Pilates with Riki

Durham, 152 Solterra Way, Durham, NC 27705 | ★ 5 (39 Review)

📞 +1 978-768-8386

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Pilates studio

About the Club

I believe everyone can learn to move better. Using the classical Pilates method, I can help you reduce pain, prevent injuries, and improve performance. My boutique Pilates studio is located in the privacy of my home in West Durham, NC, where I offer private Pilates lessons. I also teach group mat classes in downtown Durham.

Whether you're a seasoned Pilates pro or a newcomer to the practice, I can help you unlock your true potential with this century-old exercise. I turned to Pilates to help with my chronic back pain and now I offer lessons in Pilates in Durham, NC, to help others feel the same benefits.

Come join a class to see what Pilates can do for you.

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 Pilates with Riki
 Pilates with Riki
 Pilates with Riki

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Reviews

Francesca S

★ 5

I highly recommend Pilates with Riki. Riki is an amazing teacher- she is warm, kind, attentive, and dynamic, and she tailors classes perfectly for specific needs. She explains movements in a way that is accessible and practical. Classes are a great balance of challenging and restorative. I can feel my strength and stability improving. Her studio is easy to find, clean, and well set-up to do a variety of exercises without getting bored.

Source: Google

Abigail Agoglia

★ 5

I've been in Riki's Pilates for Athletes class for over a year, and it has been a fantastic addition to my week! Riki has a real talent for tailoring the class to all levels of fitness; it was accessible when I was new to Pilates/fitness, but I'm still being challenged and making progress over a year later. Riki cultivates a knowledgeable and friendly class environment that makes me feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. I would recommend Pilates with Riki to anyone who is interested in Pilates, needs to cross-train for other sports, or just wants to bring some movement into their week.

Source: Google

Juliana Newbold

★ 5

I have been taking private lessons with Riki for several months now, and highly recommended working with her! I was needing one on one guidance focused on hypermobility, injury prevention, and pain management. Riki is extremely knowledgeable and asks great questions. I have felt as though our work together has been intentionally tailored to support my specific needs. Also, Riki is just a lovely human to be around. She is kind, patient, supportive and gives incredibly helpful cues and feedback to refine and improve my movement patterns. I have gotten stronger, and have not had any of my previously recurring injuries or pain during our time working together. Highly recommend!!

Source: Google

Katherine Hodges

★ 5

I have had several Pilates instructors over the years, and Riki is by far my favorite. She is the perfect combination of supportive and challenging. If you are curious about Pilates, I would highly recommend her.

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Jennifer Niemiroski

★ 5

She is an amazing teacher! She is professional and personable. She gives step by step instructions that I find quite helpful. She gives positive feedback as well as gently correcting anything that is improper form. It has helped me to gain more core strength and avoid injury in my daily life.

Source: Google

Janet C

★ 5

Riki is a fantastic instructor — she has a depth of training and education in Pilates that would be hard to match. I'm new to Pilates and the only core I have is an aspirational one, but she is excellent at designing her classes to include the right mix for where her clients are at.

Source: Google

Marina Garbutt

★ 5

Riki is a friendly and positive instructor. My husband and I have found the duet class productive and enjoyable. She takes time to discuss any ailments before each lesson and tailors the exercises to our needs. She has helped us with some of the issues that come with aging, giving attention to posture, balance, and strength.

Source: Google

Conrad Bennett

★ 5

I can’t recommend Riki enough for an individualized Pilates session! From the moment I stepped into the studio, I felt welcomed and cared for. Riki has an incredible ability to tune into your specific needs and tailor the session accordingly. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or just starting out, Riki creates a space that feels both challenging and empowering.

Her expertise and clear instructions made every movement feel intentional and effective. I walked away feeling stronger, more aligned, and completely rejuvenated. What truly sets Riki apart is her attention to detail and genuine passion for helping you achieve your goals.

If you’re looking for a personalized Pilates experience that will transform the way you move, Riki is the instructor you need. I can’t wait for my next session with her!

Source: Google

Sarah Muzzy

★ 5

Riki is amazing!! She is so knowledgeable and kind. She made me feel very comfortable and helped me work on my full body as well as my tight muscle groups (which was much needed and appreciated). Pilates is awesome and Riki makes it even better. Highly recommend.

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Paola Abad

★ 5

Riki was the best instructor! She tailored my session to be very specific to my abilities and interests. I wanted a glute-focused and ab-centered flow and she gave me just that! I have never tried Cadillac before but after this session I will definitely look for more classes. If you want an instructor who doesn’t just go through the movements but emphasizes good form please check Riki out!!

