Learn About Our Pilates Studio and What We Offer

About the Studio

Welcome to my fully equipped, private Pilates studio located in the Temescal District of Oakland, California. My studio is light, warm and welcoming, and the privacy allows me to focus on one client at a time in a nurturing and quiet space.

Each session is tailored to your individual needs. We will find the right balance of strength, balance and mobility that you need in order to leave each session feeling stronger and better in your body, and mind.

My mission is to help you become stronger and more connected to yourself and your body.

About Anya Taylor

Hi, I’m Anya.

I am a Pilates instructor, bodyworker, lover of movement, life coach and an active mom of two. I have been working with people and their bodies for over 20 years practicing in Oakland, California. I am here to help you to find balance in life, gain strength and help you connect with your innate wisdom.

I began my bodywork and movement career as a licensed massage therapist and Yoga instructor and shortly after I became a certified Pilates instructor.

I have taken many in depth courses in Pilates rehabilitation as well as Pelvic floor health, and I have training in various bodywork modalities including Orthopedic Massage and CranioSacral Therapy. I view the body as a “whole,” not in parts, seeing how everything is connected and how each part affects the another.

Since 2015 I have pursued different trainings in spiritual and life coach work, supporting women in life transitions, following their passions and living a fulfilled and balanced life.

I have been meditating for over 25 years and have attended many meditation and mindfulness retreats and courses throughout the years. I believe that the body, mind and soul are connected. When we nurture one aspect of ourselves, we nurture all other aspects as well.

I am a seeker at heart. I love new adventures and am continually striving to grow and learn, in life and in my work.

I hope to empower you through your body, movement, and self awareness. I am here to help you become stronger and more confident and connected to yourself and your body.

If you’re looking for support on your journey to finding yourself through the wisdom of your body and soul, you’re in the right place.

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the pull of what you love.”

~Rumi

Start with an Intro Consultation

My Story: How I Came to This Work

I came to this path as a result of my journey of connection — and disconnection — with myself, body and soul.

In my early 20’s, shortly after my father had passed away, I found movement as a way to cope with the grief I was feeling. I exercised constantly. I ran. I biked. I swam. I pushed myself.

And while physically it felt (mostly) good, it came at a cost. I was being extremely hard on myself, both physically and emotionally. Ultimately, I was using exercise as a way to run from my emotions and from myself. I was strong, but I wasn’t happy.

And then my explorations into spirituality began.

I began doing yoga and meditation, therapy, and various forms of spiritual work and healing methods. These helped me find more balance in my life.

Over time, movement and different types of bodywork and spirituality I was experimenting with became a source of strength and healing for me. I began to see and feel the wisdom of my body and spirit, and used them to access myself on a deeper level.

Experiencing the immense value of these methods, I committed myself to pursuing a career in helping others to discover their own body and soul’s wisdom.

(Disconnecting After) Motherhood

Despite all of my training and practice, after having my first child in 2008, I found it extremely challenging to balance work and life as a new mom, in addition to taking care of my own body, needs, and passions. I returned to being hard on myself. I constantly compared myself to other women and moms, felt unsuccessful, and was critical of my own ability to mother and find a work/life balance.

Women – especially mothers – tend to put their own needs aside and focus more on taking care of others.

I had never thought I would do this, but there I was.

I finally recognized I was suffering and that something needed to change. It became clear that what was missing was my deeper connection to myself and everything that fed me and kept me grounded: my body and my spiritual practice.

I had to reconnect with myself, in a kind and gentle way, and to find more balance. I reacquainted with my passions — my body, my work, movement, and spirituality.

Helping You Find Your Path of Reconnection

I would love to help you on your personal path of exploration of your body, mind and spirit.

After being reminded of the enormous wisdom that comes from both our body and soul, I’ve dedicated my work to helping you on your personal journey of reconnecting to yourself. Of course, this “reacquainting” is something that needs to happen time and time again throughout our lives.

I believe that when you integrate your body, mind, and spirit through movement – and stillness – true healing and growth happens.

This is my greatest desire for you. Please let me know how I can help.