Looking For Pilates In Santa Barbara?

New Clients Welcome

New to Pilates? Not to worry, we have you taken care of! We'll make certain you have everything you need to confidently take your first session or class and every one thereafter. Get ready & excited for the transformation your mind and body will undergo - and to discover a whole new level of health & fitness you never thought was possible for you!

“The Pilates Secret:
The Best Way To Gain Strength & Flexiblity Without Wrecking Your Joints or Getting Injured”

You will learn WHY Pilates can help YOU achieve your strength, flexibility and weight loss goals & how it can protect you from pain & injury, so you can lead to an unrestricted independent BALANCED LIFE....​

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What Is Pilates?

​Developed in early 1920s By Joseph Pilates this unique form of exercise is rooted  in the various disciplines of physical exercise he practiced such as; calisthenics, karate, yoga, boxing and aerobatics coupled with his extensive knowledge of the human body and the healing effects of movement. He termed his form of exercise "Contrology" due its principle foundation of balanced, efficient control of the body and mind for movement mastery. 

Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility, muscular endurance and strength movements coordinated to breathing. Pilates focuses and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core & back unity and strength, coordination and precision of movement, balance and mind-body integrity. The core principles and techniques of Pilates practice are observed in the unique set of exercises he developed, which are performed using one's own body weight or the various Pilates equipment(the Reformer, Tower, Trap Table, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector to name a few) that is comprised of a unique system of springs and straps to provide additional resistance  and alignment support. The exercises are often performed in sitting, standing and reclined positions. The effectiveness of Pilates practice is unparalleled and is why it is utilized in rehabilitation and for athletic performance enhancement.
"If your spine is inflexible at 30, you are OLD. If it is flexible at 60, you are YOUNG." - Joseph Pilates

Talk To Our Physical Therapist Pilates Instructors To Learn More & Find Out How Pilates Can Help You?

Who Is Pilates For?

  • People that know it isn't smart to keep pushing through pain, imbalances & injuries. This unique form of exercise allows you to focus and correct your unique muscle imbalances, weaknesses and compensations- we ALL have them and it is only a matter of time before they result in some pain, injury or activity limitation.

  • People that have musculoskeletal pain, injury or restrictions.  No matter if they came on suddenly, are due to overuse, are recurrent or chronic, or involve balance or motor control issues Pilates will be beneficial for you.

  • People that need a exercise that  is kind on their joints and spine, so if you have joint restrictions, arthritis, alignment or bone density considerations it  perfect to gain and maintain the flexibility, mobility and strength that your spine and joints need to keep you safe, injury and surgery free!

  • People who want an individualized workout that strengthens their core & back WITHOUT stressing their joints or straining their body and will improve their  posture, flexibility, energy, endurance, balance, coordination, helps keep them at a healthy weight & calm their mind.

  • People that are worried about or have certain aches, pains or needs that require close monitoring and modifications, are recovering from an injury or have been injured in the past when exercising - and want to work  with a Physical Therapist Pilates Instructor that won't hurt or hold them back from reaching their true fitness potential.

  • Health conscious people who are looking for a different more well-rounded, fun, challenging yet safe and sustainable way to exercise so they can reach optimal performance of their daily & favorite activities and sports!

  • People who value individual attention over large, overcrowded classes where they wouldn't make the gains or get the corrections they really need, who love to learn about their bodies and are committed to their wellness & fitness. 
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  • People who enjoy having fun and love the encouraging atmosphere of a community that will cheer them on, celebrate their accomplishments and help motivate each other to keep achieving new goals.

Want To Know If Pilates Is Right For You?

Meet with one of our expert Physical Therapist Pilates Instructors to get a sample of what Pilates is like &
​find out which our Pilates Programs is best for you!

How To Do I Get Started?

Let's Chat
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Not quite ready to schedule a sample session or book an appointment? Still have questions that you would like answered?  We want you to be 100% certain and confident in your decision to work with us. So,  please click on the button below to fill out a quick and simple form so we can  learn more about you, your health and fitness values & goals.

Try A Taster Session

Come discover what it is like to work with one of our Expert Physical Therapist Pilates Instructors & get a "taste" of working out on our Pilates equipment and this unique form of exercise. We will be able to help you find which  Pilates Programs is best for you to start with.

