What our clients say

I could not write nicer things about Shannon and Urban Body San Jose. I started seeing her last summer as a referral from a friend due to back pain. My neck was constantly adjusting/ weak and my back/shoulders were very tight. Shannon introduced me to the world of Gyrotonic. After 5 classes I noticed a very distinct change in my mobility and flexibility. After 10 classes I could tell I was getting stronger. I took a break from classes for a few months, but am back in. I started taking her Classical Pilates courses as well. I can tell that the pain is subsiding once again, and I am getting stronger.

There are often many places where we can choose to workout- but the most important element is the relationship that you have with the company and person. Urban Body and Shannon have always treated me so well. I like to think that I have made a wonderful friend who is just as invested in my well-being- body, mind and soul, as I am.

Catherine W.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

I just love Urban Body. It's a beautiful Studio that offers serious instruction in Pilates and Gyrotonic. The instructors are highly trained in the classical methods and are very committed to their craft. I have found enormous benefits to my health and well being in a very short period of time. Urban Body is a very supportive environment and I am happy to highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent Studio.

Marie M.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

I have been to Urban Body San Jose four times. It's my first time to try any Pilates studio and I can't recommend more about Shannon's studio. Shannon was very friendly and helpful, and she changed my opinion that Pilates is mostly for women. The workout is tough for me even though I already work out more than 4 times a week! Also as a ballroom dance practitioner, Pilates helped me a lot to know my body better, use proper breathing technique, focus on core strength and lower back alignment. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to try Pilates for the first time, like me!

Jingjie Z.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

Urban Body as good as it gets when it comes to a Pilates outlet. As a ballroom dancer, Shannon was able to educate me on the various types of workouts, what muscles are activated, and how it can translate into my personal dancing. All of the staff are extremely friendly and despite never taking Pilates before, they were able to make me get the most out of the sessions. The location is great with lots of windows to absorb the sun, plenty of residential parking close by. The Interior is nice and intimate which is great for the type of classes they offer and the amount of attention you get. Whether it is a private one-on-one or a small group class of 5, if you are looking for a Pilates studio, to get in shape, or just learn more about your body, Urban Body is the place to be!

Timothy K.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

The best guided workout experience I've had. This was recommended by my chiropractor and it has improved tremendously my awareness and helped stabilize my back/neck issues in conjunction with chiropractic treatments. I was a total beginner and I'm now doing Pilates and Gyrotonic 3 times a week and I LOVE IT.
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Shannon runs a fantastic team of experienced trainers that are dedicated in understanding your body and tailoring the workout to help you reach your personal goals. The care they put in the sessions is incredible, it creates a high level of trust with the teacher, you don't find this everywhere.
Finally the new studio is amazing, the location is convenient, it's sunny, and energizing. The equipment is state of the art and a pleasure to use. The whole place is extremely clean.

THE BEST...

Solene C.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

The instructors are amazing! They are highly knowledgeable and know how to push you and at the same time respect your abilities.
I highly recommend them for anyone looking to get started with Pilates or Gyrotonic.

Kevin R.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

My daughter has been training at Urban Body and she really loves it. The location on the Alameda in San Jose is super convenient, especially for anyone living downtown. It is the only Gyrotonic® location in the South Bay that she has found. There's tons of free street parking. She's enjoys working with both instructors, Shannon and Sarah. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their guided instruction. They were both accomplished professional ballet dancers in San Jose, and both teachers are caring, energetic and the instruction is top notch. The studio is in an updated Victorian building with huge windows so there's lots and lots of natural light. They teach both Pilates and Gyrotonic®. My daughter also says the prices are the best in the Bay area.

Steve L.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.

This Classical Pilates and Gyrotonic® studio is the best! I've been coming for weekly Pilates sessions for over two years, initially for small group classes and now for individual training. The studio is very attractive, neat and spotlessly clean. There is the complete range of Pilates equipment maintained in excellent condition. Parking is very convenient on a side street within a block of the studio. The best part is the quality of the instructors: all are welcoming, friendly and very well trained.

I work primarily with Maria and, under her guidance, my strength, balance, posture, ability to move well and body awareness have all improved. She is patient in guiding me through the exercises, working especially on areas that need improvement but also challenging me with more advanced movements as appropriate. The sessions are well structured, varied from week to week, and consider how I'm feeling that day, what I want to work on, as well as my long term goals.

From time to time I have worked with other instructors, and while Maria is my favorite, they are all excellent and I have learned from each of them.

Mila M.

Sarah Eriksen came to Urban Body San Jose after a decade-long journey as a dancer with the former Ballet San Jose, where she enjoyed a professional dance career. Favorite roles with the company include: Stomper Girl in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room and Demi Soloist in George Balanchine's Serenade and Theme and Variations.

Mrs. Eriksen received her ballet training from Santa Cruz Ballet Theater and Ballet San Jose School. She is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor and teaches ballet at The New Ballet School in downtown San Jose and guest teaches at respected academies throughout the Bay Area.

Having used the GYROTONIC® method herself since 2011 with trainer Catharine Grow, Mrs. Eriksen earned her GYROTONIC® certification in 2014 so she could share her knowledge with dancers and non-dancers alike. Mrs. Eriksen, a proud San Jose native, teaches The GYROTINIC® Method to inspire greater knowledge of the body at Urban Body San Jose. She is also certified to teach GYROTONIC® as a Musical Journey, which is the musical portion of the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. She and her husband live in Santa Clara Valley’s south county region and enjoy spending quality time with their growing family.

Christine fell in love with the GYROTONIC Expansion System® after being introduced to it while studying as a dance major at Florida State University’s School of Dance. From practicing Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods as a supplement to dance training, she noticed improved strength and increased fluidity in movement from the many three dimensional movements and breathing patterns. It quickly became a fundamental tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation that supported her dance training. Her experience in dance includes performances in classical, contemporary ballet, and modern repertoire with The Tallahassee Ballet, World Ballet Inc., Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive.

After receiving an MSc in Dance Science, Christine continues to concentrate her expertise on teaching movement using the Gyrotonic method and dance science research. She has presented research at the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Conference and continues to investigate ways to understand and enhance methods for dance injury prevention and performance enhancement. While teaching the Gyrotonic method she customizes programs to best fit clients’ needs and includes assessments to track progress. She specializes with artist athletes on strength and conditioning methods as well as rehabilitation. At the heart of her teaching, Christine focuses on using different techniques to help clients discover their greatest movement potential and become empowered by it.