Source: Google

Micah Lambeth

★ 5

After being Pilates-curious for a while, I did a ton of research about the best places for private lessons in the Triangle and finally decided on doing them with Riki. I'm so glad I did! I've never been into fitness/sports/anything where I was physically moving my body, so the idea of starting was intimidating. Before starting to work together, Riki answered all of my questions and really listened to what I hoped to get from her direction. During each lesson, she would step back and take a look at my spine alignment/holistic form, and recommend tweaks. She pointed out things I never would've thought about and patiently reminded me when I slipped up on remembering to do them. The day after each lesson, I could feel tiny muscles being activated that I didn't know were there.
Aside from the actual instruction, I enjoyed Riki's studio with the green Reformer and Cadillac. The light, equipment, and design gives a peaceful vibe. Riki herself is also honestly just a joy to be around. She's clearly very knowledgable and seems to have a genuine interest in getting to know you as a person.
Overall, my lessons with her poured a strong foundation for me to do class Pilates and would recommend her to anyone who asked!

Source: Google

J

★ 5

Riki genuinely cares about her students' progress and well-being, catering to and ensuring they achieve their goals! It's been a year-long journey for me to improve my sprained ankle with a third-degree ligament tear. After seeing no progress with 5-6 months of physical therapy, I reached out to Riki during my short-term stay in Durham to try Pilates. A month into Pilates, I can finally walk, sleep, sit, and stand with minimal to no pain and tingling in my nerves. My inflammation has significantly improved and I have built significant strength on my weakened leg thanks to Riki’s specialized program for me. Whether you're staying in Durham temporarily or permanently, coming with failed progress from physical therapy, or dealing with chronic pain, trust Riki. I can’t wait for another month with her to make further progress on my recovery!

Source: Google

Julia A

★ 5

I worked with Riki during my year of medical training in Durham. I was new to the area and wanted to work with a Pilates teacher who would challenge me and offer a high level of expertise.

Riki provided feedback and positive encouragement while I learned new moves. As requested, she gave me exercise and stretching recommendations to address muscle tightness I was experiencing outside of class. Additionally, because I didn’t know the area very well, she graciously shared recommendations about local favorite spots and emailed me links about things we discussed in class.

Amidst a busy work week, I looked forward to going to Riki’s studio for a workout and to spend an hour in the presence of a calm, kind person. She provided challenging workouts and changed gears when I arrived exhausted from work; she skillfully worked around sore or strained muscles and left me shaking in the core from ab exercises.

I highly recommend Riki’s Pilates studio to anyone in the Durham area!

Source: Google

N Nonna Skumanich

★ 5

Riki is one of the best Pilates instructors I have ever worked with. And she really cares about her student's wellbeing. She goes way beyond by explaining the "why" behind each exercise in conjunction with the "how" so one can really learn how to properly function.

Source: Google

Holly Leddy

★ 5

Riki is such a thoughtful teacher. I love how carefully she thinks about adapting each exercise for the needs of everyone in the class. Her classes are enjoyable (but work!) and have made me a stronger runner.

Source: Google

Emily Virginia Gereffi

★ 5

Riki was recommended to me by a physical therapist who personally took classes with her - I thought, she must be pretty good. I was wrong - she’s amazing! Not only does she pay amazingly close attention to every small movement she recommends for you, Riki is also an incredibly nice and warm person to train with. I recommend any and every kind of class with her - on line, one on one or anything she has available 😊

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Lynne Handler

★ 4

I have really enjoyed taking Pilates classes with Riki. Pilates is a great way to feel good mentally and physically, especially as I age. I would highly recommend Pilates to anyone at any age.

Source: Google

Kaaren Haldeman

★ 5

Riki is an excellent teacher and it’s a joy to be in her class!

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Emma Marzolf

★ 5

Riki's Pilates for Runners class was truly great. I felt improvement in my core strength and hip movement by the end of the 8 week course. Riki is also a fantastic instructor. Sometimes group fitness classes can be intimidating but Riki made the course feel very accessible. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

Patti Paine

★ 5

I love Riki's mat classes. I've been taking them for years. Her classes are fun and a good work out. Have build core strength and flexability.

Source: Google

Natasha Tiphaine

★ 5

It was such a delight working with Riki! I’m a nurse and since working on the floor, I started to deal with a lot of neck and back pain. After every session, I noticed relief. Even my posture improved. So sad I had to move!! Would recommend her EVERY time!!

Source: Google

Emma Mueller

★ 5

Riki is amazing! She introduced me to Pilates and has absolutely saved my back. She pays close attention to your spine and alignment throughout the session. Cannot recommend her enough, if you are thinking about doing Pilates, definitely do it with Riki.

Source: Google

Elyse Goldberg

★ 5

I have spent the last decade recovering from various injuries from a very active lifestyle and multiple surgeries. Physical therapy was no longer helping as they only get you "back to ground zero". I felt like every time I tried an activity like yoga or hiking, I would get injured again, or old issues would flare up. I had gotten to the point of feeling like I would never be able to be active again. Then I found Pilates with Riki. Riki has been amazing at working with me to build strength, stability, and flexibility. She adjusts every workout to account for how my body is feeling on that particular day. She does not let me move unless I have exceptional alignment. Through Riki's coaching I now feel like my core is the strongest it's ever been. This not only helps with every day life, but has also helped me begin to get back to the other activities that I love.

