Joseph Pilates’ original inspiration was to open the Pilates experience (which he called Contrology) to as many people as possible. This ideal inspires us at Hardcore Pilates as we offer classes and instruction of different tastes and levels to accommodate the widest section of our community. Everyone should experience Pilates. From wheelchair bound clients to the strongest of NFL linebackers, we are confident that our teachers will bring a challenging and encouraging experience to the plate!

"The Hardcore Pilates trainers were instrumental in insuring my healthy pregnancy and speedy recovery. They were very knowledgeable about pregnancy health so that I could put my physical well-being in their hands with peace of mind while taking classes up until the week before I delivered my daughter. In addition, they treated me as if my pregnancy were simply another state of wellness, instead of an illness or condition that needed to be managed. For this I was grateful. As a result of the core strength I gained at Hardcore Pilates, I had an amazing birth experience, constituting a quick labor and easy delivery that was drug-free. Recovery has been easier than I expected. I snapped back into shape and was able to continue my classes at Hardcore Pilates with ease. My core strength after pregnancy and child-birth is quite surprising and appreciated." —Karrie Taylor

"I consider pilates a wonderful gift to my body. However, it does come with some strings attached. It is hard work that takes concentration, practice, and persistence. I am a man in my fifties who started pilates classes less than two years ago and have found myself becoming stronger, more flexible, and more aware of the muscles in body. I almost laugh when I think about how I envisioned my body when I first began. I had nagging back pain when I first started pilates and I found it difficult to turn properly when swinging a golf club and being extremely sore after every round. Less than two years later I am completely pain free and my golf game has become increasingly more consistent and I am driving the ball farther than ever. I am no longer sore after a round of golf either. Gayle and her staff are wonderful and patient instructors and I love working with all of them." —Robert H. Bernstein

"If you’re a little bit intimidated about sharing your less-than-perfect physique with a new set of gym spectators but know you need some training help, Hardcore Pilates of Woodland Hills is the place for you. After checking out six different pilates studios in the Valley, I found the one place that offered the perfect set of trainers, equipment and environment that made me feel comfortable while their trainers systematically increased my core strength and flexibility. The trainers are top notch, and—unlike some highly advertised gyms—truly engage you in a customized training program to fit your needs. Keeping true to this personalized philosophy, the staff never push you beyond a safe level of improvement. You will become stronger and more flexible, and you will quickly learn to trust their coaching about each additional rep you can handle. Hardcore of Woodland Hills has the deepest pool of certified Pilates instructors in LA so they are more likely to be able to fit an instruction program to your scheduling needs. My review is based upon an eighteen month history working with this establishment." —Jon Gilchrist

"I began Hardcore Pilates over two years ago. I'm one of those who has no self-motivation where exercising is concerned; join a gym and never go to the gym. It was an instant love affair for me. I have a degenerative disc problem in my neck; the trainers are very knowledgeable regarding injuries and medical problems and what you should and shouldn't be doing during sessions. Their motivation skills are inspiring and their technique is first class. I have every intention of continuing my workouts at Hardcore Pilates as I could not imagine going anywhere else." —Shelley Klipp

"Incredible! After 30 years of painfully, and oh so slowly straightening after bending down to tie or pick something up (if I couldn’t find someone to do it for me) my trainer fixed me in two sessions. I’m so amazed, and delighted that I go around picking things up for other people and marveling at the absence of any—let me repeat that—any pain. So thank you…from the bottom of my bend." —Sheldon

"For many months, I drove by Hardcore Pilates wanting to stop in, but I had a pilates studio that I was already training at.   Finally, something made me walk-in and I am so glad that I did!  I have been practicing pilates for 10 years, with many different instructors and master teachers. The trainers at Hardcore are well educated, challenging and professional.  It is called Hardcore Pilates for more reasons than one! I love working out at Hardcore—it's the best part of my week!"  —Anonymous

"I have been going to Hardcore Pilates for the past year. It has transformed my life.  Not only are the instructors knowledgeable but the place has a great vibe. The people who attend Hardcore Pilates are very enthusiastic and hard working.  Because of it's size, the classes are never crowded so you are able to get the attention from the instructor that you need. I give it 5 stars."  —LP

"I really enjoy working with my trainer because she encourages and challenges me to reach my potential in a very gentle manner. I look forward to our time together and always feel better after the workout. At 61 years old, my body feels and looks much improved." —Ellen

"I have been going to Hardcore Pilates for almost two years now, and I truly believe it's the best pilates studio I have found in the West Valley. I have worked out at many different studios prior to finding Hardcore, and let me just tell you this group of instructors are beyond excellent! The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with Gayle the owner always welcoming you and the instructors always up-beat and fun. Don't get me wrong, they work you hard, but that's why I go.  My thighs have dropped over 2" on each leg, and that's just from Pilates, not weight loss. My body has re-shaped and I love going because the instructors work me hard, but at the same time always adjust everything for my various health issues. I have really bad knee problems as well as neck issues, but I feel safe doing whatever they tell me because I know they are trained professionals who know what they are doing.  The studio is clean and beautiful day or night, and there's even a Starbucks next door!  What more could a girl ask for? And finally, I am a 52 year old women who is not slim and perfect, and I feel comfortable at all times working out at Hardcore Pilates.  No attitude, no weird looks from the trophy wives, just nice, caring instructors who care about your health and body." —Bonny Chick

