About Us

San Francisco Legacy Business

Rooted in The Mission For 30 Years

In 2018, EHS Pilates was awarded the coveted status of becoming a San Francisco Legacy Business by the collective authority of the Mayor's Office, the Historical Preservation Society, and the Small Business Commission for our contributions to the unique character and vibrancy of the city.

Rooted in the heart of the Mission District for over 30 years, this traditional comprehensive Pilates studio has built a lasting community among a small group of honorees recognized for shaping San Francisco's history and culture.

Located on Valencia Street in the heart of the Mission District, EHS Pilates proudly serves clients from Noe Valley, the Castro, Potrero Hill, Bernal Heights, SoMa, Dolores Heights, and across the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Our History

Community Roots

More Than a Pilates Studio

EHS Pilates is deeply woven into the fabric of the Mission District and the San Francisco small business community. Our owner, Tracey Sylvester, has served as a board member of the Mission Merchants Association for over 15 years, advocating for the local businesses and neighbors that make the Mission one of San Francisco's most vibrant corridors.

Tracey currently serves as an executive board member of Avenue Greenlight, where she has contributed for over five years to economic development and community investment across San Francisco neighborhoods. She is also a past executive board member of the San Francisco Council of District Merchants, a role she held through the pandemic to help keep small businesses open and supported during the city's most challenging years.

EHS Pilates is a proud member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association. These partnerships reflect our commitment to being more than a studio. We are a neighbor, an advocate, and an active contributor to the community we've called home for over three decades.

Pilates School Faculty + Specialist Team

Nancy Myers

Balanced Body Educator + Foot & Gait + Rehab

Pilates + Specialist Team

Ruthie Wahlborg

Advanced Pilates + Rehab

Pilates Instructors

Andrea Sendek

Preggo Pilates Instructor

Staff

Tracey Sylvester

Owner

Our History | One of San Francisco's Oldest Pilates Studios

For over three decades, EHS Pilates has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco Pilates community. From our earliest days on Cesar Chavez to our current home on Valencia Street in the Mission District, our story is one of deep roots, dedicated leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the traditional Pilates method.

EHS Pilates was honored as an official San Francisco Legacy Business by the Mayor's Office, the Historical Preservation Society, and the Small Business Commission. This recognition is awarded to longstanding businesses that have shaped the history, culture, and character of their neighborhood. As one of the Mission District's most established wellness businesses, EHS joined a select group of honorees recognized for their contributions to the city.

Tracey Sylvester became the sole owner of EHS Pilates, guiding the studio's vision, steady growth, and long-term direction. Nancy Myers remained deeply involved as Education Director, rehabilitation advisor, and the world-renowned head of the Foot and Gait therapy department, a specialized program that draws clients from across San Francisco and beyond.

EHS Pilates partnered with Balanced Body to offer globally recognized Pilates teacher training in San Francisco. This partnership has produced skilled certified Pilates instructors who now teach throughout the Bay Area and around the world, cementing EHS as one of San Francisco's leading Pilates education centers.

EHS Pilates was founded by Ellie Herman, bestselling Pilates author and master instructor, in the Old Sears building on Cesar Chavez in San Francisco. Ellie created one of California's first comprehensive Pilates teacher training programs, establishing the studio as a pioneer in Pilates education on the West Coast. She continues to teach at her three Brooklyn studios today.

The studio moved just one block to its current home on Valencia Street in the Mission District, settling into the historic Greenblatt Machine Shop. The new space became the Bay Area's largest Balanced Body equipment showroom, housing multiple generations of Pilates reformers, Cadillacs, combo chairs, and other traditional apparatus.

Tracey Sylvester and Nancy Myers, Ellie's management team, purchased the San Francisco studio following Ellie's move to New York. They renamed Ellie Herman Studios to Energy Health Strength, keeping the beloved EHS brand, and continued building the teacher training program and studio community that Ellie had established.

1991

2002

2007

2009

2016

2019

NOW

1991

EHS Pilates was founded by Ellie Herman, bestselling Pilates author and master instructor, in the Old Sears building on Cesar Chavez in San Francisco. Ellie created one of California's first comprehensive Pilates teacher training programs, establishing the studio as a pioneer in Pilates education on the West Coast. She continues to teach at her three Brooklyn studios today.

