Vortex Pilates Movement Center

I am a past fitness professional many years ago and went to Mary for some issues I needed one on one help with. She is knowledgeable, patient, and has an innate awareness of body mechanics. I am so lucky to have her here in Occidental. Working on the reformer was amazing and has taken my kinetic awareness to a new level. Signing up for some personal training was the smartest move to take care of myself and money well spent. Thank you Mary for setting up shop in Occidental!

Mary’s mat class is the best I’ve ever taken. Her instruction is precise and she makes you want to work hard (without being mean!) Compared to other pilates classes I’ve taken, Mary’s class feels like a full body workout.

A five start rating is «as good as it gets» and so is Mary Black. A smart, thoughtful and challenging instructor. I have good fortune when I am in town on a Monday morning and can attend her group class — it’s a good strengthening workout; the best way to start a day. No intimidate, the class suits all skill and ability levels and the energy of Mary really sets a tone to make you feel good about yourself and your progress.
In private session, she is really focused on her student. FORM is perfected so you get the maximum benefit from each move. He studio is lovely, clean and organized with all the tools needed to have a really effective practice. Can’t say enough good things about this very special lady.

While recently vacationing up in Monte Rio, I discovered Mary Black and her Russian River Pilates Studio. I’m a certified Pilates instructor myself (home-​based in Los Angeles), and was curious about the studio. I checked out the website (
), really liked what I saw and ended up taking 2 classes and a private (on the springboard) with Mary. All excellent. She is a generous, articulate, caring teacher who really knows (and loves) her subject, and her students are a reflection of her skill and knowledge. She is a delight and my only regret is that I did this during the last week of our trip, instead of all 3 weeks!

Mary Black is terrific. Since I started pilates with her my posture has improved significantly, I feel terrific and can feel my body getting stronger all the time. Her classes are challenging and exciting. She is highly knowledgeable about the body and an excellent teacher. Try it!

Pilates makes me feel stronger and sexier!
Mary at Russian River Pilates is a fantastic pilates trainer! She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and FUN! Since I have been working with her over the last two months I have seen and felt great results in my mind/​body relationship.
Mary works with you in a very individualized manner, tailoring your routine to your body’s needs. She has helped me to focus on stretching and lengthening areas of my body that are tight as well as toning and lengthening areas of my body that need to be tighter! Mary combines a fair amount of challenge and reasonable expectations in session and in between sessions.
Overall, I have been so very pleased to be working with Mary at Russian River Pilates.