★ 5

Empowered Body Pilates is a gem in downtown Los Altos, and the community is truly lucky to have this studio. I dropped in for a couple of days while visiting in town, and was warmly welcomed in by Nicole and the studio staff. I observed a couple classes taught by Lauren and Julia and was able to put in several valuable hours of practice. Amanda showed me the studio on the first day, and both her and Nicole were very helpful with my practice. The studio itself is immaculate, well-spaced out, clean, bright with natural light, and was quite busy with group classes and private sessions while I was there. It’s clearly a well-loved space! I’m fortunate I could spend time here. The instructors are friendly, professional, personable, and impressive. They all bring something unique to their classes and clients, so I highly recommend this studio to anyone who is curious about classical pilates or is passionate about advancing their technique and practice. Thank you for showing me a real pilates experience!

Source: Google

★ 5

From the beginning the communication, competency and warmth of the team at Empowered Body Pilates exceeded my expectations. All the instructors are excellent and bring their own unique, engaging personality to the sessions. Working with Julia the most, I've found her to be a gifted teacher who knows just how to both challenge and encourage you. Julia's knowledge and eye for details has made me feel safe and capable of gaining strength where I need it. Julia's lively group and individual lessons are first-rate!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great community ambiance, professional and personable staff who really care, and the best workout ever! I’m toned and tightened and feel like my skin just fits me better since I began my journey with Empowered Body Pilates.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My sessions with Grecia and Lauren are top notch! They create a truly comprehensive and challenging workout that pushes me to exactly where I needed to be. Their ability to tailor exercises and troubleshoot form issues on the spot is invaluable, ensuring maximum effectiveness and safety throughout the entire session. I leave feeling energized and accomplished.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this wonderful studio! Julia Sarah and Nicole’s classes are in my weekly rotation. The attention to detail and the workout and flow in this lovely space are just perfection!

Source: Google

★ 5

Everything I tried on at Alys Grace today looked amazing! Even my old favorite outfits are fitting comfortably again! People are asking what I'm doing differently. I have not been disappointed since beginning Pilates training starting in November 2023 at this beautiful downtown Los Altos studio. It is the most efficient resistance training that engages the full body, mind and heart. I am continually challenged, never bored, and I see and feel the results. No more back fat, underarm flab, and sleeping through the night! All the instructors and clients are wonderful humans. For the first time in my life, I actually look forward to working out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Over the years I’ve been searching for a training facility with top notch trainers, flexible schedules, friendly front desk, high quality equipments, and like-minded people sharing love for exercise. I tried almost all the big name chain gyms near home and some highly rated studios, but quickly lost the motivation to keep going. I’m glad that I landed on this gem in Los Altos downtown a year ago, and has been inspired by my trainers, and my peers since then. It’s always a joy to visit the studio, knowing that I’m in good hands and will be challenged in a positive and fun way, and I walk away each time with more knowledge about Pilates and my body. I started training with Julia and overtime trained with many of the other instructors, they are all fabulous. If you are looking for the same things from a Pilates studio like I am, look no further.

Source: Google

★ 5

So many reasons to love Empowered Body Pilates. My husband and I started there last year and it's our weekly "date night." They are professional and fun. The instructors are incredibly talented, sometimes entertaining, and very high energy. We work hard and have some good laughs in the process. Since most of our sessions are with Julia, we call pilates, "date night with Julia." she is fun, funny (love her humor) and she pushes us to work hard.
the other thing I love about Empowered Body is the class sizes are mostly a max of three people, so it's intimate and they can focus on our form and on pushing us to be our strongest and best selves. Two thumbs up for sure.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is not your average Pilates studio. I have taken from other studios in the area, and Empowered Body Pilates is superior to anything else I have experienced. Nicole, the owner, ensures her instructors are exceptionally well-trained. As a former dancer, I am a perfectionist about technique and all of the instructors pay complete and close attention to technique and any injuries a student may have in increasing one’s strength and flexibility. In individual sessions, you can get exercises tailored to your weaknesses which I love. Nicole has so much various equipment instructors can really try different exercises with you as is appropriate, of course. The group classes are very small so you still get a lot of individualized instruction and attention. As corny as this may sound, I cannot imagine my life without Pilates with this studio because of what it brings my body and mind.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place. All of the instructors are very well trained and very concerned that each session is complete and safe.
I have been coming for six years. I especially like to work with Julia and Beverly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I love going to Empowered Body Pilates. The small group sizes initially piqued my interest, as I believed they would greatly benefit my technique. The studio initially requires three private lessons, and due to limited private session availability, I started working with teachers in their training program. I found these private sessions to be highly effective, especially as I embarked on my journey as a complete beginner. Merril and Taylor were instrumental in teaching me proper techniques and helping me build core strength. I also had the opportunity to work with teachers who were in the early stages of their training program, and I'm happy to be a paying customer for them!