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Beginner's Jump Start Series

This special series of 3 Private Sessions involves a thorough wellness history review, postural analysis, fitness and movement assessment. You will build a solid foundation in the Pilates concepts and exercises so you will be ready to enter one of our Pilates programs and  maximize the benefits of your Pilates practice.
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Discover The Pilates Secret To Unlocking Your Health & Fitness Potential

No Pilates Experience Needed

New to Pilates or exercise? We welcome all students of any experience & ability. We are skilled to adjust the workout so it's appropriate for your ability level and specific needs. Pilates is NOT just for women, dancers, super fit or flexible people. Our instructors and the community will help you feel welcome and encouraged in every class. You will gain confidence as you learn the exercise techniques, become more familiar with the exercises and perfect your practice. You'll love the improvements in your energy, posture, strength, flexibility and the developing leaner body with every session - and this will keep you coming back! 

Our Proven Methods & Session Design

Every session and class begins with a client check-in to learn about any new health changes or needs. Sessions and classes follow a pattern of dynamic warm-up to center your mind, breath and body for the workout ahead. Our Private, Semi-private and equipment classes utilize the various pieces of Pilates equipment that use the spring, pulley and strap systems for additional resistance and alignment support. Group Mat & Barre classes are a fusion of cardio, balance, stretching and strengthening. The specific sequencing of the exercises performed at the barre or on the mat uses primarily  your bodyweight for resistance along with weights, props, bands and balls. The flow of each session and class involves a sequential working of legs, thighs, abdominals, spinal articulation, arm work and as your body is warmed-up rotational, lateral, combined plane and back extension movements are performed. You can expect highly specific cues and session/class design so each individual will get all the adjustments, modifications and encouragement they need to reach their fitness potential. The cool-down involves a series of stretch & mobility, breathe & reflection exercises- to solidify your practice, bring a deeper awareness to your body & mind.

Get The Transformational Results You Desire

"You will FEEL better in 10 sessions, LOOK better in 20 sessions & have a completely NEW BODY in 30 Sessions."- Joseph Pilates
Transformation can not be simply bought or wished for - it takes discipline & action. Movement is the method. Pilates is an incredibly effective and efficient way to discover a transformation of healing, fitness and mind-body unity. The flow of the Pilates sequence of exercises challenges your mind, coordination, boosts your heart rate for a calorie burning effect during and after class. Instead of just working isolated areas of your body-Pilates works the deeper intrinsic muscles continually, this allows the larger muscle groups to function more efficiently. Your whole body is working the entire time through movements that  lengthening & strengthening at the same time and yield leaner, longer muscles. By working through both phases of the muscle contraction and in the isometric (held) contractions your strength, endurance and motor control are amplified. The integration of dynamic and passive stretching helps to improve your posture,  flexibility and mobility without stressing your joints or spine. You will exhibit a youthful confident posture, and movement patterns & spring of energy in every step you take!

Our Pilates Programs & Services

We offer Private, Semi-Private Pilates and assisted manual stretch & bodywork sessions. Our small group classes(Mat, Barre & Group Equipment) are kept to a small group of 4-8 persons of similar abilities and needs. Click the button below to learn more about each of these specific services and classes!

What Makes Us Different

Our Instructors are Physical Therapists who have been practicing and utilizing Pilates in their clinical practice for the past decade. As Physical Therapists we have observed & acquired patients whom have injured themselves in unsafe methods of exercise or training. Our Therapist Instructors are movement specialists and know the effects that age, hormones, menopause, injury, changes in bone health, pregnancy, arthritis and surgery have on the body. Likewise they know the common pains, injuries and surgeries that men, women and certain ages are at risk for developing- which is why every session and class is specifically designed to educate you of your body, identify and correct any weak links that could lead to a health set back. Our goal is to learn everything we can about you and your body so that you will receive the cuing, attentive adjustments, modifications, progressions and support you need so you are not hurt or held back from reaching your health & fitness potential! We love being the means & method by which people heal, transform their lives and stop the ceiling effect that pain, immobility, health, fear or uncertainty puts on their life & future!

Apply For Your FREE Pilates Taster Session To See Which Of Our Pilates Programs Is BEST For You!

Meet with one of our expert Physical Therapist Pilates Instructors to get a sample of what Pilates is like &
​find out which our Pilates Programs is best for you!

How To Prepare For Your First
​Pilates Session & Class

Your History​

Please fill out your history & share your injuries, special considerations or pregnancy

Early Arrival

Please arrive 10 minutes before to settle your mind & prepare your body
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Right Top

A breathable top that allows for movement & comfort is best

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Best Bottoms

Wear shorts with spandex underneath or pants below the knee
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Safe Socks

Bring socks to cover your feet & will help with moving


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Do You Want To Learn More About Our Cost & Availability?

