Studio Philosophy
Pilates truly is more than a workout. When he developed the method, Joseph Pilates called it "Contrology" - because it’s the practice of controlling the body and the mind together. When done correctly, Pilates builds muscle function and strength, along with increased balance, flexibility, and alignment. When you start to realize all the benefits of Pilates, you become more than a member or student, you become a practitioner.
Joseph Pilates said "Breathing is the first act of life, and the last". The most vital component of human life is air, and yet we don't give much thought to breathing because we do it automatically. Awareness and control of breath are essential to the practice of Pilates. Flow is another key component and becomes easier to achieve with awareness of breath. By practicing Pilates on a regular basis, you improve the mind-body connection in ways that carry into your daily activities.
Our style of Comprehensive Pilates builds on the foundations of classical Pilates by delivering exercises in new and explorative ways. Classes are taught to give you challenging options and needed modifications. We like to keep things moving, but stability and alignment are essential before movement takes place, and our teachers are skilled at helping you with those corrections.
Pilates Evolution is a space where everyone is encouraged to find their own strength and growth. We are building a community of people who want to feel good about themselves and the world around them. We want you to feel your body getting stronger and take that feeling into the rest of your life. So come join us at Pilates Evolution and become a Pilates practitioner.
About Erica Matney - Founder and CEO
I have always loved to move my body, and I'm told that I was dancing before I was walking. I have been teaching various group fitness classes since 2012 including barre, strength training, HIIT, and stretch & release, but prior to my teacher training, I had only taken a handful of Pilates classes. I was honestly unimpressed with the classic Pilates classes I tried, finding them to be slow, a little intimidating and rather expensive for something that left me wanting more. I also tried variations of Pilates that solely focused on the work out, with heavy spring loads, loud music and no modifications. This was definitely more, but by taking the focus away from controlled breathing with conscious movement, we were no longer truly practicing Pilates.
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I discovered my love for Pilates through a teacher-training program at local gym and Pilates studio, and began my journey to Pilates Evolution. Gaining knowledge through extensive practice and study, I earned my 500 hours Pilates Apparatus and Mat certification through a Balanced Body based program. I have taught thousands of hours since then, and I continually expand my knowledge base. I have taken continued education courses in movement and physiology, as well as post-rehabilitation workshops with Polestar Pilates. Because I feel that there is always something new for me to discover, I plan to continue my Pilates education well into the future.
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For me, the focus of Pilates is the mind-body connection. Practicing Pilates has helped me alleviate stress and anxiety in ways that medication has not been able to do. It geniunely makes me love the way I feel, both physically and mentally, and I want to share that with anyone who will listen. At Pilates Evolution, I want people to feel aligned, stretched, taller, and stronger, and I want to help them find their mind-body connection.
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Meet the
Pilates Evolution team
Erica
Founder, CEO, Instructor
Erica was born and raised on a ranch in Roseville, California where she grew up with a love of dancing and horses. She earned her BA in English at San Francisco State. She has been teaching fitness courses for over 12 years, with her focus solely on Pilates for the past 4 years. Erica completed her Pilates Apparatus and Mat certification through a 500 hour Balanced Body based program at a local studio. She has taught hundreds of students since, both through regular private sessions and a wide variety of classes. She continues to evolve her practice through additional courses in movement and physiology, including post-rehabilitation workshops with Polestar Pilates. Erica's teaching style is warm and welcoming, with a focus on the particular needs of each student.
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Aika
Instructor
Aika has been practicing Pilates for the past 10 years and instructing for 8. She was born and raised in Southern California with family roots back in Tanzania. Aika has always been a mover growing up and teaching others Pilates has brought her much joy. She received her comprehensive Pilates training at Riverside Community College and continued to study the body by receiving her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Her style of teaching is relaxed, focused, and precise. She enjoys helping individuals find deeper connections to their bodies by focusing on alignment. She hopes that after you take her class you will walk away feeling taller, stronger, and ready to take on the day!
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Kaila
Instructor
​Kaila is a chips & queso loving former Texan who has called the Bay Area home for over a decade. She currently lives in Mill Valley with her wonderful husband and adorable wire-haired fox terrier puppy. Kaila graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in English and Spanish. After graduation, while working in tech, she discovered Pilates which changed her relationship with fitness for the better. In 2023 she achieved a long-time goal when she was certified as a reformer instructor through a local studio and began teaching reformer Pilates on the side. She enjoys blending her corporate training experience with her favorite workout. Kaila's teaching style is supportive and encouraging - making clients feel safe while also challenged is her priority. She looks forward to working with you on your pilates journey!
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Silvana
Studio Manager & Instructor
Silvana has always found joy in movement and staying active. She developed her love for Pilates at university, finding it the perfect combination of challenging yet peaceful. Silvana felt inspired to spread this way of living– focusing on mind-body connection and the embodiment of precise movement. Silvana is reformer and mat certified by Balanced Body and in the process of obtaining her Comprehensive Certification. When she's not teaching or taking a Pilates class, you can find her on a run in Golden Gate Park, at a coffee shop, watching a sunset or cuddling with her cat, Kona. Silvana’s style of teaching focuses on inclusivity and promoting a sustainable way in which to move and exercise. Her goal is to teach classes that are both challenging and rewarding, but even more so, Silvana wants her clients to leave feeling proud and accomplished!
Our Studio
Modern Reformer-Tower Combos
We have eight Allegro 2 Reformers with Towers, solidly built in California by Balanced Body, the premiere manufacturer of Pilates equipment. The modern reformer design is smooth and quiet. The tower introduces different methods of movement to strengthen and align your body. The Infinity footbar moves the entire length of the reformer and allows for new and exciting options to take your practice deeper. The "lite" sitting box is made out of durable lightweight foam with rounded edges. The straps are easily adjusted and the carriage ride is smooth and solid. The Allegro 2 with Tower is the most versatile reformer we could find.
Spacious and Bright Studio
Pilates Evolution is located at Tam Junction, an area of Mill Valley full of diversity, young families, and a vibrant local business scene. We offer an open, welcoming space where there is plenty of room to explore the full depths of your practice. With bright natural light, high ceilings, and a strategic placement of equipment, the whole class can confidently find their furthest stretch. We have two clean, spacious restrooms with plenty of room to change before and after class. Please come visit us in our delightful studio, and find your center, find your alignment, and find your happy.
Well-Equipped Private Session Area
The private space is equipped with a new Balanced Body Studio Reformer and Trapeze Table (often called "The Cadillac"), an EXO Chair and a Ladder Barrel. These separate pieces of equipment allow each session to be truly tailored to the individual, enabling the student to work up a sweat or explore a more parasympathetic strengthening experience. Private sessions can also include work on the Allegro 2. Your session can be further enhanced with an abundance of props, including different sizes of the Balansit and Pilates Arcs.
Comfortable Waiting Area
Our light and bright waiting area has abundant seating, space to put your belongings, a water station, and more. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable everywhere in our studio. The waiting area offers a spacious and relaxing zone to prepare before a class and center yourself after one. Additionally, there are amenities available in case you need a towel or would like to hydrate. We also have merchandise for sale, including a wide selection of grip socks.