Pilates Story opened on February 14th, 2017 to carry the torch of Joe Pilates’ work and his mission of “Return to Life!” We had NO idea how much work we needed to do. After our amazing two year anniversary party in 2019 where 75 people showed up and we stayed up till midnight (yes, we drank many bottles of wine and laughed a lot ), our community continued to grow.
Then, COVID hit. 2020 – 2023: we call that the BLIP (see the Avengers). Now going strong since 2017, we’re offering services beyond pilates like personal training and therapeutic massage! We are heading “to infinity and beyond” to engage your unique body story and help tell it.
At our studio, you can feel and experience Joseph Pilates’ life’s work. We are nothing but truthful and original. We all come from different places and backgrounds, but Classical Pilates continues to connect us. We are a highly trained and passionate group of teachers who are deeply knowledgeable about our bodies and the art and science of movement.
When Hye-Yeon was 11 years old she was hit by a car in an accident that left her unbalanced with steel rods in her hip, perpetually weak muscles and joint pain. She started practicing Pilates in 2004 after a total left hip replacement to learn how to use her regained mobility safely and mindfully. Pilates helped her to reconnect with the body that had been lost to her for so many years. Hye-Yeon’s goal as a teacher is to help you to discover and connect with your own body, which should be a vessel of happiness and the fullness of life, the way she discovered hers. It is not easy but it is possible! She strongly believes that.
After six years of practicing Classical Pilates, Hye-Yeon decided to join the advanced teacher training program at The Pilates Center where she eventually became a teacher training advisor. and has now been teaching classical Pilates since 2010. She completed The Heritage program with Cara Reeser in 2019 to learn Kathy Grant’s work and is on the path to complete a graduate certificate course in Movement Science Made Simple (MSMS) with Cara Reeser and Jeremy Laverdure to further gain the knowledge of anatomy of movement and rehabilitation. Additionally, to gain the deeper perspective of the makeup of the human body and movement patterns, Hye-Yeon also takes classes with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen of Body Mind Centering.
Hye-Yeon wants to share what she has learned from her trials and errors as a forever student of mother nature. To share what she loves and knows about pilates, the anatomy of movement, everyday movements while sustaining strength of mind and body and keeping healthy human relationships is her complete joy. As a woman now in her fifties, she is exploring how to build a strong, empowering and thriving mid-womanhood by creating safe, creative spaces for women to come together and support each other. She’s also deeply invested into bringing DEI (Diversity Equity Integrity and Belonging) in the Pilates world and beyond by mentoring, teaching and collaborating with other modality.
To book a session with Hye-Yeon, please click the button below:
Aura Fischbeck-Wise has been teaching the Pilates Method since 2003. Her interest in Pilates as an exercise, rehabilitation, and mind/body integration technique evolved out of her background as a dancer. She was first introduced to the Pilates Method in 1998 in a dance
class in college, taught by Cara Reeser. She then went on to receive her initial training at the Pilates Center of Boulder in 2003, and has done extensive continuing education in a variety of specialized topics around functional anatomy, and injury prevention and recovery.
In 2014 she completed the Heritage Training with Cara Reeser, which focuses on the legacy of Kathy Grant, a Pilates elder and master teacher. She has worked as a mentor to teachers in training through The Pilates Workshop and the Pilates Center Teacher Training program. She completed the Pilates Center Masters Program in 2015, and is a nationally certified teacher through the NPTC. As a deeply invested and skilled movement educator she aims to meet each individual client wherever they are in their fitness or skill level, and custom designs an appropriate workout for each individual. Her emphasis is on breathing, proper alignment, attention to detail and healthful technique. Aura also holds an MFA in dance from the University of the Arts.
To book a session with Aura, please email: aura.fischbeck@gmail.com
To book a session with Micayla, please email: micaywynn@gmail.com
Tedra (TAY-dra) has been a mover and teacher for decades. She started her training with the San Francisco Ballet School and graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in Dance and Rhetoric. Her dance career ended with an injury so she pursued a career in education. Tedra has spent 20 years working in classrooms and at the University level with teachers and lifelong learners, and holds two Masters degrees in Education.
After many years focusing on intellectual pursuits and parenting her two children, Tedra fell in love with the Pilates Method as she sought ways to reconnect to strength, vitality, and body-mind awareness. She loved the effect of her practice, so she achieved Advance Teacher Training Certification from The Pilates Center in Boulder. She continues to hone her practice with daily classes and ongoing private lessons with expert teachers across the country.
