The Method

At Santa Barbara Pilates, we're passionate about meeting our clients where they are — we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every session is designed around the person in front of us: your body, your history, your goals.

Sara Donen, owner and founder, has taught Pilates for over sixteen years, training alongside second-generation, internationally recognized master Pilates teachers. She's constantly learning and adding new skills, and she personally vets every instructor who teaches here. Learn more about Sara.

Here at Santa Barbara Pilates, we honor the goal Joseph Pilates set: not to create a fitness trend, but to teach the body to move well.

The equipment

Joseph Pilates designed his equipment to assist and resist the body in equal measure. The Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, the ladder barrel — each one is a teaching tool. We use them all.

A studio with only Reformers is a fine place to exercise. It isn't a Pilates studio in the fullest sense. We keep the full range of equipment available so the practice can deepen over years, not weeks.

Breath before movement

Every session begins with breath. Not as ritual, but because breath is the first muscle. Once it's moving well, the rest of the practice can really take shape.

Class format

We offer four formats — private, duet, trio, and small group classes. Even the largest session is kept small enough that one instructor can teach by eye, because Pilates is taught by the eye. An instructor who can't see you can't help you.

We don't chase intensity

You'll sweat sometimes. You'll be sore sometimes. But you won't be exhausted at the end of a session — you'll be more organized than when you arrived.

This is what sets Pilates apart from other fitness modalities. Long, even strength. Joints that move freely. A body that's more available to you, in your own life, outside the studio.