WhY CHOOSE The Pilates Space?

My husband and I have been working with the folks at The Pilates Space since before it became The Pilates Space, and we cannot say enough positive things about them and it!!! The owners, who are well-trained, extremely smart, compassionate, and brilliant teachers, understand the human body better than almost anyone I have ever known. They have set up a professional space filled with warmth, empathy, and good humor. All of the staff are also well-trained, knowledgeable about the body, and caring, thoughtful individuals. During the pandemic, online classes given by the different members of the staff kept us fit and sane, and now that we are back in the studio in person (masks required for the moment), every class and individual session takes into account the needs and experience of each participant. The studio itself reflects the people who run and work in it. It is light, airy, spotlessly clean, cheerful, and well-ventilated. Just walking into the room can make your body start to feel good. Working with one of the Pilates teachers will make it feel even better!

-F.D.B.

I initially approached The Pilates Space to work on some longstanding areas of physical tension and discomfort. And while I found the expert attention, assistance, and care that I needed, even more valuable — and delightfully unexpected! — has been the progressive, playful, infinitely variable body-mind exploration in which Ryoko has become my partner and guide. She is among the best teachers, of any subject, that I’ve ever met, or had the privilege of learning from. (And if ‘physical education’ in our schools were even half as smart and joyous as what goes on in The Pilates Space, I know we’d be a much healthier nation today!) Ryoko and Shannon are creating a unique and special practice and community. I could not be more grateful to be a part of it — and I could not recommend their work more highly. This is a treasure in the Berkshires!

-J.B.

I never thought that online Pilates instruction could be effective and rewarding until beginning to take The Pilates Space’s new web-based offerings. After just one class, I feel physically refreshed, enlivened, relieved and profoundly nourished, body and spirit, by TPS team. While I am far away in Houston, I felt as embraced, challenged, stimulated and educated by Ryoko, Shannon, and their team as if I were right there in GB. And most importantly I feel the deep healing of what these gifted, dedicated teachers are offering. I didn’t think I could admire this team and honor this space any more than I already did. I was wrong. They have my highest recommendation and my deepest gratitude and love, in this time and always.

-J.B.

Shannon is the best – since I started taking her classes, I’ve gained so much strength and have absolutely fallen in love with Pilates. She’s so knowledgeable and incorporates so much variety into her classes, so they’re always super challenging and fun. Even if you’re a complete beginner, she’s so encouraging and genuinely celebrates your progress – big or small. I’ve seen the changes in my body, but just as importantly, I always leave her class in a better frame of mind.

-K.S.

Ryoko is really in a class of her own.  She combines technical knowledge, a positive attitude and the ability to encourage you to exceed your own expectations.  After five years with another studio, I came to her several months prior to knee replacement. She listened to my complaints and promptly set about getting me into tip-top shape for surgery.  As the time neared, she outlined exercises I could do post-operatively, and when I returned to the studio several months later, she listened to what hurt and went to work on that, too. A month ago, I bought a gift pack of five lessons for my husband, who has resisted Pilates for a decade.  He just bought his second package (willingly).  I’m 76 and my husband is 78.  Getting fit and staying fit—plus working hard to meet Ryoko’s standards—is the best recipe for our physical and mental health. 

-F.S.

I have been attending group and online classes at The Pilates Space for years and highly recommend this studio.  All of the instructors are fabulous. Each has extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and each has a unique teaching style.  No two classes are alike.  At this studio it’s the opposite of pilates by rote or repeating the same tired routines.  Each group class is custom-tailored to the needs and goals of the participants who attend on a given day. Classes are not only personalized, but fun.  The space itself is clean, bright  and airy, and a sense of camaraderie, goodwill, and community prevail.  I always leave feeling about a foot taller and lighter of heart than when I arrived!
-L.W.

I was dealing with hip, groin, leg and lower back issues for years. I went to many practitioners and doctors and while they all helped me in their own way, working with Ryoko is healing me. I had never tried Pilates before. Ryoko’s kind, grounded, sweet personality blended with her incredibly knowledgeable presence with the physical body has been such a gift! As an empathic energy healer, I feel everything! Ryoko has always been extremely patient with me as I explain what my body is feeling and she immediately knows what to show me to do to ease that discomfort, release the tension, and give practical exercises for me to strengthen, release and heal the issues that are presenting in my body. Ryoko is incredibly gifted and I highly recommend her! I have been telling everyone I know about her work. Thank you so much Ryoko!

-A.H.