In her teaching practice, Tedra offers an encouraging and intuitive approach to her classes and privates. She can skillfully address imbalances and patterns in movement to release more ease and efficient strength in her clients. She is adept at adjusting her teaching to each client’s individual learning styles, and supports a sense of self-acceptance and safety as her clients transform through the Pilates method. She is committed to her clients’ health and well being, and particularly loves working with people who want to “Return to Life” through Pilates.
To book a session with Tedra, email tedrafm@gmail.com.
Andrea started taking Pilates classes in 2008 and loved how strong it made her feel! She began teaching in 2009, completed The Master’s Program at the Pilates Center of Boulder in 2015, and opened her own Pilates practice in 2017. She joined the Pilates Story team in 2021. She is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher.Andrea has taken numerous anatomy and kinesiology courses, learning how to utilize the Pilates exercises to address physical challenges and injuries, helping her clients to develop greater strength and improved health. She is skilled at observing the human body in motion and passionate about creating sessions that encourage proper alignment and healthy movement. Andrea is a dedicated instructor and teaches with compassion and enthusiasm. She loves helping others experience the strengthening, healing, and transformative benefits of the Pilates method.
To book a session with Andrea, please email: a_bonfante@hotmail.com
Melody is an apprentice teacher at Pilates Story, pursuing a Pilates accreditation through Polestar Pilates. She started practicing classical Pilates at the age of 17, and has recently made the decision to join a teacher training program to begin her Pilates career.
Before transitioning to a career in Pilates and physical rehabilitation, Melody graduated with a Masters in Electrical Engineering, working in the EV industry in the Bay Area.
After a spinal injury in 2021, she decided that a desk job was not suited for her, finding it boring and mundane. Working in a corporation was not what she wanted to do as a lifelong career, seeing that it was not as meaningful as helping someone regain their strength and mobility. Life is short, and we should live life to the fullest! After her revelation, she quit her job and began developing her new career in teaching people in Pilates.
With that said, Melody was willing to let go of her promising career as an engineer, to start anew as a Pilates apprentice and future instructor!
To book a session with Melody, please email: melodydoespilates@gmail.com
Lisa is a comprehensively trained Peak Pilates Certifiied Teacher. She has been teaching in Central Florida since 2008. She is committed to continuing education and lifelong learning. To that end, she is proud to be a graduate of the Kathy Grant Heritage Training taught by Cara Reeser. She is also currently enrolled in the Movement Science Made Simple graduate program.
Lisa began her personal pilates practice in 2004 as a cross training program for running. However, she quickly realized that everyone – regardless of age, goals, or fitness level – can benefit from this truly transformational movement system.
So whether you are an accomplished athlete, are just beginning your journey to physical fitness, or you’re somewhere in between, Lisa tailors safe and effective pilates sessions to help you achieve your goals.
Lisa herself enjoys an energetic and robust way of life. In addition to running and competing in the occasional local road race, she loves to paddle the Wekiva River whenever she gets the chance. She aspires to be a role model for her clients, and to instill in them a passion for engaging in an active, healthy lifestyle.
To book a session with Lisa, please email: lisamarieryan101@gmail.com
I have dedicated my undergraduate and graduate education, as well as eight years as a trainer, to helping people of all ages and abilities realize their unique strength, mobility, and overall fitness goals. I am rewarded by the growth in well-being, health, and agility that my clients achieve with my tailored instruction. The boost in client skills and confidence over the course of our sessions inspires and motivates me.
After graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (with a Physiology of Fitness and Health emphasis), I began a 4-year training tenure under the guidance of a former Division 1 athletic trainer who owned a private studio. During that time, I was introduced to a diverse clientele with distinct needs. I became familiar with adapting routines and creating exercise prescriptions to accommodate a variety of unique requirements specific to age, injury, medical condition, and more. Subsequently, I offered private instruction and in-home training to clients, as well as developing a popular High-Intensity Circuit Training program for two group fitness gyms.
During that time, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Applied Exercise Science and also became a Certified Massage Therapist. I believe the depth of my knowledge and experience help me deliver a holistic, tailored approach to my client’s physical well-being. I look forward to the opportunity to meet new clients and create a plan to achieve your unique fitness goals.
To book a session with Carlos, please email: carlosnarvaez100@gmail.com
We are a classical boutique pilates studio in the heart of West Portal neighborhood, San Francisco. We are proudly equipped with Gratz machines for your unique whole body experience
Mon-Fri: 8:30a – 7:00p
Sat: 8:30a – 4:00p
Sun: Closed