Testimonials

Having lived with sciatica for more than a decade I had accepted the fact that back surgery was the only solution to relieving back pain and eliminating the numbness in my right leg. After an MRI revealed only minor damage to the opposite side of my back pain and numbness I decided to try Pilates. Kristen was able to evaluate the problem and started me on an exercise program that, after 9 months, has significantly reduced the symptoms. I now see the light at the end of the tunnel and expect to see a full recovery in a few months.

As a bonus to the wonderful improvement in my back, Kristen helped convert me from a soft 200+ pounds to a lean and mostly fit 172 pounds. As a result my health and wellbeing have significantly improved (my blood pressure is now normal and strength and

stamina are returning). I haven’t felt this healthy in 20 years! Plus, there is an added bonus; the sessions are a blast. Both the one-on-one sessions and the group mat sessions are something I look forward to each week. The mat sessions provide an opportunity to meet others who share similar experiences. As a result I am meeting great people and developing new friendships, what could be better?

I sincerely thank Kristen for all her help to date and look forward to continuing down this fitness path.

Al – October 2019

I have taken one-on-one Pilates classes from Kristin for past 3.5 years, and I can attest that she is the best instructor I have ever had, bar none. Kristin is able to point out exactly what I am doing incorrectly, and can demonstrate in excruciating detail…but in a positive way…the erroneous movement I have made (head too far forward, left hip hiked up, lifting with shoulders rather than back muscles, etc.). Because she is able to mimic the error, I am much more able to recognize and correct it, rather than if she just explained it verbally. But…she is also excellent at wording her instructions, using a variety of images and analogies until she finds one that resonates with me. The uncanny talent that Kristin has is remembering all the individual cuing for each of her students.

We spent a week at Gold Beach and got a couples special. Kristen is the owner and instructor. She is FANTASTIC. We had very little experience with the reformer but she is a remarkable, enthusiastic, and attentive teacher. We learned a lot, got a great workout tailored to our individual needs and enjoyed ourselves immensely while working hard. Kristen is sincere, genuine and knows how a body works and what needs attention. She has a nice roomy studio with all of the equipment you would need for various types of exercise programs (TRX, kettle balls, etc.). And she knows how to incorporate them into a session in order to meet your goals.

August 2016 Yelp Review

Kristen trained me in Santa Barbara for ten years taking me from disabled to more enabled than I had ever been. When I vacationed in Gold Beach this spring I had several sessions with her. Sadly it is too far to commute on a regular basis but in combination with wilderness adventures it was a great tune-up. I will be back…

I credit my ability to walk and return to work after a serious injury to training with Kristen at Santa Barbara Pilates with her superior Pilates skills! I had to be off work 4 months due to a commuted L Sacral fracture. I had to use a walker for nearly 1year, at home and work. I could not carry even a 1/2 gallon of milk. Kristen diligently and patiently helped me individually to strengthen my body and mind. I remain working full-time as a healthcare provider.

Thank you Kristen!!

Kristen is an incredible instructor. She can quickly see exactly what you are doing wrong…(or right) and works with you to see improvement. She accepts it when you whine a bit too. An hour with her goes too fast, and you always leave feeling positive about what you have accomplished and how you have improved. So very happy she moved her business to the south Oregon coast. If you haven’t tried it you are missing out on a great experience….and workout!

I’d like everyone thinking about getting in shape to know just how much I have enjoyed working out on the ROM over the last 4 years. Not only did I get my college body back (20 years later), but it saved me a bunch of time not having to spend hours at a traditional smelly gym. Three times a week for 10 minutes each visit was all I needed to look and feel fit. I was even getting compliments on my body from my clients! And thanks too for your expert coaching and cheering which gave me more energy and motivation to push myself to the higher levels on the ROM.

Live A Beautiful Life,

Stephanie Gombrelli

Forever Beautiful Spa

805-637-3711

Jan 2014

Kristen Williams has been my Pilates instructor for over ten years in Santa Barbara and Tina, my wife, for the past several years. We have both had great results in flexibility, strength and endurance (especially in muscles that previously were ignored). I have managed health clubs for 15 years and Kristen’s teaching ability always exceeded expectations. She has the unique ability to custom tailor a personalized program whether working with a world-class athlete or an individual with severe physical limitations. Her engaging personality makes each work out fun. Also, her background knowledge of anatomy and dance is both comprehensive and very useful. As a professional teacher, Tina and I give her the highest recommendation.

