From the winding trails of Mount Tam to the wellness studios tucked into our town centers, Marin County has long been a place where fitness and mindfulness go hand in hand. And when it comes to Pilates—both mat and reformer—our local studios deliver quality, expertise, and community in equal measure. As a journalist and Marin local, I’ve spent the past few months visiting studios across the county, speaking with instructors, taking classes, and reading through countless reviews to bring you this curated guide to the best Pilates experiences Marin has to offer.
Mighty Pilates, Larkspur
Best for: Energetic, full-body reformer workouts in a vibrant setting
Tucked into the ever-buzzing Marin Country Mart, Mighty Pilates brings an urban edge to our suburban wellness scene. Their reformer classes are dynamic and upbeat, blending traditional Pilates foundations with strength and cardio elements. Expect an athletic, sweat-inducing session taught by knowledgeable instructors who know how to challenge without overwhelming.
Notable class: Mighty Cardio Core
Website: mightypilates.com
FitWise Pilates, Mill Valley
Best for: Thoughtful instruction, injury recovery, and a tranquil setting
Nestled beneath Mill Valley’s iconic redwoods, FitWise offers a restorative counterpoint to more high-intensity formats. With both mat and reformer options, this studio is known for its therapeutic approach—ideal for those with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or entering a new life chapter (pre/postnatal, anyone?). The instructors bring a clinical level of knowledge paired with genuine care.
Notable offering: Private Postural Assessment + Reformer
Website: fitwisepilates.com
BODYROK, Corte Madera
Best for: High-intensity reformer Pilates with a modern, music-driven twist
For those who prefer their Pilates on the punchier side, BODYROK delivers. These 40-minute, rhythm-based reformer classes are efficient, intense, and beloved by those looking for fast results. It's not traditional Pilates—but it works, and the studio has quickly become a favorite among locals balancing careers and kids who want to get in, get moving, and get out.
Top pick: FLOW Full Body Sculpt
Website: bodyrok.com
Internal Fire Pilates, Mill Valley
Best for: Deeply personalized private sessions rooted in classical and contemporary Pilates
Founded by movement educator Sharon Gallagher-Rivera, Internal Fire offers a soulful, intelligent approach to Pilates. Sharon is one of the most respected names in Marin’s Pilates world, and her private sessions blend biomechanics, breath, and classical precision. The studio is fully equipped and ideal for one-on-one or duet work with serious attention to alignment and healing.
Recommended for: Those recovering from injury or seeking a tailored progression
Website: internalfirepilates.com
The Studio Pilates Marin, San Rafael
Best for: Authentic Classical Pilates in an intimate boutique setting
Co-founded by longtime instructors Carolyn Coombs and Sarah Hester, The Studio focuses on the classical method, taught on authentic Gratz apparatus. Each instructor here has undergone over 700 hours of training. Their private sessions are particularly strong, drawing a loyal following of dancers, athletes, and professionals looking to improve performance or rehabilitate.
Novato Pilates, Novato
Best for: Personalized attention in a low-key, community-oriented space
This hidden gem on Novato’s Grant Avenue offers approachable mat and reformer sessions with a focus on whole-body strength and functional movement. The studio is unassuming, but the instruction is top-tier. It’s especially good for clients seeking small group or private work without the boutique studio price tag.
Great for: Beginners, older adults, and those managing pain
Website: novatopilates.com
Club Pilates, Novato
Best for: Variety of class formats and nationwide consistency
Though part of a larger franchise, the Novato outpost of Club Pilates stands out for its wide range of class types and user-friendly scheduling. From mat-based "Center + Balance" sessions to more athletic Reformer workouts, it’s a reliable choice if you’re building a routine or want flexibility in class timing.
Ideal for: Newcomers to Pilates and people who prefer class variety
Website: clubpilates.com/novato