Our studio is the place to explore the Pilates method the way founder Joe Pilates designed it 80 years ago — healthy exercise that strengthens and stretches your entire body, and balances the way you move. You will look better, feel better and be stronger.

Joseph Pilates’ genius was discovering that poor alignment and muscle tension are the root cause of many health problems. Joe trained boxers, businesspeople, firemen and opera singers to have better fitness, posture, coordination, freedom of movement and overall wellbeing. At Vintage Pilates, our mission is Joe’s mission.

Things that are Vintage are considered unique, of good quality and, treasured for their exquisite value — The Pilates method is no exception. Jay Grimes, internationally renowned master teacher who studied with Joseph Pilates, guides our teachers program, to teach Pilates the way Joe and his wife Clara taught it to him.

To get started at Vintage Pilates:

Jay Grimes

Jay began his studies with Joe Pilates in the mid-sixties, and after Joe's death continued with Joe's wife, Clara, for another 10 years until her death. Jay began teaching in the original 8th Ave studio in New York and has since taught all over the world. Jay danced professionally, ballet and Broadway for 18 years, and never had an injury. This he attributes entirely to Pilates.

Jay is valued in the Pilates community for his experience, humility and integrity in maintaining the work of Joe Pilates. Over the years Jay’s clients have ranged from stars of Broadway and Hollywood, music and opera, to politicians, businessmen and housewives, and Olympic athletes. He currently provides ongoing training to instructors, conducting workshops and master classes around the world. To find out about his upcoming workshops see Education. To read recent articles on Jay see News.

Karen Frischmann

Karen has been teaching Pilates since 1996. She was a founder of Absolution, the well-known West Hollywood Pilates studio and gym. She managed all aspects of the studio’s business and also assisted in developing its teacher-training program. Karen received her Pilates certification in New York from Romana Kryzanowska, the Joseph Pilates protégé who has spent the past six decades teaching her mentor’s method to instructors around the world. For the past 10 years, Karen has also been a student and associate of Jay Grimes, who studied with Joseph Pilates, taught at the original New York studio, and now is director of Vintage Pilates.

Sandy Shimoda

Sandy obtained Pilates certification from Romana Kryzanowska, studied with Lori Coleman-Brown and continues training with Jay Grimes. Sandy is featured on Pilates DVDs for GAIAM and Classical Pilates and has presented at the Body Mind Spirit Convention in Santa Clara. Sandy's past accomplishments include teaching dance and choreography for The Lion King, Miss Saigon, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The King & I. She also operated her own dance school and performing company in Honolulu. Sandy currently volunteers at Vista Del Mar, teaching Pilates to at-risk teenagers, holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration and is a certified Thai Yoga Practitioner.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise that emphasizes the balance of strength, stretch and control in the entire body. It is not physical therapy, it is not massage, it is not yoga, it is not meditation - just sweaty, hard exercise. Joe understood that the body repairs and strengthens itself through movement. Pilates is a workout that will keep your body functioning as it ages and enables you to do whatever you enjoy doing for longer.

Why is there so much emphasis on the stomach?

The strongest muscles in the body are in the girdle around the middle. All strength and movement originates here. A well-balanced Pilates workout uses all the muscles in the girdle including the abdominals, back and sides of the body. When balanced strength and flexibility is returned to the girdle, a feeling of freedom and well being results.

Who is it good for?

Pilates is good for anyone who is interested in improving his or her fitness, posture, coordination, balance, freedom of movement and overall wellbeing. The Pilates method can be adapted to suit any fitness level, however we do require clients with health issues, injuries or chronic pain to consult their physician before beginning any new exercise program.

I have never taken Pilates before. What can I expect for my first lessons at Vintage Pilates?

A person who has never taken Pilates before can expect to find muscles they didn't know they had, move in a new way, and discover things they hadn’t noticed about the way their body moves. A new student will learn the essential principles of Pilates, and with the help of their instructor, will discover how Pilates will help them reach their fitness goals.

I’ve been taking Pilates for many years. What’s different about Vintage Pilates?

By revisiting the Pilates Method as it was intended, an experienced Pilates student or teacher will enhance their understanding of the method and deepen their regular workouts. Through the guidance of a Vintage Pilates instructor, the experienced student will learn to distill each exercise down to its essence, resulting in a challenging yet satisfying workout.

Can Pilates cure me of my pain?

Many painful conditions in the body are caused by simple imbalances or stress. Correcting these imbalances and relieving the stress often can relieve the pain. Pilates is not physical therapy, but it is correct exercise, and as such has many benefits including injury prevention and improved athletic skill. Orthopedic problems need the attention of a medical specialist and anyone under a physician’s care should not engage in Pilates without consent from his/her physician.

How often do I need to take Pilates to maintain good health?

Three times per week is optimal, especially at the beginning. As one gets stronger and develops proper use of the body, as little as once per week is good for maintenance. Combining sessions at the studio with mat work at home is ideal.

What are the age limits for doing Pilates?

Children as young as 5 or 6 years old can do the mat work. The body should be more developed, and the bones hardened, before attempting work on the apparatus. People in their 90's have started Pilates with surprising results.

I take mat classes. How is a workout with equipment different?

The equipment was developed to help people gain strength and flexibility for the mat work. Doing the mat properly is extremely difficult and takes a strong, well developed body. The various apparatus that Joe invented help to target specific areas that need strengthening or more freedom. Each piece of equipment supports the other and teaches the body the principles of Pilates in different ways.

How is Pilates different than Yoga?

There are many diverse styles of Yoga, some of which teach a philosophy of living that includes meditation, breathing and chanting as well as a physical practice. Pilates is exercise, and one session requires just 50-55 minutes. It is always executed with dynamic flow and few repetitions. With the exception of a few exercises that emphasize a specific breathing pattern, the rest of the workout is done with natural breathing and flow. Pilates requires focus and concentration to retrain the body to move with strength and ease, with the support of the entire torso. Privates and semi-privates allow clients to have a safe and personalized workout.