Mercury Fitness High Performance Pilates Center

What did I just endure?! This isn’t your mom’s Pilates class.
The machine hybrid «gun show» class with David was just as wicked and challenging as everyone described. Despite priding myself in having decent upper body strength, it was absolute torture (in a good way). I’ve taken a mat Pilates class here that was solid and more traditional, but David’s classes are on another level.
The upper body-​focused class had us doing deceptively hard moves with light weights as well as the machine and springs, tackling our arms, shoulders, and upper back. We finished with leg exercises, but the focus of the class was upper body and core.
It doesn’t help that there only four students so all eyes are on you – and you can’t get away with slacking off. David was a hilarious and sarcastic teacher and insisted that we keep going, frequently making jokes like, «Only a thousand more reps to go!» Ha ha… I wanted to die. I’ve never sweat and trembled so much in a Pilates class before!
I will definitely be back for more butt kicking.

David is one the best fitness teachers I’ve ever had, and that says a lot coming from 13 years of hard core yoga. He effortlessly weaves endurance challenges, strength training and appropriately charming banter throughout class. It’s my understanding that he has been teaching fitness classes including aerobics back in the day, for 30 years and was 15 years of professional ballet dancer. David is truly a master Pilates teacher, who innovates and keeps things fresh. In the 5 years that I’ve been taking classes with him, I have not been bored! I am more tone than I ever been in my life. David’s understanding of anatomy, pacing, sequencing are on point. He has a way of inspiring you without loudly barking at you. Also, the volume of the music in the studio is appropriate, not too loud. The studio is clean and inviting. I highly recommend David’s classes for a challenging and not boring class that won’t disappoint.

I’ve been taking Pilates classes at Mercury, on and off, for almost 8 years. David Woods (BEST instructor ever!) has been part of my journey there. He understands the body mechanics like no one and has helped me to develop a strong and healthy body. David Woods, you are the best!

I love Lisa Liles!!! She is such an amazing instructor and aside from that a really fun, cool, easy person to spend time with. I have loads of experience with pilates (started taking classes in 1999) and mercury knows pilates.
Love that they are in my hood!

After tearing a muscle in my upper back just over 3 months before my wedding, I was in desperate need of a fitness solution that could be tailored to my specific injury but was still a highly effective total body workout. Lisa at Mercury Fitness definitely saved me! In working with her through private, one-​on-​one sessions we were able to develop a Pilates program that incorporated full body toning, while slowly building back up the strength in my back. I had originally planned to focus on Pilates only up until my wedding, but now I’m addicted! Lisa and the whole Mercury Fitness team are amazing. The studio has a calming vibe, and I always leave feeling both stronger and more relaxed. Whether you choose private Pilates sessions, classes, or a combination of both, Mercury Fitness will get you in amazing shape!

This place is great! David is an amazing instructor — funny but he pushes you and you walk out sore! I am so happy to find a challenging pilates class and I think all the classes are amazing and I took a class from Lisa and wow — that was really hard too! it is a very unique style of pilates that keeps you mentally and physically engaged the whole time!

This is the best place for Pilates. The instructors are all wonderful to work with. They are determined to help with our workout goals. After so many years of not exercising, it was time to do it. I was a whiner and lacked strength and stamina but David and the other instructors were determined to get me started and get me going to a respectable place in my régime. I have improved tremendously through their guidance. I didn’t realize Pilates could be difficult but it helped me build up my core among other areas.

