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 and excited for the transformation your mind and body will undergo - and to discover a whole new level of health and fitness you never thought was possible for you!
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"Are you Being Held Back From Living The Life You Want Because of Aches, Pain, Limited Strength, Flexibility or Energy?

Don't sacrifice doing the activities you love the way you want over problems or limitations that can be corrected. That's why we made this report just for you!

“The Pilates Secret: The Best Way To Gain Strength & Flexibility 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....​

In This Guide You Will Discover...

  • 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 simple methods we use to get the results you want without the fear of getting injured with exercise and win back your desired active lifestyle.
  • The adaptability of Pilates for ALL ages, ALL stages & ANY body with ANY injury or limitation
  • And much more!

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. 

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 support or challenge.

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that consists of stretching, strengthening and stabilizing movements that are coordinated to breathing and promotes the health and balance of the body and mind.

​Pilates focuses and emphasizes proper posture, core and back stability, strength, coordination, balance, mental focus and concentration, correct breathing patterns, precision of movement, the correction of imbalances and improper compensations in the body. 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 Pilates Instructors To Learn More and 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 muscle and joint 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 is perfect way 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 an Expert 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?

Come meet our Pilates Instructors and get to sample what Pilates is like and
​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 and goals.

Try A Taster Session

If you are new to Pilates and want to be certain it is right for you, then this 30 minute Private Session with one of our Expert Instructors is perfect for you. 
You will get a “taste” of the magic of Pilates, learn the Pilates basics and try the equipment.

Try A Taster Class

This complimentary class is great for people who have little or no Pilates experience or want to be certain our Instructors, Programs and studio is the right place to call “home.” 

You will get to know our Expert Instructors and experience a “taste” of Pilates in this small group class surrounded by a community of people just like you!​

Beginner's Jump Start Series

This series is perfect for someone who is new to Pilates and is ready to begin their Pilates Experience.
​This series of 3 Private Pilates Sessions with one of our Expert Instructors allows you to build a solid Pilates foundation that will prepare you for continued personalized instruction or entry into our Specialty Pilates Classes.

Discover The Pilates Secret To Unlocking Your Health and Fitness Potential

No Pilates Experience Needed

New to Pilates or exercise? We welcome all students of any experience and ability.
  • No matter your age or fitness level, whether you are just starting out or a advanced athlete Pilates will help you build a strong foundation for daily living.
  • Pilates is low-impact with countless ways we can modify the movements so that everyone can participate so it's appropriate for your ability
  • Pilates is NOT just for women, dancers, super fit or flexible people.
  • ​Pilates is a proven method to achieving a healthier lifestyle and better body-mind balance
  • Our instructors and the community will help you feel welcome and encouraged in every class.
  • We start with your individual goals, have easy starter series to help you try Pilates, specialty programs and monthly Membership Plans to fit your needs.
  • 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 changing physique with every session - and this will keep you coming back! 

We Understand That You Are A Little Unsure About Trying Pilates...

We hear it all the time, but even more common is that once they try Pilates they always wish they would have started sooner

Can you relate to these Common Barriers to Beginning Pilates?
  • The feeling that you are not “coordinated” or “fit enough” to keep up with the exercises
  • Are worried about being the “only” man or woman in a class
  • The feeling that you need to lose the weight first before you take a class
  • The misconception that you have to “look” or “dress” a certain way to do Pilates
  • Don’t want to be the “only person” who has to “modify” the exercises
  • Are worried the classes will be “too hard” and you will have “sit out” most of the class and waste your time
  • Don’t want to get injured in a class because you were pushed beyond your limits or because you did not receive the corrections or modification you needed 
  • Are worried the class won’t be “challenging enough” and you will “get bored” 
  • That you will be just a number lost in a crowd of people and not known as a unique individual
  • Want to be certain you will get the results you want, like improved; energy, strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, weight management and injury prevention
This is Why We Created Our "Taster" Series and Specialty Pilates Programs for People Just Like You!

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 and action and movement is the method.
  • Pilates is an incredibly effective and efficient way to experience a transformation of healing, fitness and mind-body balance.
  • 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 stabilizing muscles continually and allows the larger muscle groups to function more efficiently and not get strained.
  • Your whole body is working the entire time through movements that  lengthening and strengthening at the same time and yield leaner, longer muscles.
  • By working through both the shortening and lengthening phases of the muscle contraction and in the isometric (held) contractions your strength, endurance and muscle control are amplified.
  • The integration of active and passive stretching helps to improve your posture,  flexibility and mobility without stressing your joints or spine.
  • You will exhibit a youthful confident posture, greater ease of movement and spring of energy in every step you take!

Our Pilates Programs & Services

 We offer Private Pilates and small group classes which 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 Pilates 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 about 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 and fitness potential!
  • We love being the means and method by which people heal, transform their lives and stop the ceiling effect that pain, immobility, fear or uncertainty puts on their life and future!