Source: Google

★ 5

This studio and its instructors are fabulous! I started working out here at 8 weeks postpartum with Julia and Beverly. They are both such knowledgable, patient, and fun instructors. They modified my workouts to prioritize my recovery and now two months later, my body feels 100x stronger! I have done pilates before at other studios, but my experience has been hands-down better here! I wish they were around when I had my first baby! Highly highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started a month ago and really love the setup, staff and the ambience. All the instructors are experienced to tailor the routine to address each individual’s problem/issue. I have a chronicle lower back problem and Julia has been very careful to watch my form and make sure I don’t use the wrong muscles. And the app makes it super easy to purchase classes and book sessions.

Source: Google

★ 5

Empowered Pilates in Los Altos is top notch. I was new to Pilates a couple of months ago - and have received excellent instruction. My strength and balance are much better. I really enjoy each teacher and the other students in the small group classes. Highly recommend this studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

My experience has been excellent at Empowered Body Pilates. The instructors are friendly and sensitive to my physical limitations. They are very skilled and make my sessions enjoyable.

Source: Google

★ 5

Grecia is a fantastic instructor! She pays close attention to the details- gives great prompts to optimize form and alignment. She definitely keeps sessions challenging but recognizes when adapting exercises is necessary to build fundamental strength and avoid injury. She’s creative, flexible and always makes you feel supported!

Source: Google

★ 5

After completing my first month at Empowered Body Pilates, I feel stronger and have noticed changes in my muscle tone. The 50 minutes fly by because we move swiftly from exercise to exercise. I highly recommend Empowered Body Pilates!

Source: Google

★ 5

As a recent newcomer to both Empowered Body studio and to Pilates itself, this review will be a bit about both. I started Pilates here a couple of months ago.

Nicole's studio is conveniently located in Los Altos on State Street with easy parking. It is clean, spacious, and well equipped. Classes are small, with a max of 3. I've worked with 5 different instructors here so far, and all are friendly, upbeat, energetic, and helpful. Each teacher has her own communication style, even while teaching the same exercises, so you can pick up different things from each.

I decided to try Pilates after wandering into an open house at the studio a few months ago. I'd been experimenting with different exercises and disciplines trying to find things that work for me. I had to give up basketball last year because it was just too hard on my aging body, and I started playing a lot more tennis, so much that I developed new and annoying injuries. So after trying to keep things working with yoga, as much PT as I could manage to get, and other stretching and strength building exercises, I was getting mixed results. Pilates version of resistance training is enough different that I have noticed rapid improvements in core strength and mobility, and my joints feel more comfortable and less injured than they have in a long time. So, not only am I getting good exercise without finding new ways to hurt myself, but I feel stronger and more comfortable playing tennis, golfing, and running.

In short, I recommend Pilates as a healthy, efficient form of exercise that will help you improve your performance in any athletic activity, or just feel more comfortable in daily life.

And I heartily recommend Empowered Body Pilates as a great place to learn and practice Pilates.

Source: Google

★ 1

Usually I am not gonna leave a bad review, however, the policy of this Yoga studio is ridiculous. I tried the 3 sessions that charged 333. I sent out the e-mail 1 night before my session on Saturday because I was not feeling too well, then next day I received the e-mail saying it’s against their rule and policy so I couldn’t reschedule my session and lost 111. How can I predict something like this?

