Simply Balanced

Creta has been amazing. I started private sessions to help heal my back and I noticed improvements in just a couple of appointments. She is very observant and knows just how to correct my movements. She pushes me to get stronger without causing any pain or stress on my back. Highly recommended!

Simply balanced is a quaint, well equipped studio. I have worked with instructor Kelly and am very pleased with her mat class. She provides an environment that is welcoming and an overall great experience. I recommend this studio for any level from beginner to advanced. They offer a variety of deals as well as one on one sessions.

I’ve been taking pilates reformer classes since 2010 and am a huge fan. Probably because I consider it a workout that can be done predominantly while lying down, but that will just lure you into a false sense of security before the intense moves that leave you sore for days. It’s great.
So I discovered Simply Balanced from a Groupon a little over a year ago and have been going at least once a week since then. Creta is a phenomenal pilates instructor. Aside from being very nice and friendly, I’m always impressed that every class with her is different. Sometimes pilates instructors will follow similar class structures for a couple weeks until they get bored and switch it up, but even going to multiple classes in the same week, Creta will orchestrate a completely different routine each time. She’s careful to ask if anyone wants to work on anything in particular, or if we have injuries and she’ll always amend the moves for each person based on his or her body.
The best thing about these reformer classes is that there are only 4 machines in the studio, so I’ve had classes where I’m the only student or I’m one of four and I still feel like I’m getting a ton of attention each time.
Simply Balanced also has 2 very nice cadillacs and chairs for duet or solo sessions, and they offer mat pilates or over the internet classes for those not quite interested in the machines. The staff here is always friendly and accommodating, and the studio is warm and cozy, nestled above California Street right by Fillmore.
The only thing they don’t do here is schedule different reformer classes based on skill level. Sometimes beginners and more advanced students end up in the same class, which could be frustrating if this is your very first time on a machine and you need a little extra time to get up to speed. Creta is great about increasing or decreasing spring tension between different students, focusing on those who are new to the class, and offering suggestions for making the workout harder for the more advanced students. So if you don’t mind being in a class with people from different levels then it’s really not a problem.
I haven’t tried another pilates studio since I found this place because Creta offers exactly what I want and need in a workout. I just wish that sometimes I couldn’t smell the delicious waft of pizza from Delfina next door while I’m trying to stay svelte, but I guess that means we have easy access to food to treat ourselves after a hard workout.

Creta Valiente is amazing. She is meticulous in her Pilates approach and pinpoints my specific needs. I discovered Creta when Groupon had a Deal for two 1 hour private sessions and one 1 hour mat session. I had done alot of pilates before I met Creta, however once Creta worked with me focusing on my individual challenges, I have remained only with her. I had experienced numerous severe injuries during the last 8 years. With Creta’s customized sessions, I leave at the end of the session feeling so much stronger, centered and balanced. She is also very knowledgeable about nutrition, which is also a passion of mine. I am an RN, Health Educator and Liicensed Esthetician. It is a pleasure to be with someone I can relate to and feel so much better with her expertise. I have been with Creta for over two years now and intend to continue my sessions with her. indefinitely. Creta is also very sweet, kind and caring.
I highly recommend her. You will thank me for my recommendation. Ilana RN, Health Educator & Licensed Esthetician

Creta is amazing! The best instructor in SF for pilates! She really focuses on your body and how to improve your core and posture.
You definitely need to take a class with her if you are looking for the best teacher.
I’ve been doing pilates/​yoga for over 8 years now and finally found someone who I really enjoy working with!

An absolutely Must for anyone who takes Pilates seriously. I am a deal hunter (it goes hand in hand with being a student). I discovered this FULLY EQUIPPED Pilates Studio in Pacific Heights that’s clean and spacious, with lots of sunshine. The classes are small, thus you get the most out of them, because the teachers are always paying attention to all of the students.
A year later, I am still coming to Simply Balanced because I have also found The Pilates Instructor of my Dreams — CRETA VALIENTE. New and fresh routines every time, customized to what my body needs, a full range of motion moves, and variety of props used. I look forward to our private sessions every time. Creta is a great mix of a friendly personality with a focused professional approach. Her feedback is specific and useful and geared towards the improvements. I have been practicing Pilates for a few years, but with Creta I learn something new every time.
Definitely use their Unilocal deal when can catch it:)

I took a few reformer classes here via a Groupon. Our instructor was great and she was able to make adjustments for my bf back injuries. He has finally been able to strengthen his body without injury. The last time he tried to do a PX90 workout he was disabled for a week or two. Some days are harder than others but we always end up being a little sore the next day but not immobilized ;)

I have been working with Creta in duet and private pilates lessons for about a year and highly recommend her. After years with a variety of good trainers, I find her to be the best. She understands the body incredibly well and is smart and intuitive about our sessions. Plus, she mixes it up so we are never in a rut. She designs sessions that are well– tuned to my body. I have an issue with my back and have been doing exercises to develop the muscles to support my back better and have never reinsured or strained it here under her guidance. She is warm and charming. A true healer!