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

Meet with one of our expert 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 or Class

Your History​

Please fill out your history and share your injuries, special health considerations and goals

Early Arrival

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

A breathable top that allows for movement and comfort is best

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Best Bottoms

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

Grip socks are needed to help you move safely and better. You can choose from our fun options of Tavi Nori or Toesox at the studio or bring your own! 

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 private sessions 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!
Yvonne A. Castillo
Movement Specialist
 A special message from Founder, Dr. Yvonne Castillo.

Are you frustrated by pain, weakness, feeling tight, loss of energy, like your posture is decline, weight gain or just not feeling "like yourself"? Are you disappointed because  pain, worry of getting hurt with exercise is holding you back from doing what you love and  the lifestyle you desire)? Or maybe you are just a little nervous to start exercising again or for the first time? 

​Years ago, I was just like you, I was uncomfortable going to big, busy gyms and wanted a safe yet effective way to workout, improve my energy, strength, flexibility and feel in control of my body. Having an overly "flexible" body and I really needed stabilization and a way to safely gain control of how I moved to prevent hip and back issues to creep up when I drove or ran.

I was very nervous to start, and safely positioned myself in the back corner of the room, shielded from the instructor or others.

But, as I attended more classes I started to feel and see the difference- I never felt better, more confident and less hesitant when I traveled or wanted to push my runs, hikes and projects around the house!

I love the feeling of feeling as if I'm walking on air, light and without an ounce of stress or fatigue, yet feel strong and stable enough that I can handle anything that comes my way. 

On my Pilates journey, my Pilates Mentor suggested that I become and instructor and share my experience and love for movement with others.

​It has become my mission to share my love for movement and how it can empower you to live your BEST life possible!

You don’t have to sacrifice the activities you love or goals you have set over problems that can be fixed. That’s why we made this free guide just for you. 

You see, everyone with hesitation or worry about safe, sustainable, fun and effective ways to exercise in Santa Barbara asks us the same questions…

  • Why do I keep getting injured whenever I exercise? (I don’t even know what I did…) 
  •   I feel like I'm just "tight" and not meant to be "flexible"....or can I fix this?  
  •  What is Pilates and is it right for me? 
  •  Am I going to have to live with this ache, pain, stiffness, limited energy, confidence, strength, flexibility or balance forever?


We have good news: you don’t have to “live with it”. There is still more that can be done and we’re here to show you the way.  Most people get stuck trying to make a decision about what to do next. They go days, weeks, months (even years!) without taking action. The one thing we can guarantee is that by doing nothing, your current limitations and fears won’t go away or get better. 

So, the next important thing is to take action!

Here is to your health and fitness transformation,

Yvonne Castillo

What Other People Just Like You Are Saying About Perseverance Movement Specialists & Pilates... 
​(and how happy they are now...)

​​“I came with hip and back pain with severely limited mobility. Within the first few sessions I noticed my posture improved and within weeks I had no pain and improved mobility in my spine and hips. Not only does she address your specific needs, she is constantly educating and informing you for long lasting results.” - Holly G., 26
“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 health and wellness. 
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.
Pilates was such an amazing way to start the day and her positive presence had a great impact on 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. - Mary L., 61

“At Perseverance Movement Specialist and Pilates they are knowledgeable, skilled and intuitive...the perfect mix of art and science! They're helping me feel great throughout the third trimester of my first pregnancy.

Their movement methods helped release and loosen my hips and sacrum and is Magic, and Pilates sessions are helping me safely strengthen my core and pelvic floor so that I am prepared for labor, delivery, and all the adventures to come.

​ I highly recommend you to anyone seeking help to move and feel better including those who are pregnant! - Lindsay C. , 35
“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 after only been to a few sessions with Yvonne and I was feeling much freer in my body with increased mobility. 
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.” - Bruce P., 66
“Perseverance Movement Specialist and Pilates have been instrumental in getting me back in shape and to be able to hike, bike and do the things I love doing pain-free! I highly recommend everyone to take advantage of their expertise.”  Jan C., 67
“After only my first three weeks at Perseverance Movement Specialists and Pilates I've never felt more energetic and mobile in my whole life.
By the end of the first week I could move more easily and even my dancing improved in such a short period of time. I like to lift weights and they helped me be able to do that better too.

My only regret was waiting so long to seek help. The experience is amazing, I highly recommend anyone who is on the fence to seek help or thinks it will just get better on its own.” - Chris M.

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

Learn How To Improve and Achieve Your Health & Fitness Goals and Potential To Regain the Active Life You Desire

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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  Pilates Instructor first.
​We understand you may want to find out a little more about the cost & availability of Pilates 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.