Testimonials

“Kristen Williams skill as a Pilates trainer has enabled me to return to work in spite of formerly disabling injuries. It was obvious in a few sessions that she was helping my entire body not just focusing on the painful spots. My doctor enthusiastically encourages me to continue. I feel younger and no longer use pain killers, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, and far less decongestant because of better breathing. There is nothing better than feeling good.  If they call what Kristen and her staff at the Santa Barbara Pilates Studio teaches Pilates, then I like Pilates!”

~ Tom Hawkins 01/04/01

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“After being thrown from my horse I suffered from chronic back problems . Kristen and her staff tailored a Pilates program to build my back strength, which enabled me to avoid surgery. The Pilates program has greatly improved my horseback riding as well as my overall health, posture and balance. Pilates has become an indispensable part of my life, and if I miss a few weeks due to vacations, I really notice it and can’t wait to get back to the Studio. I have been taking Pilates from Kristen for about six years now.”

~ Barbara McMullin 03/08/04

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“The combination of the flexible hours the ROM is offered, the studio’s close proximity to the Samarkand neighborhood, and getting a full body workout in 8 minutes create a surefire environment for motivating one to start AND continue exercising. No matter how busy I am, I can’t say that I don’t have 8 minutes to exercise! In addition, the results have been visible and having Peter & Kristen watching your form and cheering you on makes for a fun and supportive environment. My challenge to you is to come in and try it for yourself! “

~ Jeanette on Samarkand Drive, Santa Barbara. 04/24/08

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“For those like myself in need of regular exercise I can think of no better way to do it than to get training from the Santa Barbara Pilates Studio on De La Vina Street near State. Kristen Williams and her staff, are highly skilled in adjusting the training level to the client whoever he, or she, is. In my case at the age of ninety one I have a carefully thought out routine by Kristen, that loosens the joints, gives tone to the muscles, and altogether refreshes a body which time and sedentary living weaken and age. I leave the studio feeling alive, and ready for the days before my next session.  I shall test the ROM machine in the studio for further aerobic exercise. As an alumnus of old Joe Pilates, the founder, when I lived in New York City in the Fifties, I can vouch for the excellence of the training at the Santa Barbara Pilates Studio.

Joe Pilates would give his seal of approval for the work being done there. “

~ George Gaynes, Actor. (Police Academy, Punky Brewster, Tootsie and more) 6/28/08

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“Excellent Pilates instruction!
Three years ago I had difficulty standing up out of a chair without using my arms to help me. Now not only can I stand easily, but I can do so properly. My overall strength and balance have improved considerably because of my Pilates training with Kristen. Using her ROM machine has greatly improved my aerobic function. Also, eight months ago I had a terrible fall and shattered my shoulder blade into six pieces while walking my two large dogs. Once my scapula was healed,I found that my muscles had atrophied considerably. Kristen’s expertise has enabled me to regain my muscle tone and strength. I am very grateful for her experience and professionalism. She is a highly competent instructor, and I would recommend her to anyone who wants to improve his or her quality of life. “

~ Andy Gault 7/01/08

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I have been working with Kristen for 5 years. Before moving to Santa Barbara from Orange County in 2001, I took Pilates with several different teachers, some of them excellent. Kristen ranks right up there with the very best. She knows Pilates inside and out, including many different ways to reach the same set of muscles. Whenever I have an issue with a part of my body (feet, back, etc.), Kristen knows just how to work around that and in many cases, how to relieve the pain by careful stretching. She is all business, and gently convinces her clients to work hard and get the most out of their sessions. I recommend her highly!

~ Konnie Gault 8/01/08

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For the past five years Kristen has been our Pilates instructor.
Kristen’s expert teaching skills, coupled with her intuitive knowledge about the nuances of Pilates make her an excellent and unique Pilates instructor.
She is 110% dedicated to the progress of each and every one of her clients.
It is truly an honor to be instructed by a teacher so knowledgeable and dedicated. We have personally experienced a tremendous change in our bodies and well
being, as a result of being coached and instructed by Kristen. We
strongly recommend Kristen to anyone who is considering a Pilates program.

~ Mel and Marilyn Manalis 1/18/08

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I’ve been doing Pilates with Kristen for about five years and it is the therapeutic effect of Pilates which has been most helpful. It seems to take care of those aches and pains – minor and chronic. I walk taller and straighter, have better balance, and feel strong. Kristen’s extensive knowledge about body mechanics makes her a superb teacher. If performing one routine is problematic for a body part, Kristen doesn’t say “ok, we won’t do that today.” Instead she always has an alternate method for accomplishing the same end. Her constant attention to the details of form when doing a routine makes all the difference between a ho-hum workout and outstanding results. And by the way, she has a killer sense of humor.

~ Terry Buss May 30th, 2009 at 7:49 AM

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I am an 88 year old client of the S. B. Pilates Studio.  I’m convinced that if I hadn’t been doing Pilates for the past 6 years I would be feeling every bit that old.  Instead, I feel younger every year–if that’s possible.  I love it when Kristen tells me I’m stronger that some of her clients who are half my age.  I’m sure going on the ROM is good for my heart, respiration, and leg strength. I keep improving my performance  on the ROM, so I’m pleased about that too.  I’m very grateful that my daughter and son-in-law insisted that I engage Kristen as my personal trainer.  It’s one of the best things that ever did.

~ Lottie White 05/11/09

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Dear All,
Pilates is the best workout I have ever experienced.  The Santa Barbara Pilates Studio has helped me in so many ways. I value their qualified staff and their professional workout guidance.  Kristen and Peter make learning about your body and it’s own special needs, FUN.  I have been blessed to be part of this special studio and lucky for all the help they have given, to get me back into shape, strength and health.  I can take care of my grandchildren without fatigue and actually now have the strength to pick up my 50 lb grandson, Jack.  I truly didn’t have the stamina before Pilates and I felt tired most of the time.  Now I feel energized and motivated to loose weight and take better care of myself.  I highly recommend the SB Pilates Studio and all that it has to offer.  Thank You SB Pilates!!!!!!

~ Mary Lewis, Santa Barbara  6/09

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Recovering from shoulder and knee surgery was a painful process for me. I’m so thankful to have found Kristen at the SB Pilates Studio. She has helped tremendously with physical routines that have given me back strength in my shoulder and knee. Due to the aging process, I recently started having pain in my hip. Kristen has been able to stop the pain and put me on a program that I believe will prevent any further degeneration in my hip. I’m very grateful for Kristen’s wealth of knowledge in the field of rehabilitation. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to get physically well and staying fit!

~ Jane Walters  September 15th, 2011 at 3:15 PM

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