Pilates · GYROTONIC® · Santa Barbara
Pilates and the GYROTONIC® Method, behind one door in Santa Barbara.
5.0 from students in our sample reviews
Small reformer classes and one-to-one sessions in the Upper East, taught by co-founders Clara Velasco and Maren Holt with four more teachers.
What the studio believes
“Strength is the square. Ease is the circle. We teach both, so you can hold your line and still move in curves.”
A square door, a round fanlight.
The square
Pilates: structure and control.
- Group reformer classes, eight people at most.
- The classical order and a faster flow, both on the schedule.
- Private sessions with any of the six teachers, built around your body and your goals.
Taught byMaren, Clara, Theo, Ines, Priya, Sam
Find a classThe circle
The GYROTONIC® Method: rotation, spiral, flow.
- Circular, rhythmic work at the pulley tower, seated and standing.
- One to one, so every session follows how your spine wants to move that day.
- Good for stiff necks, shoulders and hips, and for anyone who finds straight lines boring.
Taught byClara, Priya
Ask about a private sessionSeven class formats. Every one is 55 minutes.
New to the reformer: the basic order, slowly, with every setup explained.
Reformer Foundations
- Sun 10:00 am · Priya
- Tue 6:30 am · Maren
- Wed 9:00 am · Priya
- Fri 9:00 am · Priya
The sample week. Times change week to week.
Two founders, one from the ocean and one from the clinic.
Clara Velasco
Co-founder, the circle side
An open-water swimmer who came to the GYROTONIC® Method after an injury. Teaching in Santa Barbara since 2012.
Maren Holt
Co-founder, the square side
Ten years as a rehab aide in a physical therapy clinic, then a comprehensive classical Pilates training. She plans every class format on the schedule.
A room built around the light.
Maple reformers under arched windows, the pulley tower and a wooden arch frame along the far wall, linen curtains, and olive trees in terracotta pots.
Independent teachers can rent the roomStudents on their teachers.
“Six months later I can reach the top shelf in my kitchen again…”
Read Laura’s full review
I came in with a shoulder I could barely lift above my head after surgery. Clara took the first session slowly and explained every movement before we did it. Six months later I can reach the top shelf in my kitchen again, and I look forward to Tuesday mornings more than I ever expected to.
“I'm 74 and I was nervous about the machines. Priya set me up on a reformer, stayed close, and adjusted everything without making a fuss. I'm stronger and steadier than I was a year ago.”
Margaret T.Sample review 
About Priya“Prenatal reformer with Ines kept me moving through all three trimesters. She always had another option ready when something didn't feel right.”
Ana S.Sample review 
About Ines“Beautiful light, a calm room, and nobody rushing you out the door. Maren notices everything. My back feels better than it has in years.”
Chris W.Sample review 
About Maren
The Open Door class
First Sunday of the month, the door is open.
On the first Sunday, an 11:30 am mat class in the courtyard, by donation and open to everyone. Each month’s donations go to a Santa Barbara cause the teachers choose together.
Ask about the next oneFind us in the Upper East.
Upper East, Santa Barbara
A short walk from the Mission
- Monday to Friday
- 6:30 am–8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday
- 8 am–1 pm
Drawn map, not to scale. A concept studio: area only, no street address.