I highly recommend Mercury Fitness:
–The atmosphere is great. It is a calm, clean studio with soft music.
–The classes are challenging. I always thought pilates wouldn’t be enough of a workout, but I was wrong. This is a great work out — I almost always break a sweat
–I love David. He is unassuming when you meet him, but his classes are hard and he pushes you to stay with it. He is very knowledgeable and pays attention to form. Also, in the several months I have been going, I rarely do the same workout. He has lots of variation
–I have noticed a change in my body. I am stronger, stand up straighter and don’t have as much shoulder pain

I have been obsessed with Mercury Fitness for years. I have tried many studios in SF and Oakland, and this place remains my favorite by far. I love the workouts because the instructors give a very detailed, targeted, and refined level of instruction while still kicking your ass.
The instructors are all extremely knowledgeable about the body. Each instructor has a unique style and they range from giving a super intense workout, to a less severe, but solid workout. I’ve tried them all and think they are all fantastic. They push you to your absolute limit while finding a way to motivate and make you laugh. The classes are also creatively sequenced and poses are generally timed to breath (as opposed to a clock), so you really get in a flow and never feel bored or like you are doing the same thing twice. The classes also move quickly, so no time is wasted in between poses. I leave every class feeling like my entire body (core especially) has been whipped into shape — toned, strengthened … lengthened… the works! I’ve seriously gotten SO strong and lean from this place it’s incredible. The studio itself also has a nice vibe, quality equipment, great music, super friendly people. And free almonds.

Love the atmosphere, it’s very calm and sedate, and there always seems to be someone getting direct attention from the instructors, who are determined to help me build up my core.

I solemnly swear I went to heaven then hell and came back in the span of an hour at this studio. I took David’s class with ClassPass and felt the burn for a good 3 days later.
David might seem harmless from meeting him before class, but TRUST ME when I say he will put you through the seven rings of hell with a smile on his face. He’s hilarious and kept our group energized and laughing through the pain for the duration of our mat class. He is fantastic and so knowledgeable about how different poses affect your body. I would recommend this class for anyone seeking to improve their core strength, balance, and posture. It works WONDERS and I was drenched in sweat after class– always a good sign.
HIGHLY recommend this studio, David as a teacher, and any pilates mat class they have.

If you feel like dying over and over again, take David’s chair classes. David is cruel and unusual, but SO WORTH IT. Classes book up quickly through classpass, so make sure you make that reservation in advance!
I love the subterranean atmosphere, with dark zen-​like lights and wood floors. The studio is laid out really nicely, with all the equipment (chair, mat, reformer, cadillac, tower, they have it all!) in the room so the hybrid classes flow nicely.

One instructor was very rude and unprofessional. I’ve been taking Lisa’s classes more than 3 times in the past months. I introduced myself to her before, but it seems like she never remembers my name and even doesn’t try to ask my name again. Instead, she kept calling me «Sister» the whole time in class. I remember the number of times she called me «Sister» was almost 7 times. There were other three students and she called them with their names always. It was extremely rude and unprofessional. I felt disrespectful. At some point, I was not sure she doesn’t care because I’m the only Asian girl in the class when everyone is white. She was busy chatting with one of students the whole time in class, but never cared about another student’s name. It was a very small class. She could come, ask my name, and correct my forms when I’m doing wrong, but she kept saying, «Sister, I said long strap. not the short strap. Do this and that.» I didn’t want to make any awkward moment in the class so I didn’t say anything though. I’ve taken David, Kathleen and Alexis classes before and they were good. But because of this rude instructor, I never want to go back to Mercury.

I can not say enough amazing things about Pilates Director Lisa! I have been doing ‘machine’ pilates for awhile, and LIsa is by far the most knowledgeable instructor I have had. She is constantly changing up her classes and private sessions with new and innovative exercises. Also, she graciously gives out helpful recommendations and sweet modifications when needed/​asked. Go take one of her classes ASAP!

