Bright Star Pilates & GYROTONIC Studio in San Francisco — Local services in San Francisco

I purchased the 4 class intro pack in MINDBODY, and was surprised to find that the app didn’t let you book just any class, you had to start with the foundations class. This was not stated in the terms of the intro pack.

So I booked a foundations class, assuming that after that class, I could move on to level 1. I’d like to preface with the fact that I’ve taken over 100 pilates classes at various studios in the last two years.

The moment I walked into the class, Ramlah asked me if I had done Pilates before and I said I had. She clearly didn’t like that answer, and immediately went on a rant about how all these young Pilates studios aren’t real Pilates, they’re workouts. I knew from that condescending comment, before we even started the class, that I wouldn’t enjoy this.

This class was more like physical therapy for older folks than a solid Pilates exercise class. One of the things she taught in the class was * how to lower yourself down to SIT onto the reformer without hurting yourself *….

Ramlah clearly has some sort of vendetta against the other reformer Pilates studios in the area, and wouldn’t allow me to book Pilates 1 after taking her foundations class.

I’ve unfortunately wasted $100+ on this intro pack, and won’t be able to use it due to Bright Star’s antiquated practices...

I’ve been doing Pilates for 20 years and have spent that time at the best studios across NYC and LA. Bright Star Pilates is the single best Pilates studio I’ve been to. Artemis and all the teachers here are seriously invested in instructing students on proper technique, making these classes infinitely more valuable than the chain Pilates studios that just want to break you a sweat and get you out the door. More than just a workout, these classes are transformational for your body, making you stronger, better aligned, better centered, feeling taller, and the most comfortable you can feel in your body. As a massage junky, I’ve noticed I’ve felt the need for far fewer massages as the stretching, strengthening and aligning of these Pilates classes has made my body so much better balanced. The classes themselves are always interesting. The instructors use inventive choreography to challenge your body and your mind while always meeting students where they’re at. Artemis and everyone at Bright Star are also really caring people who create a warm, welcoming, homey atmosphere. I just can’t say enough about Bright Star. I wish I could go 7...

Hands down the best Pilates reformer studio in the world! I’ve lived in multiple big cities and travel often, and this is by far my favorite studio (and one of the reasons I haven’t left SF.)

The space itself is stunning; super clean, bright with high, spacious ceilings - it never feels too crammed.

The teachers are exceptional. Classes fly by, and while it doesn’t feel like I’m straining or working too hard during class, their precise cues and focus on alignment somehow activate muscles I didn’t even know existed and I’m sore (in the best way) for days after.

What truly makes this place special is the owner, Artemis Anderson. The physical and energetic space and community she’s created here is unlike anywhere else. Her mastery of the body, deep integrity, and otherworldly loving presence is infused in everything here.

This studio/classes has been a source of light and carried me through some dark times. This is the one place I keep a monthly membership without hesitation or guilt (even if I don’t make every class) because supporting this space feels like giving back to something that’s given me and others so...