Source: Google

★ 5

Great studio with high quality well maintained Pilates equipment. I’ve done private and group lessons with Julia. Her lessons are fun and engaging, focusing on target areas and adjusting for injuries. She is attentive, guiding the lessons clearly and correcting posture when needed. Highly recommend this studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great instructors who would customize your workout based on your ability, pain points, etc. convenient location doesn’t hurt either.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great studio -- very knowledgeable and friendly trainers, new equipment, very clean space. Julia is a fantastic trainer -- knows what she's doing, funny, patient with clients new to Pilates like me. I leave the studio every day feeling better than when I walked in. Highly recommend Empowered Body Pilates!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been doing pilates with Nicole for almost 4 years now! Nicole is an incredible and knowledgeable instructor, as are all the other instructors at the studio. I have pretty severe scoliosis which results in a lot of uneven muscles and misalignment. She has helped me so much in creating balance and strengthening my core, which has been key to maintaining my mobility and strength. She really understands how the body works and pushes you the right amount to get a great workout.

The studio is bright, clean, and friendly! There’s many different small group or private sessions offered throughout the week so you can get the most out of your practice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Life-changing training, now in a bigger, well-lit studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I have been taking pilates from Nicole for almost 4 years. She is an incredible teacher! I marvel at how she can adapt her class for us depending on what physical issues we may be having, e.g. I had a frozen shoulder. During the pandemic she was our lifeline!!! Nicole did a zoom pilates with us 5 days a week! The zoom classes not only kept us in shape but gave us something to look forward to during those long days of quarantine. Nicole is always up and pleasant and makes our classes interesting. My husband and I recently moved and rather than looking for another teacher...we continue our zoom classes with Nicole. Anyone who has her for a teacher is VERY lucky!!! 5 stars...6 if we had that option! And everyone comments how great we look:)))

Source: Google

★ 5

I have loved my experience with Nicole abs her team and have seen a transformation in my body alignment and tone

I do Pilates three days a week and feel absolutely amazing - I love that each class is a bit different and it's limited to 3 clients at a time so you really get a personalized experience

It's the best core and lengthening workout I have done in years - I would highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

Nicole is her own brand. Her ability to diagnose what prevents an
individual body from squeezing the most efficient movement - without overstrain - is unmatched. Not only does she instantly see the pathology of alignment and movement, she can create a verbal blow-by -blow blueprint for how to overcome the problem. Miraculously, the springs that refused to budge, move, or your body assumes a position it has not assumed in decades. It turns out, your body is capable of delivering more than you thought it could if instructed correctly!
Nicole is deeply and truly gifted - a scholar of her art - and is a hard act to follow. But she would be limited if she did not hand-raise the cadre of instructors of reliable quality. For the two years that I have been a client at the studio, I observed the rigorous, highly QA intensive in-house process, with multiple weeding-out opportunities and no advancements to next stage without demonstrated aptitude and proficiency. I am a medical doctor, and I am in awe of how different this process is from the medical residency esprit of “see one, do one, teach one”. Frankly, the consistency of the end product is more predictable in Classical Pilates training!
I want to give a shout-out to Sarah, who is going through the program now. I have come to know her through both the group classes she led under Nicole’s watchful guidance pre-shutdown and private lessons. She has been instructing me individually for several months over Zoom and I value her perspective and contribution.
When I saw her join the training initially , I wondered if this sweet, considerate and a little tentative young woman can command the room. The answer is yes! She quickly found her voice and, even though she is as soft-spoken and pleasant as ever, she is tough as nails when she puts me through my paces. Sarah, like Nicole, is blessed with eyes in the back of her head and low tolerance for cutting corners. She always sees what’s tight, what needs extra attention that day, where I have sprung a new way to cheat.
She complements and reinforces Nicole’s instructions. In addition, and it does not her, for one who is tasked to beat up on me, she is very kind.
Nicole, you sure can pick them!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been going to Empowered Body Pilates since the beginning of 2020. My friend had encouraged me to go for some time and finally I made the commitment. I'm so glad I did! Nicole is my instructor and she has been really patient and encouraging as I've learned this new form of exercise. During the tough times of COVID, Nicole has adjusted to the challenging remote learning approach and does a really terrific job of keeping us all in check during the group classes. I take private classes as well and those have been really worthwhile. I can't say enough about Empowered Body Pilates and can't wait to get back to the studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been working with Nicole since 2014 when I was in the SF Bay area and continue to work with her (remotely) after moving to Vancouver, BC. Pilates with Nicole has had a significant positive impact on my on-the-bike and off-the-bike strength and efficiency of movement.