My favorite Pilates studio in the Marina.
David is the best instructor. His classes are not for the weak or a newbie to Pilates so beware. He truly pushes each client and motivates them to get the most out of the Pilates session. He is such a funny instructor and don’t even think about slacking during your session with David. Even though there may be four students in each class, he’s got eagle eyes on everybody’s form and will really push you to do your best. I always feel accomplished after each session, knowing that I tried my best.
I have taken many classes with Cheyenne and Kathleen over the years as well. Both fantastic instructors that are extremely knowledgable. The mix up the routine in each class so no class is ever the same. I was taking Pilates while pregnant and the instructors are all trained to help you modify your movements so that it’s safe. I have taken a few classes with Alexis and she’s super fun, energetic and gets you moving. All in all i have had a fabulous experience.
Best of all is that these instructors have all been at the studio for a while unlike a lot of studios on union street where there is huge turnover.

I have tried 3 different classes with David and I love it! He’s fun and really challenging. This studio is nothing like average pilates studios, they take you to a different level of your pilates practice. Looking forward for my next session.

I’m not a big Pilates fan and prefer to get my workouts in through weight training, HIIT and other heart pumping exercises. Following a recent shutdown of my favorite bootcamp, I ventured to see what else was out there in SF. After reading many positive reviews and its proximity to my place, I decided to take a machine hybrid class with David.
The space is gorgeous! Located in the lower level of the building, once you walk in, you’ll find yourself in a zen-​like environment with dimmed lights.
The Hybrid classes are a mix between the Reformer and Chair. I’ve never used the Chair before and found it more challenging than expected. It’s basically a box with one side that can be pressed down against the resistance of springs like a large pedal. Don’t underestimate this piece of equipment. The machine requires core engagement to control the springs. The exercises we did on the Chair focused on the core whereas the Reformer focused more on arms and legs.
Classes are limited to 6 people, allowing the instructor to give individualized attention. It’s almost like taking a private class for less money. David did an excellent job leading the class and paying particular attention to form. He made me work hard and I felt a little sore in my abs the next day.

You know. I’m a TRX and high intensity Bootcamp kinda girl. The only mat pilates I had taken before were slow… painfully…and never felt like I actually worked out. I tried a mat class with the welcome special and tried David’s class. Let me tell you… I’ve bought three more packages because I’m hooked. David makes you work muscles you didn’t know existed. I leave sweating and wake up feeling sore and accomplished. Plus, he’s throws in some humor which always helps when your muscles are shaking and you’re hating life. Try his class if you love a hard workout!

Some say abs are made in the kitchen. But I say they’re made at Mercury Fitness. I’m pretty sure I ate two cookies after mat pilates, and STILL saw abs the next morning. Their workouts are magical!
David is so fun, but you can’t go wrong with any of the instructors here. They will push your limits to the max! I can’t wait for the next workout.

Perfect place for the Pilates enthusiast!
This studio has all the Pilates equipment you need: reformers, chairs, towers, etc. The studio itself almost feels like a spa with the soft lighting, candles, and snacks (apples, almonds).
I have taken a few mat classes with Kathleen and several reformer or hybrid classes with David. Kathleen’s mat classes are good, but incorporate a lot of stretching and will usually not cause you to break a sweat. On the other hand, David’s classes are extremely challenging. Since I always like to challenge myself and break a sweat, I usually prefer his classes because he really pushes you to your limit and perfects your form. I would not recommend his classes if you are relatively new to Pilates or want a moderate workout. Even though David’s classes are tough (I have to mentally prepare myself beforehand), I always leave feeling amazing and knowing I gave it all I had.
My favorite thing about this studio: the small classes (mat classes usually have about 6 people and all the other classes only have 4 people max)!

I went to Mercury Fitness for the first time at 6:30 am today.
First, I am already sore but in a good way. My abs and my booty, both sore. And I go to a lot of pilates, yoga, bootcamp, cardio, etc. And this was a mat class… I should be embarrassed but the abs stuff especially — WHEW
Second, great studio. No showers which is fine, but their facility is really nice. Lots of pilates equipment.
Finally, my instructor was great. She was engaging as the classes are really small and she was incredibly friendly. She tailored the class to the students’ needs. Very awesome. And no music which is great because pilates doesn’t need music!
I’m gong back tomorrow.