I will be challenged. Definitely a good core workout and I can’t wait to explore options. It’s convenient, parking is easy, studio is clean, and staff is great.
I am excited. I like that they help you with breathing, posture, strength, and flexibility. Sign me up for a package… core strength here I come!

This is the best pilates/​yoga studio I’ve been to. Usually I find myself bored, even in an hour long yoga class, but this is the first place where I’ve been able to make it through an entire 90-​minute session without looking at the clock, and often times I’m wishing the class would last longer. The instructors are great, whether in a group class or in individual sessions. I would go everyday if I could!

i came for the pilates/​yoga progression class on tues morning w/​owen, and it was pretty good. it’s really relaxing and consisted of lots of stretching, but i didn’t sweat at all, so it made me think that i did not get a workout. i am going to give it another shot tho and see if i like it better. this studio is great tho, b/​c they have tons of equipment on-​hand.
$ 18 for drop ins, and for first timers, your second class is free!

Although prices are on the higher end for private sessions and group classes, the quality of the instructors is so worth it. Private sessions are tailored to individual needs. Some days I come in with complaints of hip tightness. other days my neck is stiff. yesterday, my knees felt tweeky from a yoga class I took somewhere else. Whatever the reason, I always walk out of there with relief. The instructors’ knowledge of the human body and the way it works is truly incredible.

Center of Balance is the best yoga/​pilates studio I’ve ever been to. It is good for all levels. When I was a beginner, it was the instructors of Center of Balance who taught me how to correct my poses, helping me achieve correct posture in the future on my own. The instructors I’ve had (which is quite a few) are all very nice, helpful, and seem to know exactly what they’re doing.
They provide mats, blocks, and all equipment you’ll need for the classes. The studio is great with wooden floors and mirrored walls for you to check yourself out with («how YOU doin’?»). When I was there, next door was some musical theatre group that practiced quite loudly. It wasn’t TOO bad, but was a bit annoying at times to get in touch with my inner self while listening to «OOOOOOKLAHOMA WHERE THE…».
People are all very respectful and quiet, working on their own. However, this is also the studio where people audibly fart the most. Which I have now correlated to good yoga.
For yoga, they end with shivasina which they end with a gentle tap of a bell. This is so much nicer than other places where the instructor just starts talking, waking my slumbers with abrasive voice.
The price is quite good as well. It is on par with most yoga/​pilates studios but some of their classes are longer at 1.5 hours. More bang for your buck!
I have since changed jobs so I work later hours which is a terrible thing because Center of Balance does not have late classes. This is a disappointment as I would love to continue attending.
They have pilates equipment but I have not tried it. It’s nice to know there are options though.
So, to sum up, despite the poor hours, the singing people next door, and the farts, I still rate them 5 stars. I lovet his studio and I wish there were more in this area like it (minus the poor hours, singing people next door and the farts).

I went there once to get some more information about their yoga classes and I found them very rude. When I first got to the counter there were two people standing there right in front of me, but they kept on talking to each other. I waited patiently and finally after about 30 second they decided to acknowledge me. I had a few questions about their pre-​paid classes and their tone when they were answering my questions were kind of rude. They were stuck up and it just turned me off from the place. It was as if they didn’t car for additional business. I didn’t care, since the look from the outside of the place was not all that exciting, hidden a the end of the dead end street in an industrial looking area.

Gorgeous Pilates studio, but the prices were too steep for me to go as often as I would’ve liked. Some instructors (Owen) are much better than others (I’ll be polite here). Beautiful place to stretch out if you get the chance.