I've moved gyms just to be closer to this place . . . seriously! I absolutely love this studio and the friendly environment they've created.   Unlike other studios in the city, EHS always provides small class sizes, so that you are getting a lot of one-on-one attention from the instructors. They're always there checking that you're scooping that belly and tucking that pelvis!

I'm a pretty hardcore gymrat, but I've never, ever been able to target my core on my own and get good results.  This is where EHS comes in.  My stomach and butt have been TRANSFORMED by this place.  I don't think I've ever felt so flexible and strong in my life.  From the amazing trainers (my favorites are Melissa, Brigitte & Chris, but everyone I've taken a class with has been great), to the clean and well-maintained facilities I cannot fault this place at all.   In fact, as a grad student on a tight budget, I find the $155 unlimited monthly class pass gives phenomenal bang for my buck.

I know first hand how difficult it can be to motivate yourself to get up, get out,  be active & make healthy choices, but finding an environment  ,such as the one EHS owners & staff have created, can make all the difference.  Going to a place where the front desk staff smile & make conversation, the instructors know you by name and the other students will laugh WITH YOU when you over-zealously bounce yourself off your exercise ball, is pretty much why you'll find me here everyday.

This studio is full of very talented and dedicated trainers who really know there stuff!!  They always make you feel comfortable and are very supportive!! I love the space and all the staff they rock

This Pilates studio has really changed my life! The men and women who work here have only one agenda-to keep your body healthy and functioning to it's fullest capacity.  Friendly, no-nonsense knowledgeable instructors and staff, clean machines, bright upstairs studios, nice classroom . . . all in all a super awesome place to get stronger and feel good. And leslie is an incredible person and instructor!

Jamie G., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating
08/18/2008

I love EHS.  I had gone to a couple of other studios before and never really gotten into Pilates. I tried EHS and that all changed.  The instructors are great (Hilda is fantastic!) and you learn to do pilates the *right* way so you maximize the effectiveness of the workout and see results faster.  I went in barely able to touch my toes and I can now say I'm actually flexible!  Not to mention my abs and back are so much stronger and flexible.  It is not a cardio workout so you have to continue doing other forms of exercise to burn calories, but it will make you so much better at running, sports, whatever you like to do.  I play soccer and EHS has definitely made me faster, stronger and less likely to pull something.  I recommend doing a few individual sessions along with groups, especially in the beginning.  Net net, I will be going to EHS for a long time to come!

Michael H., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating
07/29/2008

So I'm the only guy in the class (just like one of the other reviewers). . . . I went to keep my wife company when she had back problems and the chiropractor suggested Pilates.  After a year, I'm a convert.  Our instructor, Karen Goldstein, is super and just the right combination of humor and concentration to make the classes fun and tough.  It's a great way to learn more about your body and develop those muscles which we often ignore? don't even know about? We're twice a week regulars.

I love EHS!  The space is bright, filled with awesome art and excellent instructors.  It's down to earth, and real, not pretentious.  The staff is always really friendly, and accommodating.  

I did their Bridal Bootcamp program, which helped motivate me to get into the best shape of my life.  Christopher Nelson was my trainer, and I'm frantically scheming ways to keep using him now that I no longer have the excuse of pending nuptials.  He's exactly what a girl wants in a trainer -- he knows his stuff, he's got a great, irreverent, sense of humor, he pushes you to your max, but he doesn't take himself (or Pilates) too seriously.  Because at the end of the day, it's not a religion -- it's just an excellent way to work on your core strength, help your back, get awesome abs/ass, and avoid bulkiness.

It's my first Pilates studios. You can't beat a private class for $30. It actually can be a life changing thing once you take Pilates.  I haven't taken any group classes yet, more on that. I bought my MBT shoes there, which I wear to work since i'm on my feet for more than 12 hrs. a day.

EHS (formerly Ellie Herman Pilates) has the best class selection and offers the most classes in SF. I do pilates 3 or 4x a week, so I pay monthly for unlimited classes. It's definitely worth it.

The instructors are amazing. Never had a bummer class. They all teach differently, so you can attend a few classes and then stick with the people whose style you prefer.

Every instructor is amazing here, and this place changed my life and now I am knee deep in their teacher training program. Enough said, book an appointment ASAP best deal $155 for unlimited monthly card.

I love EHS - and Nancy Myers is a miracle worker.  

I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and an inflamed Achilles from a previous surgery many years prior.  My doctor recommended an orthotic to help ease the pain.  Unfortunately, the $400 device was not covered by insurance (or should I say fortunately because I would never have called Nancy if it had been).  I was not willing to give up the heels just yet.

Nancy assured me that she had an intensive three-day program that could help specifically addressing my Achilles and plantar issues.

Within two sessions, I was running the Lyon Street Stairs with ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN or any of the days following.  Thank you Miss Nancy!

Kat C., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating
04/13/2008

I love coming to EHS not only because of the amazing teachers, wonderful staff and excellent classes but also because they owners have created such a lovely and inviting community. I have made many friends here and consider the studio my home away from home not to mention I feel fit and healthy.

EHS Pilates is awesome.  Its seems that wherever I go in SF, I run into people who have been here and they all love it.  I agree with them - there is a plan for everyone, no matter what your skill level or budget.  I also love their retail selection - the shoes, books and accessories.

The parking is not too difficult and its definitly worth a trip out to the Mission!

