Kristin Lovelace

I had heard that Kristin (Kiki) Goldsmith was a great teacher, and went specifically for her class the first time. I didn’t know anything about Forrest yoga so was in shock that first class with the heat, the intensity and having to adjust to beginner’s mind. Her class was challenging, intense, delightful, spiritually infused, empowering and playful, all at once. The reason I wanted to try a new studio was that I was feeling stuck in my practice, having even a tighter neck and painful hips despite regular class attendance, unable to proceed into more difficult poses. It was like trying to build an elaborate castle on a poor foundation. After one class my neck was looser for sure. Each class I find emotional balancing, a sense of mindful spiritual focus, and definite physical strengthening and flexibility. I really appreciate the way Kiki and her assistants are magnificent healers, moving through the room throughout the class adjusting each student many times: we are shifted, stretched, advised on correct alignment. They focus gentle healing vibes just where they’re needed. The atmosphere is loving, kind and mindful of the limits of body injuries, yet pushing us to reach new heights without struggle. There’s a level of attention to the details of all of the students that I’ve never had in any class and I continue to love and value Kiki, her assistants and the vision of Ana Forrest.

I was so scared to start Pilates, I thought it would be difficult and awkward. I am now so addicted, all I think about is the next class I can get to. My body has never felt so strong and relaxed. I’ve been with Kristin just over 2 months and I think I’ve already gained an inch in height, probably just from my shoulders not being hunched over.
She is so open to your needs. She will never push you too hard, but at the same time she will motivate you to do the best you can at that moment.
Kristin is just simply an amazing person to be around.

Kristin is an incredible teacher. This was my first time taking Pilates classes, and she explained everything perfectly. She knows when to push her students harder, and how to motivate them to work to their potential. I highly recommend her individual classes. Her knowledge of physiology is impressive as well, and greatly aids her teaching and the student’s progress. Oh, and she’s also cute as a button and one of the sunniest personalities you’ll ever have the privilege to meet!

Kristen is such a great teacher! Her mindfulness and attention to the nuances of body movement makes her classes so wonderful to experience. I took classes in Berkeley and left each class feeling like I’d had a deep workout and felt peaceful for the concentrated and sustained effort. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to enjoy Pilates on a new level.

I have been taking classes with Kristin for over three years now and consider her an exceptional teacher. Her energy and easy manner make it easy to relax and enjoy class, even when you don’t know what you are doing. Her vast knowledge has helped me learn more about body mechanics than I ever learned in science class and has motivated me to want to learn and try more. She can help get you in shape physically and would be an asset to anyone wanting to try something different, new and rewarding.
She recently left our local Yoga & Pilates Center to start her own Studio and we miss her so much we drove 45 minutes for a class with her! Worth every minute of traffic!

I’ve been doing weekly private pilates sessions with Kristin for several months and this review is long overdue! Kristin is just a great pilates instructor with a sincere interest in her clients’ well-​being.
Kristin is incredibly thoughtful, and asks a ton of questions at the outset of your sessions to get you clear on your goals, (mine: build core strength!) and then continues to check in throughout your sessions to make certain that they are in line with your changing needs.
Kristin also teaches yoga classes, so her knowledge of body movement issues is vast. She does group classes too ($ 35 a session), but for now, the super-​tailored-​to-​me private sessions are just addictive! And plus, she gives a fat 20% discount for your first three private sessions! (They are normally $ 75 each, but with the discount, they are only $ 60. Ya, baby!)
She gives excellent instruction… I started as a clueless pilates beginner and I’m a visual learner, meaning that in a private session without classmates to follow, I’d zig when I was supposed to zag. After sharing a good laugh with me, Kristen tailored her instructions to my learning style. She demo’s more complex exercises so that we zip through the session. As a matter of fact, they are always over too soon! Where DOES that hour go?
Kristin’s space is great! Her studio is in her home, which gives your session a relaxed feel. And though I know sometimes people get turned off by the words «home studio» never fear, she controls the space really well… it’s fully equipped with ‘the reformer’ and other gear, always spotless, it’s separate from living space in her home, and it gives an utterly professional vibe.
So here’s the kicker… I’m a massage therapist, and I recently asked for a stack of cards that I keep in my massage studio. When I find clients that are more in need of muscular toning than relaxation, I refer them to Kristin because I want them to receive the same great work that I have.