"At HCP I have the opportunity to work one-on-one or in a variety of classes with energetic and knowledgeable instructors who combine traditional pilates exercises with cardio and strength training that makes each workout a new and different challenge.  Because my workouts can be tailored to focus on one or more aspects of training, no two workouts are the same—unless I want them to be.  Since beginning workouts a year ago, I’ve eliminated periodic low back pain and back fatigue that often followed days sitting at a desk.  I’ve also reduced my Wii Fit age from 49 to 35." —Alan

"7:00am may seem like a horrible time to get up and go to a pilates class. Sometimes I feel that I have to drag myself out of the house to get there on time. But, once I get to the class, I’m happy I made the effort. My teacher is always there with a smile on her face ready to put us to work. Her knowledge both the way the body moves and pilates in general always inspires me. Most of all, in the year that we’ve been working together, I don’t think we have ever done the same class twice. There is always something new that we try, and I never feel bored. I have noticed a significant change in my body. I am more limber with better muscle tone." —Jayne Zenghut

"I am a 59 year-old woman who has had a back problem for over 12 years. The problem is muscular in nature and requires very specific attention in order for me to feel good and be pain-free. Although I had always exercised, followed a sound nutritional diet and taken care of my body, whatever I was doing, was not giving me the relief I had found in the past. A good friend suggested I add pilates to my workout program and took me personally to Hardcore Pilates. Because I had this ongoing back problem and knew my body so well, I could describe and explain exactly what I was experiencing, what had worked for me in the past and what aggravated my back in the present. What was so encouraging to me was that my instructor could assess my issues and design a pilates program specifically for my needs. I became a pilates convert almost immediately because I felt so good after each session. I began with two sessions a week and then added a third one. I can say that the staff at Hardcore Pilates are among the most knowledgeable, the most enthusiastic, the most professional and the friendliest instructors with whom I have had the opportunity to work. When you walk through the doors of the studio, you find yourself in an environment that showcases the best in pilates equipment, a warm and inviting décor, and a welcoming feeling that immediately puts you at ease. I learned a long time ago, that you have to look long and hard until you find what works for you. Fortunately for me, I found it at Hardcore Pilates." —Madeleine

"Two years ago I injured my back and the pain was unbearable. I started a light pilates regime which amazingly took a lot of the pain away after the first session. After two years at Hardcore Pilates I am doing great and am able to complete more advanced movements with NO pain. If a doctor could prescribe a weekly pill to eliminate back pain, Hardcore Pilates is my pill." —Craig Rogers

"I have been getting my "butt kicked" at the Pilates studio in Woodland Hills since it opened for business, 3 to 4 times a week.  I signed up for "privates" and fell in love with Pilates after my first training.  I was shocked!  I have always exercised, but I never did anything other than weight training and cardio.  I had tried Yoga once and hated it.  It wasn't until I suffered a knee injury that I had to find a new form of exercise to give my knee time to heal.  I have seen and felt more results just doing Pilates than I have felt or seen in all my years of weight training and cardio combined. It's absolutely amazing.  I am single mother with four kids and thanks to HCP, I have some pretty good ab definition going on, most importantly, a wonderful friendship with some of the most amazing woman on this planet." —Patrica Alba

"I have been a client of Hardcore Pilates for over 2 years, and have seen tremendous improvement.  I have never enjoyed working out as much as I do with the staff at Hardcore...I love that every session is challenging and fun and I feel great everytime!" —Lori

"After training at Hardcore Pilates for a couple of months I decided it was time for my husband to give pilates a try! He has trained with weights for many years, he is very athletic and he enjoys a wide assortment of workouts. We signed him up for 12 private sessions and after he completed those and learned the "basics", he was confident and able to join a class.  Pilates was something that I did alone...we now take 2 classes a week together and I get such pleasure, out of having him on the reformer next to me. His back feels stronger, his abs....much tighter... and he is greatly challenged, with each class." —Anonymous

"I have had progressive Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years. I attribute not being bed-ridden like my doctors told me to my exercise. When I could no longer work out in a conventional gym, I was lucky to find Pilates. When I moved to Woodland Hills, I found Hardcore Pilates. I feel better now than I ever did. The instructors have become my friends and I look forward to going to my sessions." —Bruce Wolf

"I have attended the Woodland Hills studio since January 2007. This is a very special place with a wonderful aura. It was a slow start for me, but the instructors were extremely knowledgeable with my physical issues. They provided the exact mix of support and toughness that I needed to move along. (I admit I’m a big moaner and groaner!) Today, I’m so proud of the progress I’ve made with their help. I love the reformer, the Cadillac and even mat classes. I’m also slowly, but surely, achieving the “longer, leaner” look that Pilates produces. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Hardcore Pilates has changed my life!" —Justine Granas

"I sustained a back injury while lifting a flat of water. Shortly after the initial injuy I returned to Pilates to work on strenghtening my core in order to help stabilize my back to avoid future back problems. Not only am I continuing to strengthen my core, Pilates has helped me achieve better balance, coordination and posture. My instructor, Ken Heizman has been indefinitely patient in encouraging me to reach my goal."—Pam