Melissa D., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating,
06/22/2008

Clearly the best trained and best equipped Pilates studio in the Bay Area.

Elite '08, Judy L., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating,
05/12/2007

I give EHS 5 stars for introducing me to MBT (Masai Balancing Technology) shoes. (If you don't know what these shoes are, I'd suggest going to the studio's website.) I have small feet, so the studio graciously ordered me a pair in my size after spending time on the proper fitting and a brief lesson on MBT walking.

I've had my shoes for only 3 days, all I can say is WOW. I can feel my bum muscles that I haven't felt in years! And with each pair purchased from the studio they offer a complimentary class in Walkaloties (MBT walking exercises).

On Valencia btw 25th and 26th, look for the purple buidling.  Once inside, it's all about Pilates. I've been going here for 2 years, once sometimes 2x week.  Amanda, my trainer, is fantastic. All forms of Pilates (Reformer, floor, Wunda Chair, Cadillac) and consistently professional instruction. My favorite times are when it's raining outside, I'm on the reformer looking up at the skylight, watching the rain come down.  Additional plusses - massage therapy in the back, you can buy those ugly but transformational MBT shoes to correct bad walking habits.  It's a clean studio with friendly people.  Lots of classes, or you can take private lessons or duos.  Street parking is limited.  MUNI is nearby.

Warren S., San Francisco, CA, 5 star rating,
07/12/2007

There is also a YELP listing under Ellie Herman Pilates, so I'm posting this again because I want Yelpers to know . . .

I got whiplash at the age of 22, and I had 20 years of lower back pain because of it.   I can now say that I have ZERO low back pain.  Practicing Pilates at Ellie Herman Studios has been a life changing experience for me!  

The studio is a teacher training facility, and I'm not referring the weekend certifications that many mat class instructors at the big gyms get, I'm talking intensive anatomy, body mechanics, and Pilates.   They have an international reputation as one of the best certification programs.

I've tried traditional rehab, Iyengar yoga, chiropractic, and acupuncture, and all have provided me some relief but no cure.  As my then most recent HMO rehab prescription was running out, my Physical Therapist suggested I try Pilates.  Fist off, there are some basic things that anyone doing Pilates needs to learn to do correctly from a qualified teacher before they can do ANY Pilates correctly.  I started my Pilates work with a referral from a friend toward one of the senior trainers.    So I committed to taking a few one-on-one sessions over a couple of months, but quickly realized I couldn't afford to do it for an extended period of time, or on a more frequent basis.   The instructor advised that I see a student teacher 2-3 times per week for only $20 a visit.  The teacher made the effort to design a program specific to my back care rehab, and then instructed the student on the proper approach to take with me.  Since then, I've worked with three different trainers at the student and apprentice levels (switching teachers when certified, as their hourly rates have exceeded my finances).  The studio has been supportive in my cost conscious approach to quality AND frequent one-on-one training.  It's been key to my continued success.    

It's now been about two years, and I've been pain free for over one year!

Where else can you get quality one-on-one instruction at various price levels (from $20 on up)?  You can start with a student teacher for as low as $20, move up to an apprentice level instructor, a fully certified instructor, a senior instructor, a Master instructor, or a specialist in Pilates-based rehab.

Lower back pain can be a downward spiral of constant discomfort and depression.   You should be able to carry your toddler up the stairs after they've fallen asleep in the car -  You should be able teach your kid how to swing a baseball bat -  You should be able to put in a quality day of work at the office. . . .

The studio asked for my commitment, found a way for me to afford it, and after 20 years of pain, Ellie Herman Studios and the fantastic trainers have given me back these gifts we all take for granted.

Best damn Pilates studio in the city that I've found.  Great instructors, friendly service and it's really helped my core strength for surfing.  Having a bike rack right out front is great.

I have been going to the Ellie Herman Studio for almost 7 years and I can honestly say it has changed my life. There is a lot of hype around Pilates now but without a good trainer Pilates is kind useless. Ellie Herman has excellent trainers to show you the basic positions and they really analyze your body movements. The trainers at Ellie will evaluate how you walk, your posture, very minute muscle movements to help you better align your body to heal or avoid future injury.

I love the studio because everyone is very relaxed and cool there. The students who work out there range from early twenties to eighty, and come in all shapes and sizes.

The workout space is brand new on Valencia [Street], w/good light and lots of light wood to give the place a clean modern feel. They have top of the line Pilates equipment--Reformers, Cadillacs, the chair, etc. All the equipment is in excellent condition.

The studio never seems overcrowded and because they do massage and acupuncture they tend to keep a quiet and calm atmosphere in the studio. I think of my weekly sessions there as therapy I like the vibe so much

The studio has a range of classes and trainers. I would highly recommend Evangeline or Melissa if you are interested in private lessons. Evangeline will make sure you have great form and engage muscles you never knew you had. It's is amazing how much exertion small muscle movements can cause. Melissa incorporates more active movements in her workouts and works bigger muscle groups.

They also have a wide variety of group classes from beginner to advanced students every day of the week. If you are a beginner it's worth paying the $65 for a private lesson before taking a group class. The group classes can be useless  unless you already know a little about pilates. I found you could spend an entire class doing the exercises incorrectly w/the wrong teacher and if the group is too large.

If you are interested in Pilates you need to check out Ellie Herman. You can't beat the trainers, the facility or the equipment.