The Pilates based method of training is designed to support the whole body in an efficient and balanced way. This focus enables you to get in touch with the most effective ways of being in the body.

Development of the core muscles of the trunk (such as abdominals, pelvic and back muscles), improves strength, stability, and posture, and allows for graceful and easeful movement.

Movement is focused, deliberate, and specifically designed, with each session requiring a concentrated and open mind. Through repetition, one glides through exercises making very challenging moves look and feel effortless. With the guidance of a trainer, one allows the body to move in a natural and unified way, creating more efficiency whether participating in a sporting event, work activities, or general daily living.

At Simply Balanced, we incorporate the pilates based exercises with other methods such as yoga, rehabilitation, and massage release techniques. This provides for an invigorating and rewarding workout.




Joseph Pilates brought his revolutionary method of physical and mental conditioning from Germany to New York in the early 1920’s. Initially, he worked with many of the great dancers of that era. The exercises originally developed by Pilates are now integrated with recent advances in the fitness field.

The exercises are performed on specialized pilates equipment and on mats to enhance the movements in a variety of positions.




"I feel like I have a support team that has really helped my through one of the most difficult times of my life. I feel more in tune with my body and stronger. When I do have flare ups, I can come here and somebody will put their magical hands on me and make me feel better. Every person here has the same warm sensibility and knows how to reach out to everybody...I am a part of the family." M.S.

"Pilates is deeply intelligent work, sensitively and impeccably transmitted by the lovely instructors at simply balanced." J.C.

"Pilates has been a lifesaver for me. Several years ago I had an injury to my back which I never quite recovered from. Just a few Pilates sessions and I'm feeling better than I have in years. My back is getting stronger every day. I'm much more productive and I handle stress better too." K.M.

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Whitney Archer
Whitney Marie Archer is a southern California native and has practiced dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and horseback riding most of her life.  She is a Holistic Health Practitioner and completed her Pilates Certification through Body Arts and Sciences International as well as receiving her pre- and post-natal certification with The Center for Women’s Fitness. Whitney has a background in anatomy, bodywork, therapeutic movement, BodyMind psychology, and spa techniques. She brings her love of life and movement to every session integrating the importance of correct alignment and mechanics with deep body connection and awareness.

Angela Bausch
Angela comes from a background in contemporary dance and somatic movement therapy.  She combines her love of teaching with her passion for movement to support and inspire her clients to feel more at ease throughout their bodies.  She loves working with children of all physical abilities that want to improve their balance, coordination and confidence.  Her fun, non-judgmental approach creates an atmosphere that supports learning.

Kate Borden
Kate landed a seat on a Pilates reformer nearly six years ago, after having reconstructive surgery on her knee. Its rehabilitative success made her a pilates convert. It not only targeted her injury, but addressed patterns of movement through the whole body. She has trained with the classical method through The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. Kate's teaching is a blend of form, function, and freedom; always looking to the whole body to create a sound, uniformly developed structure.

Aura Fischbeck
Aura Fischbeck is a certified Pilates Instructor from the Pilates Center in Boulder, CO, and has been teaching the Pilates Method since 2003.  Her interest in Pilates as an exercise, rehabilitation, and integration technique evolved out of her background as a dancer, and continues to be informed by and inform her dance training. She aims to meet each individual client where they are in their fitness or skill level with an appropriate and custom designed workout.  Her emphasis is on breathing, proper alignment and healthful technique, along with relaxation, having fun, and feeling great!

Amy Hayden
Amy was introduced to the work of Joseph and Clara Pilates by a group of Colorado high school teachers she worked with in 1999.  Many years of weekly practice and two careers later, she was trained to teach Pilates at the Kane School in Chelsea and has been teaching since 2007.  Amy is adept at using equal parts purpose, humor and precision to help her students navigate their own path toward improvement.

Susan Himes-Powers
Susan is a professional actor and singer who came to Pilates because of her interest in posture and alignment.  She has been teaching Pilates since 1999. She is also a certified massage therapist and incorporates bodywork into sessions when appropriate.  She was trained at the Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado, and works with both rehab and fitness clients. She likes to challenge clients to discover their full potential through release, relaxation and strengthening. Susan is currently studying the Franklin Method and is a Franklin Method Educator, Level 2.

Leni Manijeh Mostaghim
Leni's healing and bodywork practice is based in the techniques of CranialSacral Therapy and Injury and Trauma Resolution. Using the body as a guide, her work allows the innate intelligence of the body to come into greater alignment with a sense of ease and fluidity. She incorporates into her work the resources acquired from 9 years as a private pilates instructor as well as from her devoted practice of anusara yoga. Leni brings calm wisdom, deep intuition, and a sense of humor to every session.

Susanne Staehr
Susanne arrived in San Francisco in 2004 after three years of co-owning and operating her own studio in Jackson Hole, WY.  She is a Certified Pilates Instructor trained at the highly-regarded Pilates Center of Boulder, CO and has been teaching the method since 2000. Susanne studies yoga and nutrition to integrate full body wellness into her teaching. Through dance and yoga, she has been a student of movement for over twenty years.  Her keen and specific eye, coupled with the ability to articulate what she sees, guides her clients to new levels of strength, flexibility and body awareness.  She works with a wide range of clients from the compromised or injured to conditioned athletes and elite performers.  She is currently in The Master's Program of The Pilates Center, a three-year continuing education program designed for Pilates Professionals.

Erin Sullivan
Erin is a leader in dance education who has served as a dance specialist and teaching artist for more than six years in New York City.  Erin was drawn to Pilates while studying dance and pursued her certification at The Kane School of Core Integration (NYC).  Upon her arrival to the Bay Area in the fall of 2008, Erin has been happily exploring the Pilates and dance communities.  She loves working with her clients in movement rehabilitation and health and finds joy in watching them grow in strength and flexibility.  Erin also teaches with Luna Kids Dance in Berkeley.

Wendy Taubler
Wendy Taubler is a certified Pilates teacher with over five years experience and another ten years as a practitioner of the Pilates method. She trained in Boulder, Colorado and has continued her education with various workshops and clinics. Wendy's background in sports (volleyball) and traditional strength training programs adds another dimension to her teaching style. Wendy loves to bring clients up through the different levels of the Pilates exercises and enjoys helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. She has experience working with a variety of ages, fitness levels, pregnancy (pre/post), and rehabilitation needs.