I've been taking Pilates classes for almost 15 years and Clarissa is, hands down, the best Pilates teacher I've ever had. Her classes are well structured and will quickly whip your body into incredible shape: long, lean and strong! Try the reformer classes, they'll give you an amazing core workout and will get you burning right away. Another big plus, she takes the time to personally work with each of her students and makes sure you're in the correct form for the best possible workout. 

Always smiling, energetic and inspiring :) definitely will be coming back for a long time!

AMY G.

I participated in Clarissa's post-natal small group series from 6 weeks post partum through 4 months and am so glad I did. She has helped me reconstruct all of those deep muscles that had been on vacation for 9 months at the right pace for someone recovering from childbirth. She knows how to push you to get an amazing workout, while protecting your very delicate new-mom bods. If there's one thing you do for yourself after having a baby, do this.

LAURA M.

I have heard for a long time that Pilates is extremely helpful and that I should try it. I have done online Pilates classes, but having a personal instructor is completely different and so much better. Clarissa is a very good communicator and it is obvious that she has a lot of knowledge for human anatomy. She does a great job of guiding me through positions and making clear what I should and shouldn't be feeling. It is very subtle to be able to tell where muscles are activating or not, but she is extremely in tune and I'm sure is noticing very small adjustments. After three sessions, I feel sure of myself and know how to stand and how to sit. It is shocking how I had no idea how to hold myself. I am excited to keep working with Clarissa and to continue strengthening my body in a whole new way. I have no doubt that this will make a really big difference for me long term. Very grateful to have found Clarissa and would highly recommend her.

TOM J.

After 20 years of working at a desk over a computer, I had terrible posture and constant pain. Clarissa has been transformative. After I began working with her, I quickly began to feel relief. Now over a year later I feel strong with no recurring pain. I enjoy our sessions and feel like she provides a thoughtful, tailored workout that has evolved as my body and needs have. Clarissa is the best and I highly recommend her - especially to those who have specific needs beyond just fitness that deserve knowledgeable guidance and expertise.

SI L.

Clarissa is the best! I have been seeing her for over a year after coming in with a ton of pain from two slipped spinal discs with everything so inflamed basic movement had become difficult. I have done both privates and her small group classes and get a ton out of both formats. I credit Clarissa and pilates for keeping me off the operating table and slowly but surely getting back to the things I love (and making me a bit of an anatomy/ movement nerd in the process). Clarissa is knowledgeable and intuitive with the ability to connect and communicate with different personalities, abilities, etc. and is a joy to spend time with. If pilates is something you're considering for pain, injury, or just general fitness I am doubtful you could find a better instructor than Clarissa.

NICOLE O.

Clarissa has totally transformed my body for the better. I started seeing her before I had my baby, throughout pregnancy and postpartum. I give Clarissa full credit for keeping me both physically and mentally fit throughout each stage. During the height of COVID we had classes over video on the mat and then later had in person reformer classes -- honestly both were challenging and efficient workouts! During class, Clarissa makes sure you're properly aligned with your form and gives very helpful cues -- something that isn't easily done over video. Clarissa is a professional with an eye for detail and results-driven workouts -- I can't recommend her enough!

S C.

I joined Clarissa's post natal abs series 8 weeks post partum and loved every minute of these classes. Clarissa helped me rebuild and strengthen my abs and core abs in some ways I was able to locate and strengthen muscles that I had never noticed before, not after years of Bar Method or PT sessions. Clarissa is very thoughtful and careful about your personal capabilities and explains each move and exercise clearly so you are able to get the most out of the session. I found her to be caring, thoughtful and really invested in helping me regain my post partum strength and well being.

Anna Y.

Her classes are transcendental. I have left feeling taller, stronger, calmer, straighter, and just better overall. I have begun to rearranging my schedule to attend her classes- they’re just wonderful and she has an incredible presence in the room.

JOHANNA M.

I really appreciate how much thought and attention to detail Clarissa puts into her classes. Her cues are on point and easy to follow and the choreography is extremely efficient so you are able to maximize every minute of class. Her pleasant and patient demeanor makes you feel extremely welcomed and relaxed. She truly cares about her clients. I would recommend her for all levels of students. You won't be disappointed!

ANGELA S.