Sustained long climbs and use of different muscle groups in different positions on the bike became noticably efficient and wasn't causing muscle fatigue and over-compensation by just one muscle group.

My general posture off the bike improved. The various mat and reformer workouts helped strengthen muscle groups, which used to earlier fatigue quickly as a result of extended hours in front of a computer.

The best part about working with Nicole is that she really understands each person's physically strengths and limitations, understands their training demand from other form of sports and adapts the Pilates workouts to compliment everything else. The helps strike a very good balance between goals across different sports and activities.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have trained at Empowered Body for over a year, after many years at other studios. My bar for Pilates instructors (and the whole experience) is very high, and Nicole met it easily and immediately. I love the classical, authentic approach that this studio stays true to. If you want to truly learn and advance in the practice of Pilates, this is the place for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been a client of Nicole's for over 7 years. My body is stronger and my spine more stable as a result of her careful instruction. I am always amazed at what she can see and correct in my body movement during a session. Come and join Empowered body Pilates. You will be happy you did!

Source: Google

★ 5

Nicole is an incredibly gifted classical Pilates teacher who just keeps getting better. Her workouts are always challenging and I learn something new about Pilates every time I have a session. Great congenial atmosphere in the studio. I highly recommend her and the studio, Empowered Body Pilates.

Source: Google

★ 5

I found Empowered Body Pilates over two years ago. At the time, I was dealing with a lot of pain in my back and legs and physical therapy wasn't helping me. Nicole and the Empowered Body team bring a holistic skillset and thoughtful approach to their practice. Nicole truly cares about each client and their health, tailoring her approach - both in group classes and private sessions - to each of us. I anticipate going to Empowered Body Pilates for years to come!

Source: Google

★ 5

Disclaimer: I've been studying Pilates with the studio owner Nicole for years, ever since I was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. I'm firmly convinced that she played a major role in turning my illness around. Her teaching and coaching gave me the tools I needed to develop an entirely new relationship with my body, one I'm still building on and exploring today. So I may be biased: the owner and principal teacher at this studio saved my life.

The Pilates method is a brilliant synthesis of golden-age strength-training principles. Moving consciously and deliberately, we use our body weight and light resistance (mostly from springs) to engage whole systems of muscles at once, developing awareness and control, strength and flexibility, all at the same time.

The studio is sparkling clean, well lit, and comfortable. It's well equipped with all the major Classical Pilates apparatus: from mats, reformers, Cadillac, barrels, and chairs, to foot correctors and Ped-a-pull.

Above all, the studio is "equipped" with Nicole and her excellent, hand-picked staff of teachers. They challenge and encourage; they see through every form of compensation; they detect the smallest evidence of misalignment and gently guide you to correct it. Alignment is paramount: the whole body must work in harmony with itself in order to produce controlled, precise, and fluid movement.

The day-to-day atmosphere in the studio reflects the community that supports it: serious in purpose, but relaxed and light-hearted. People come to work and to improve, but since the aim is serious and the work is demanding, there's no need for solemnity or excessive formality.

Try it out. At this studio, all levels and talents, sizes and shapes, are welcome.

Source: Google

★ 5

Empowered Body is an amazing Pilates studio--one of the best around. Nicole, Christian and the team are incredibly knowledgeable and expert trainers! I appreciate their devotion to classical Pilates, attention to the unique needs of individual clients--and their ability to inspire us reach ever higher.

Source: Google

★ 5

I went to EBP about a year and a half ago with back pain that nearly prevented me from being able to tie my shoes. I've been working with Nicole since then, and back has been better than ever! Even better, the core work we have done has given me extra yardage off the tee, I'm a huge believer!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Nicole's deep expertise and experience with individuals with previous injuries has dramatically changed the strength and flexibility of my back. She excels at teaching everyone from the hesitant beginner to the seasoned pilates practitioner. A visit to her studio will change your life - it changed mine!

Source: Google

★ 5

Nicole is a genius! She is truly a gifted instructor and an even better person. Nicole will help you achieve your fitness goals. She rehabs injuries, help recovery from childbirth and trains world class IronMan athletes. Whatever your goals are - Nicole will be an invaluable part of your journey!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with EBP for several weeks, and my strength and flexibility have noticeably improved. The quality of the equipment, studio, and teaching are excellent.

Source: Google