What To Expect After Your First Pilates Session or Class

Set Yourself Up For Success!

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after class so your muscles and joints stay hydrated and can recover quicker. We recommend light eating prior to class, think more grazing versus a full heavy meal. It is common that you may be sore after- this just means you are waking up and utilizing muscles that you haven't before or are working them more deeply. The soreness should reside in a few days and as your body gets stronger, more flexible and efficient this will improve! Give yourself grace- Pilates can take several classes to learn the exercises, concepts and techniques. It is an exciting practice where you will never get bored, continue to be challenged, discover new things about your body and self -which is encouraging! We recommend taking 3-5 sessions or classes per week to get the best results, a combination of privates or semi-privates with group classes will accelerate your progress incredibly. We are here to support and encourage you every step of the way in and outside of class- so never hesitate to send us a text, call, email or chat with us before and after class!

A Personal Message From Specialist Physical Therapist
​& Certified Pilates Instructor, Yvonne Castillo…

Yvonne A. Castillo
Specialist Physical Therapist
​Hello, my name is Yvonne Castillo and welcome to Perseverance Physical Therapy.

This Tip Sheet is for the person who is interested in making positive lasting changes in their health and wants to address any limitation of; pain, injury, age, surgery, pregnancy, inflexibility, strength, balance, coordination and fatigue.

YOU should read this Info Tips Sheet IF:
  • YOU are curious about WHAT Pilates is and if it is RIGHT for you
  • YOU have been told by your physician or others that you NEED to do Pilates and it will CHANGE your life, but don’t know where to start
  • YOU are an ACTIVE ADULT who cannot perform daily activities, your job or participate in; travel, sport and recreational activities or workouts because of  injury or pain.
  • YOU are an LOVE to participate in recreational sports be that golf, tennis, running, snow or water sports and want to  ENHANCE your sport performance or prevent injuries and pain.

Inside you'll learn…
  • What Pilates can do for YOU
  • How Pilates can keep you fit and active even when injured or in pain
  • How Pilates is a mind-body challenging workout
  • Why Pilates focuses on the foundation of Core & Back Unity
  • How Pilates promotes flexibility while strengthening
  • How Pilates is gentle yet challenging
  • The adaptability of Pilates for ALL ages, ALL stages & ANY body with ANY injury or limitation

I work with countless people who are dissatisfied with their fitness routines or limited by pain, injury, surgery or various health issues. I have helped people with Pilates safely avoid, prepare or recover from surgery, decrease complications and pain during pregnancy, improve their fitness and prevent injury so they can live the life they deserve.

I’m doing this because I want you to be able to take the right steps to adopt an enjoyable fitness lifestyle that enhances all aspects of your life and to help keep you free from pain and injury.  All you have to do is enter your information and I’ll send it to you immediately, so you do not have to spend another day wondering what to do to achieve a balanced and fulfilled life of health and wellness.

Here is to your fitness & health success,

Yvonne Castillo

What Is Keeping You From ​​Achieving Your
Health & Fitness Goals?


“The Pilates Secret:

How Health Pros & Athletes Use It To Get The Best Strength, Flexibility, Recovery & Injury Prevention Results”

Just a few tips show WHY Pilates is for YOU & how it can help you overcome pain & injury and lead to a BALANCED LIFE of health & fitness....

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Look What Others Are Saying About Speciality
Pilates Training With 
Perseverance Physical Therapy
(And Look How Happy They Are Now…)

Chris Gocong, 34, NFL Veteran 2006-2013, Investor
​Santa Barbara, CA

As a retired NFL player, I know how a knowledgeable trainer can be a great asset to a team.
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My experience with Yvonne Castillo has shown that she has more than enough knowledge and skill to be among the elite in her field.

In 2012 I suffered a complete (R) Achilles tendon rupture along with a compound malleolus fracture while playing as the linebacker Cleveland  Browns. For  physical therapy at home, in Santa Barbara, I was referred to Yvonne by the Cleveland Browns Head Athletic Trainer, Chris Peduzzi.

Throughout my recovery Yvonne and the Browns were in contact regarding my status and program via thorough reports by Yvonne.