2002

The studio moved just one block to its current home on Valencia Street in the Mission District, settling into the historic Greenblatt Machine Shop. The new space became the Bay Area's largest Balanced Body equipment showroom, housing multiple generations of Pilates reformers, Cadillacs, combo chairs, and other traditional apparatus.

2007

Tracey Sylvester and Nancy Myers, Ellie's management team, purchased the San Francisco studio following Ellie's move to New York. They renamed Ellie Herman Studios to Energy Health Strength, keeping the beloved EHS brand, and continued building the teacher training program and studio community that Ellie had established.

2009

EHS Pilates partnered with Balanced Body to offer globally recognized Pilates teacher training in San Francisco. This partnership has produced skilled certified Pilates instructors who now teach throughout the Bay Area and around the world, cementing EHS as one of San Francisco's leading Pilates education centers.

2016

Tracey Sylvester became the sole owner of EHS Pilates, guiding the studio's vision, steady growth, and long-term direction. Nancy Myers remained deeply involved as Education Director, rehabilitation advisor, and the world-renowned head of the Foot and Gait therapy department, a specialized program that draws clients from across San Francisco and beyond.

2019

EHS Pilates was honored as an official San Francisco Legacy Business by the Mayor's Office, the Historical Preservation Society, and the Small Business Commission. This recognition is awarded to longstanding businesses that have shaped the history, culture, and character of their neighborhood. As one of the Mission District's most established wellness businesses, EHS joined a select group of honorees recognized for their contributions to the city.

NOW

Today, EHS Pilates continues to serve San Francisco as a comprehensive traditional Pilates studio offering private and duet sessions, small group reformer and equipment classes, community mat classes, specialized rehabilitation and prehabilitation programs, and our renowned Foot and Gait therapy department led by Nancy Myers. We also offer Balanced Body teacher training, advanced certification programs, Self-Care Saturday workshops, and pre and postnatal Pilates.

Under the ownership of Tracey Sylvester, a 15-year board member of the Mission Merchants Association and executive board member of Avenue Greenlight. EHS remains rooted in community, committed to accessible movement education, and dedicated to the time-tested Pilates method that has guided us for over 30 years. We welcome clients of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds to our Valencia Street studio in the heart of the Mission.

FAQs

Pilates is a full-body workout but a low-impact exercise boosting core strength, mobility, and flexibility, as well as lengthening and toning your frame. In developing a Pilates practice, you focus on breathwork, concentration, precision, flow, centering, and control in order to feel strong, conditioned, and flexible in both mind and body.
With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to:

Improve strength, flexibility, stability, and balance

Tone muscles and balance muscular force at the joint level

Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core

Promote new neuromuscular patterns, body awareness, and precise coordination

Enhance muscular control, stabilize your spine, and improve posture and lung capacity

Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
Pilates can be beneficial for virtually all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. The method is like a bridge between physical fitness and physical therapy, and can be adapted, modified and customized for individual needs. We at EHS believe in Pilates for every body!
Both! The fundamental Pilates workout can be performed on a Pilates mat alone, and great results can be achieved through beginner, intermediate and advanced moves. However, the various equipment pieces such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works like concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles.
The CoreAlign method stimulates the core stability muscles to fire in perfect timing while performing challenging exercises, very deep stretches and core controlled aerobic training. This method is used for musculoskeletal rehabilitation, performance enhancement and as a regular sport for a healthy lifestyle.
Try to work out 2-4 times a week, taking a day off in between sessions to rest or enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity (walking, bicycling, or swimming). This kind of regular, consistent practice will help you make the mind-body connection and integrate the various Pilates principles.
For safety reasons, we require clients wear non-slip tread socks during sessions. They are available for purchase at the studio.

Wear comfortable clothes you can easily move in, but avoid baggy clothing.

We have a water dispenser, so bring a refillable bottle. For safety reasons, no glass bottles please.

Long hair should be pinned up, and jewelry is not a good idea.