Source: Google

Renae Broderick

★ 5

I have been taking private Pilates instruction for three years now with three different instructors. Riki is by far the best instructor. She is a stickler on form but also very positive and encouraging. Her studio is a clean, airy, and calm space; her equipment fine.

I want to also note that, for me, private instruction is well worth it. I am older, have scoliosis and some lower back weakness. Riki is excellent in accommodating these things and I have made good progress in my many months with her.

Source: Google

Susan Ficks

★ 5

I was delighted when Riki began teaching private in-person sessions. She is a knowledgeable, kind and cheerful Pilates teacher who is dedicated to helping her students move forward to accomplish as much as they desire to do. At the same time she continues to move forward in both her own Pilates practice and her teaching skills.
It is truly a joy to work with her.

Source: Google

Betsy Smith

★ 5

Riki is the most amazing trainer! She’s sensitive to any issues I may have (arthritis flare-up, migraines) and modifies routines in a way that really feels like she is taking care of me. And it’s always the right amount of exertion - enough to challenge me, without leaving me too sore to move the next day. I can’t recommend her enough!

Source: Google

Laura Bastian-Webb

★ 5

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Christine Philliou

★ 5

Riki offers the best combination of challenge and encouragement in her classes. I have grown noticeably stronger—and happier—since I started class with her last year.

Source: Google

David Hopkins

★ 5

Riki is very knowledgeable about me as an individual and talers each session based on my bodily needs on that day. Easy to work with and very personalble.

Source: Google

Jan French

★ 5

Riki is an attentive pilates instructor who gets to know what her clients need each time she works with them.

Source: Google

Allison Eisner

★ 5

Riki is a wonderful Pilates instructor! She pays close attention to form to make sure you get the most out of your workout. I have bad back and neck pain, and I always feel like I stand up straighter and stronger after her sessions. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

Karen Best

★ 5

Pilates with Riki is a great, safe and fun workout. I've been taking her classes for several years and highly recommend her.

Source: Google

Jackie Ariail

★ 5

Riki is an amazing Pilates instructor. I have done Pilates classes with her for over three years, and have never had a moment's hesitation about her knowledge of Pilates and her ability to lead a challenging but doable Pilates class for beginners through advanced participants. She is clear in her instruction, with excellent reminders about nuances of posture and positioning. Her pacing is great, and her demeanor is cheerful and encouraging. And she has a sense of humor! As a result of taking classes with her regularly, I am much stronger in my core and legs, am well-toned, and I have better balance and posture. I highly recommend Pilates with Riki.

Source: Google

Mary Mattiacci

★ 5

Online and in person classes with Riki are both accessible and challenging. She is very careful with any weak areas or injuries and adapts classes to be safe while encouraging repair and strength. And somehow, she makes it all fun!!

Source: Google

Lois Ballen

★ 5

Riki gives easy-to-follow instructions for each position and exercise, so I'm able to follow along with ease. Her class is well-rounded, and covers muscle groups from throughout the body. I find that my body always feel better after the class.

Source: Google

Kelly

★ 5

Riki’s private lessons are amazing! She is great at listening to my goals and areas to work on, and tailors the exercises to those needs. I can see progress and strength building after each session! Highly recommend either private or group lessons with Riki.

Source: Google

Ellen Horner

★ 5

I’ve been taking Pilates with Riki on Zoom for over a year, and I really enjoy her classes. There’s enough repetition to be able to learn the exercises, but enough variety to keep things interesting. She’s good at offering options to make the exercises easier or more challenging, so each person in the class can do the version that provides the right amount of challenge for them. I do my favorite warm-ups from class every morning, and I’ve gotten stronger and more flexible.

Source: Google

Jen Fleming

★ 5

Riki is amazing, plain and simple. Her home and her studio is bright, clean and welcoming. She is kind and friendly and extremely knowledgeable about her craft. She is clearly passionate about Pilates and passing this on to others with all the health benefits and joy that comes with it. I had my first session last week and despite being a bit nervous about my deconditioning and being out of shape, Riki put me at ease immediately and helped me gain confidence with each exercise. After one session I felt leaner and stronger, as crazy as that sounds, but it's true. I carried myself differently after that session with more body awareness and confidence than I've had in years. The session was challenging yet fun and Riki is a fantastic teacher. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to do Pilates at any level and not in a group class or gym setting. I wanted one on one instruction and it was absolutely a great decision. I will definitely be buying more sessions. Worth every penny!!

Source: Google

Stella Schick

★ 5

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