Starting with a LivingSocial deal, I have had an amazing experience with Creta. I feel the whole pilates studio is welcoming, calm and a great place to work out. Creta has a great way of explaining small movements, focusing your attention, and touching subtly in just the right way to get you to find muscles you never were aware of. I had only one on one classes, and loved them. Left feeling more aware and more fluid each time. Highly recommend this teacher and studio.

Came here for the first time on a Saturday after having purchased a Living Social deal and was really impressed. I tried an equipment class (reformer) for 60 minutes. The instructor was really helpful and challenged us by working on several muscle groups. You can always tell if it’s a good class or not if you’re sore the next day.
Looking forward to coming here again!

Thanks to KGB Deals I was able to swoop up 4 pilates class for $ 20. Not bad! Twenty dollars will usually buy you only one class– if even that!
I was blown away by the gorgeous space. I loved how the skylights made the studio bright and airy and the set up of the studio felt more like a home than a work out space.
I was initially really lost and confused since there were no signs directing me where to go and no one really greeted me but later found out that the receptionist had stepped out and the door was supposed to have been locked.
My first class with Vanesssa (I think) was really pleasant especially since I was the only one in class! She asked me about my work out habits and tailored my work out based on that. She was knowledgeable about the body and explained the benefits of each move. Pilates reminded me of conditioning for dance class!
I can’t wait to come back for more!

This review is specifically for the amazing trainer Suzanne. I have been to many, many different Pilate’s trainers over the years. I love the reformer and the way Pilate’s makes me feel tall, graceful, and naturally cinched in. I am a hairstylist and I also have gotten huge relief in my lower back and hips from doing this excessive.
Suzanne is the most knowledgeable instructor have ever worked with. I feel like she knows the body and what it needs. she is the real deal not just going through the motions…

Seeing how this is my first and only Pilates class, videos included, I guess I don’t have much room for say. But I signed up for this place because of the walking distance it is from my apartment, and I’ve loved it so far! Something you should know about me is that I HATE exercising. I just think it’s so boring, and I try to get around it by playing as much sports as I can — whether I’m good at it or not. But I had heard that Pilates was good for you and could help you tone up, so I signed up. I’ve been going to the mat classes, and Amy is really good. She seems to know exactly what she’s talking about, and I always get the feeling that she’s secretly correcting me when she says «if you’re doing this/​feeling this you might not be doing it right», «relax your shoulders», it just seems like she really knows what she’s talking about, and I’ve been sore the past three weeks after my classes, which is always a good sign. I believe they have several mat classes throughout the week and individual sessions offered too. I think those are probably more expensive, but the mat classes are only $ 12 per class if you sign up for 10 and $ 15 individually. And I don’t feel like we’re doing the same thing every time, which is awesome!

I have been going to Simply Balanced for over 2 years now.
When I started pilates, I had a major back problem and the chiropractic services only provided temporary relief. A friend suggested that I try this. First I was skeptical but ever since the first private session, I was hooked. I gradually noticed changes to my body. My back pain slowly diminished and my body began to move in ways that I never thought possible. I also work up a sweat doing many of the pilates moves! Now pilates is a central part of my cycling training
So why Simply Balanced? Simple! All of the instructors are TOP NOTCH! My instructor Susanne as well as all the other instructors rock! They are very in tune with their clients’ body movements and they REALLY care about their clients.
If you’re thinking about doing pilates, you MUST give these folks a try!

No matter how stressful and crazy my day may be (and trust me I’ve had plenty planning our wedding this past year) the moment I step into Simply Balanced I feel a sense of calm. It’s creepy almost (but in a good way!) Amy has an amazing sense of just how my body works without me having to tell her. She always knows just how to twist me, stretch me, and she’s constantly watching my form — something I believe a lot of Pilates teachers miss. She’s also totally friendly and easy to talk to.
This studio is great — I almost hesitate to write a review because they are just that good and it never feels loud or hectic inside.
All in all a great studio — I highly recommend you stop by!

Cupcakes are a problem. I made way too many practice batches of cupcakes for the Unilocal bake-​off last month. All that frosting had a very undesirable effect on the booty :(
Part of my plan to «turn it around» includes a pilates class at least once a week. I like pilates because it reminds me more of dance class with lots of stretching. Playing with a big bouncy ball doesnt hurt the fun quotient either. Yoga always makes me feel silly… I can not OM with a straight face!
I appreciate their variety of classes and times, and that they have a drop-​in option. The teacher had a good morning perkiness. The class is challenging without ruining me for the rest day.

This is the way I like a Pilates studio to be, serene, peaceful, and specializes only in Plilates and nothing else. A place that allows you to focus and think of the 10 different parts of your abs that you need to work on. Even group classes are limited in size. Go take some classes!