One other note: Many of our clients are sensitive to perfumes and strongly scented deodorants, so we request that clients refrain from wearing perfume or other scents in the studio.
Group Classes:
This is a great place for beginners to start, and a fun, social way to continue Pilates practice. Our classes have a manageable student-teacher ratio so the instructor can monitor each individual’s form and progress. EHS classes are leveled for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. Visit our class schedule page and sign up to a Group Class.

Sessions for 2 students:
Sometimes called duets, these small group sessions are a little more economical per participant than a private session, but still allows for plenty of individual assessment, guidance and monitoring. Various mat and equipment exercises will be taught in these sessions. Visit our Privates & Duets page for more information.

Private Sessions:
A personal training session is the most effective way to learn, practice and perfect your Pilates performance. Our instructors devote undivided attention to your specific needs and develop a custom program for optimum results. Visit our Privates & Duets page for more information
EHS Pilates, Inc., licenses its facility to trainers as Licensees. EHS Pilates only licenses with the best, fully vetted business to use our brand and services. Each Licensee is a business that is independently owned and operated by the Licensee.

Many of our Licensees have elected to follow EHS’s pricing as set forth on the pricing page. However, each Licensee is a business that is independently owned and operated by the Licensee. Prices may vary depending on each Licensee’s preference and will be posted on service accordingly.
Pilates is one of the most effective approaches for managing and relieving back pain. At EHS Pilates, many of our San Francisco clients come to us specifically for back pain relief. Our Pilates-based rehabilitation programs focus on strengthening the deep core muscles that support the spine, improving posture, and restoring healthy movement patterns. Whether you're dealing with chronic low back pain, recovering from a herniated disc, or managing sciatica, our instructors tailor each session to your condition and work with you progressively toward lasting relief.
Yes, Pilates is widely regarded as one of the safest and most beneficial forms of exercise during pregnancy when guided by a trained instructor. At EHS Pilates, we offer specialized prenatal and postnatal Pilates classes and private sessions designed to support your body through every stage of motherhood. Our instructors provide modifications for each trimester, focusing on pelvic floor strength, core stability, and relieving common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and hip tightness. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy.
Absolutely. Pilates is one of the best forms of exercise for older adults because it is low impact, gentle on the joints, and fully adaptable to any fitness level. At EHS Pilates, we welcome clients of all ages, and our instructors provide modifications in every class. Pilates helps seniors improve balance, build bone density, maintain flexibility, and reduce the risk of falls. Our small group classes with just 4 to 8 people ensure that older adults receive the individual attention they need to move safely and confidently.
While both Pilates and yoga focus on mindful movement, they differ in approach and emphasis. Pilates places a strong focus on core strength, spinal alignment, and controlled, precise movements, often using specialized equipment like the reformer, Cadillac, and combo chair. Yoga tends to emphasize flexibility, breathwork, and holding static postures. Many of our clients at EHS Pilates practice both and find that Pilates strengthens the areas that support a deeper yoga practice. If you're unsure which is right for you, our team is happy to help guide you.
Pilates is commonly recommended for sciatica and herniated disc recovery because it strengthens the muscles that support the spine without placing excessive load on the discs. At EHS Pilates, our rehabilitation specialists use Pilates-based movement assessment and equipment to create individualized recovery programs. We work through a Pilates lens to address the root cause of pain, improve mobility, and build the stability needed to prevent recurrence. Many of our rehab clients are referred by San Francisco physicians and physical therapists.
Yes. Since 2009, EHS Pilates has partnered with Balanced Body to offer globally recognized Pilates teacher training right here in San Francisco. Our comprehensive training program has produced skilled instructors who teach throughout the Bay Area and around the world. Whether you're starting a new career in Pilates or adding to your existing credentials, our experienced faculty provides hands-on mentorship rooted in the traditional Pilates method. Visit our Education page for more details on upcoming training programs and advanced certification courses.
Reformer Pilates uses a specialized piece of equipment called the Pilates reformer, which features a sliding carriage, springs, and straps to provide variable resistance during exercises. It is one of the most popular and effective ways to practice Pilates because it allows for a wider range of exercises than mat work alone, supports proper alignment, and can be adjusted for any fitness level from beginner to advanced. At EHS Pilates, our studio reformers are used in both private sessions and small group classes with 4 to 8 participants.
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