Rick & Tina Brown

October 2013

* Her dancing career made her sensitive to injuries and gave her the anatomy knowledge to figure out how to modify exercises.

* She’s a task master which is a compliment!

* She has a positive attitude that spills over to her clients.

* She’s sensitive to one’s ups/downs so constantly varies the workout.

* She works with my physical therapist to ensure complementary workouts.

* I can hear her training tips even when I’m not with Kristen!

Kristen helped me for a year before I realized I needed hip surgery. She modified exercises and helped me work with “what I had”. Two hip replacements later, Kristen has been helping me strengthen weak muscles, change muscle memory, and figure out what is “normal” form. She has been helpful, patient, and anxious to find new ways to help and keep me motivated.

I feel blessed to have found such a knowledgeable, flexible, well-rounded Pilates instructor. Now I’m spoiled!

Betsy

8/27/2013

I have been taking Pilates for nearly 15 years now, and 12 of those have been with Kristen as my instructor. I have followed her to several different studios over the years, as she is such an excellent “teacher”. But I am sorry to say that driving twice a week to Oregon, just is not going to fit in to my schedule – I and many others here in Santa Barbara, will miss her dearly!

I have multiple sclerosis and Kristen has seen me through thick and thin. She has trained me during MS attacks, and more importantly, has worked with me after the attacks, helping me to work through whatever”residual” deficits I may have had. For example, although she has not been able to correct the partial blindness in my left eye, she always has worked with me to improve my balance, one of my major problems secondary to MS. She constantly reminds me of small”tricks” that I can use throughout the day (even after I leave) to help myself to walk taller, smoother and with more confidence – this has helped me not worry so much about my balance problems, as I always have some tricks up my sleeve!

I also have chronic pain – in my back and neck, as well as, more recently a torn rotator cuff and a broken elbow. Kristen has always tailored our workouts to”fit” my abilities of the day, while at the same time, always is pushing me to go that little bit extra,despite my whining!

Kristen is a very positive person – happy, smiling,”how is your body today?”. She is encouraging, even when you cannot do a move properly or completely, she shows you that you did part of it properly…..and remembers next time to work on it again – to go a little bit farther each time.

Every time I leave her studio, I know that I am two inches taller than when I arrived…….and much more relaxed and happier. I am so sorry to see her leave, but know that her new clients in Oregon will be getting the best instructor they can find!

I’ve been training with Kristen at SB Pilates Studio for over 10 years. Kristen is an inspirational and flexible trainer. She has been able to continue to train me through various injuries; always able to adjust the workout to make it work for me. Training with her has transformed my body. She is a compassionate trainer that can push you as hard as you can handle or can adjust it as needed during times of injury. It doesn’t get any better! You will be amazed at what a great workout this is!

Thanks Kristen. You’re the best!

I have been doing Pilates for over 8 years because I wanted to learn to be flexible and also have good balance. I also play tennis, and my Pilates training has helped me from having any injuries on the tennis court. Pilates training has taught me how to breathe correctly, which I had not been doing correctly. It also helps me to think clearly.I feel lucky to have been introduced to Pilates, and feel that I will continue to benefit both in mind and body. I am so pleased to have Kristen as my instructor. She is my biggest cheerleader, and always makes sure that my technique is correct.

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!

Santa Barbara Pilates & Fitness is the best thing I have ever done for a healthy body!!!! I have tried Nautilus, Yoga, Step Classes, Spin Classes, Weights etc. Kristen’s classes at Santa Barbara Pilates and Fitness have made the biggest difference in my personal fitness. I noticed a big difference in my dancing and skiing. The “core” work she emphasis improved my balance, co-ordination and endurance. She continually challenges me with new exercises. I am never bored.Pilates is the one discipline I have stayed with the longest. It makes a difference in my day to day life. I recently had to stop classes for a family health issue. After several months away from my workouts, I could notice a big decline in my fitness. I am back at Santa Barbara Pilates and Fitness now and I am feeling much better, knowing I am getting back to a healthy body.