As a knowledgeable patient, I was very impressed by her knowledge of anatomy and manual manipulations to address or prevent an injury. At times even the most focused patient can tire of Pilates torture devices and balance balls; Yvonne would refocus me, see the workout finished with good  form, and make it a fun atmosphere to work in.

Within months I was back to sprinting, cutting, and jumping. Yvonne would record each drill so I could watch myself and acknowledge improvement (which was very helpful for mental recovery from my catastrophic injury).

When I left my PT program with Yvonne I knew my injury was an afterthought and I could again perform at an elite level.

Bruce P., 66
​Torquay, Australlia

​I had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and had attempted many different therapists with limited results.  I was introduced to Yvonne when I walked into the Pilates Studio that she was working in 2008 having heard of the potential benefits of that Pilates could provide for me with my Parkinson’s.  

When I first started I was pleasantly surprised by had only been to a few sessions with Yvonne and I was feeling much freer in my body with increased mobility.  Yvonne was excellent as an instructor and I both enjoyed and looked forward to each session.  I reached a point where I was having three private sessions a week and it had a major positive impact on my movement, dexterity, general overall wellness and fitness.  Yvonne was always very encouraging, professional and took a personal interest in how Pilates could make a difference with Parkinson’s.

We are currently living in Torquay, Australia and we miss Yvonne.  We haven’t found anyone to compare to her excellent abilities.  Health wise my Parkinson’s continues to progress, but I feel the foundation I received through my work with Yvonne has been invaluable and helped me maintain an awareness in my overall health.

I am currently searching for another Pilates instructor here, as we have just moved here only in the last few months.  I am currently a candidate for deep brain stimulation to slow the progression of my illness.  

Dr. Mary L., 61
​Torquay, Austrailia


Firstly, I must say that Yvonne is the best Pilates instructor Bruce and I have ever experienced. We have lived in Sausalito, California, London, England and now Melbourne, Australia and have yet to find anyone who has her level of professional expertise, character and passion for healthcare. She is an exceptional young woman, I wish we could clone her and have her with us wherever we travel.
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​I first met Yvonne when I walked into the Pilates studio where she was working in 2008.  The studio was just down the street from our house and we just happened to walk by when they were having an open house
I tried one of the other instructors but saw Yvonne and knew she was the person I wanted to work with on a regular basis. She shared with us that she was in a doctoral program and was keenly interested in Pilates as it was related to my husband's condition of Parkinson's. (which at the time we had just found out about, even though he is only fifty-five years old.) With every session, for both of us, she was always punctual, deeply present and always trying to find ways to help both of us.

My presenting issues were resulting from balance problems I had from a hip replacement I had in 2002.  I also wanted to work on overall well-being and feeling better in my body.  I had been a marathon runner in my 20’s and a semi-professional dancer, so I had a variety of problems.  Not to mention I just wanted to look and feel better.

I would work with Yvonne five days a week at 6:00 am. (To me it was a combination of exercise and meditation).  After I learned how to use the machines we would often work in silence with her giving me gentle corrections and instructions.  It was such an amazing way to start the day and her positive presence had a great impact on me.  I feel Yvonne is an exceptional young woman in every way, devoted to her clients and to giving them the best treatment possible.  To me it seems that for her it isn’t just a career but a passion for her work.

I haven’t found an instructor like Yvonne since!  Currently we are living in Torquay,Victoria AUSTRALIA.  I am doing Pilates, Aqua Aerobics, hiking and some yoga/stretching.   I wish I could have a portable Yvonne in my pocket, but I will never forget the invaluable instructions and things that she taught me.
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For Bruce, she always went "beyond" what was needed for him, based on her research and her deep compassion for his condition, so that he could live the best "quality of life" possible.

I can not speak highly enough of Yvonne, her compassion, devotion, sense of humor and genuine caring went beyond any individual we have worked with since. We both believe that anyone who has the opportunity to work with Yvonne is blessed. I say this not out of any sense of hyperbole, only direct experience. I feel her character is flawless, she gives from a place of the heart and mind, rare in young women today.

Ready To Experience The Transformation Pilates Will Bring To Your Life?
Choose which option works best for you…

​If you're not quite ready to book an session or class yet, you might have some questions you would like answered first. Click above to request to speak with a PT Instructor first
​We understand you may want to find out a little more about the cost & availability of physical therapy before booking an appointment. If that's you, then click the button above.
Unsure if Pilates is right for you? Or maybe you would like to try our services before making a decision? All you have to do is fill out the simple form above and you can get a "taste" of what Pilates can do for you.