I have 3 slipped disk and with Clarissa attention to detail and determination to make sure I have proper form my back has not flared up. She makes sure I'm activating my abs and protecting my back from my injury. I can't thank her enough to ensuring that I'm doing the correct pilates moves. I have taken Clarissa Pre Natal Classes, Group Classes and Private Classes. In each one of the these classes I feel that I'm the only one in the class. She also has high energy that makes working out for an hour seem like 10 minutes. She is the best!!!

MICHELLE W.

I took a semi-private class with Clarissa as my reentry to Pilates after a hip replacement and a year-long hiatus. You need knowledge, awareness and attention to subtle details to get the full benefit of Pilates, and Clarissa was amazingly helpful to me on all these fronts. Her guidance was spot-on, tailored to me, empathetic and encouraging. As an example of her attention to detail, for one exercise she gave us multiple ways to make sure we were activating our lower abs and not our glutes, which was a little tricky for me to do, before we got too far into it. Even when she was giving particular attention to my classmate, her instruction was helpful to me too. Clarissa took things at a good pace. I could absorb her instructions and be confident I was doing things right while still feeling like the class was flowing and progressing. I came away feeling a hundred times better -- more aligned, core turned on, eager to move. It was a solid, challenging workout that was also pretty enjoyable, not endless torture. I hope to try more of her classes soon.

JOSH R.

I loved my Postnatal series with Clarissa. A great way to re-establish my core muscles post-pregnancy. Clarissa is a wonderful teacher!

DANA S.

I've known Clarissa from her group classes. She sure loves being a pilates instructor, as she can cause significant improvement on people's body. Personally, I improved my balance and posture as a result of following her classes routinely. I like her clear instructions and well designed routines. She helped me to synchronize my breathing with my movement on the pilates machine. Her positive attitude towards life and enthusiasm is contagious!

ERCAN E.

Clarissa is knowledgeable, detail oriented, precise and motivating. She has a warm and open manner, an amazing ability to read a body, and incredible technique. If I lived locally I'd be a regular, but instead look forward to working with her when I travel to the Bay Area.

SAMANTHA R.

Every session with Clarissa is a master class in pilates instruction. Having had a variety of spinal (and now hip) issues for my entire adult life, I have tried every modality out there. During my latest episode nothing could get me out of pain when playing golf. I was recommended to Clarissa and after about 12 months, I am now pain free on the course and in the swimming pool. I feel stronger, more flexible and more intentional. It is rare to find someone who is so passionate, talented and dedicated to the well-being of others. I give Clarissa my highest recommendation possible.

SCOTT G.

Clarissa is a wonderful teacher who motivates the class very well, pays close attention to form. I've been taking her pilates classes over a year, enjoy it all the time. I think she has a great style, music choice, nice attitude as an instructor. I always walk out of her classes knowing that I had a really good workout.

NAGME U.

Clarissa is an incredible pilates teacher and an intuitive and kind guide. I have hypermobility which can be a vulnerability for injury and Clarissa helps me safely increase my strength and flexibility. I'm so grateful for our work together and would recommend her to anyone.

SHANA L.

Highly recommend this Pilates class!! Clarissa was an amazing instructor - this was my first Pilates class ever and she kept me feeling super confident. If you're looking for a fun way to build your core and increase your flexibility then this class is for you!

ALI L.

I highly recommend Clarissa's group classes or private training. I love her style! She pushed me (in a good and positive way) to challenge myself and help correct my form so I got the most out of each workout, which I really appreciate. She has great energy and her cues are easy to follow. I left feeling nice and energized!

STEPH S.

Amazing Instruction. The attention to detail and dedication is seen on first session. Looking forward to a healthier body thanks to Clarissa!

LEO S.

This helped me soooo much. I never thought I would have abs like this, especially not at 43!

KIM R.

5 stars for the lovely and cool Clarissa Smirnov! As a fellow instructor, I am always taking classes around the city. I have taken 100's of group reformer classes and I can honestly say, Clarissa's was one of the best!! There were so many things I loved about Clarissa's classes. She has a-matter-of fact way of teaching and a great ability to challenge everyone in her classes at an appropriate level. Not only is Clarissa a serious professional, she is also personable. Taking classes with her makes it feel like you a working out with a knowledgeable friend. I highly recommend Clarissa to anyone seeking a great instructor!!

Your video Deep Core and Lower Back Release to Neutral Spine is a great tutorial for core engagement. The techniques are helping me be more efficient in swimming too!

UY N.