Pilates Essence

04/02/2008 Posted by rubster

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!!

01/23/2008 Posted by bksherm

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.

01/17/2008 Posted by tlfriedman

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!!!

09/24/2007 Posted by 864751

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.

07/22/2007 Posted by bssla

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.

07/08/2007 Posted by fastfingers

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. My posture has improved immensely from pilates, and I hate to admit it, but my attitude toward life has also changed for the better. All this transfromation is due to Brooke's constant coaching and encouragement. The only regret is that I only have one session a week. Pilates Essence is a great place to work out at. It has a great open space with a positive energy that flows throughout the instructors as well as the other clients. The music playing in the backgroung also helps to get you going, especially when you don't feel like it. The location is great with lots of parking and conveniently situated in West Los Angeles. It's a perfect haven for that one hour of escape from reality.

07/06/2007 Posted by ocgal

WISH LIST: To have a 1-on-1 PT (personal trainer) WHERE: A refreshing WLA spot, Pilates Essence, near 405/10 freeways, Whole Foods, Starbuck's & Champagne Bakery. Exercise first, shop later! PILATES PT: With an affable style & keen mind, Pilates instructor BROOKE MIYASAKI makes the time to know what my body can do & needs, then choreographs exercises to match a beginner's level. Granted, some equipment moves and stretching positions are TOTALLY CHALLENGING! Lucky for me, patience is one of her best virtues. She conjures up these witticisms to help connect my body & mind-- sometimes that's pretty hard to do! Love the one about "wearing stilettos" to keep the toes elevated! Those 50+ can relate when I say that my CORE, that area around one's mid-section, is my WEAKEST LINK (2 kids later) & continues to demand attention. Ultimately, a work in progress for each one of us who want to take care of our bodies. UPDATE: My clothes fit better . . . flexibility & strength levels have gone up a notch . . . & I actually look forward to each class.

Pros: Love the background music.

Cons: Zero

07/05/2007 Posted by tinapie

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.

07/03/2007 Posted by greengirl37

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

Cons: none

07/03/2007 Posted by garrett_k

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. I have to admit, I tried Pilates as almost a joke (I can't... don't, you know, have a head-band or leg-warmers. Heh. And how hard could it be? Little girls do it. Heh) But what I've found is that it's a great functional workout. I finish-up feeling great. And, I am amazed what it has done for my flexibility and strength through a full range of motion. I am slimming-down and toning-up in a way I didn't think possible without going all agro in the weight-room. It is helping my surfing, hoops, everything I do. I do take some good-natured ribbing from the guys about it, but I'm a believer. You should definitely try Pilates, and definitely check-out this studio.

Pros: Outstanding staff and instruction

Cons: Not local for me