I would like to strongly endorse a highly qualified Pilates instructor named Calleja Smiley. She was my trainer in the studio we belonged to in Marin County, California. The studio has great instructors, but Calleja was what I would describe as a couple of levels above. Yet, she was able to come down to the amateur level in explaining body position. She would drill down verbally to get my core engaged and have the absolute perfect position for the best results. I have always had a bad back; Calleja would suggest easier moves to help protect my back and still get a great workout. I highly recommend Calleja Smiley, for personal and class lessons.
~Mike M.
Calleja was my first Pilates instructor and my favorite. She did great work getting me familiar with the basics and improving my strength. A later instructor told me she could always tell a Calleja student because they know their breathing and are good at knowing their body positions. In addition I appreciated the way Calleja took my injuries into account and especially helped me with my plantar fasciitis by working on my hamstring flexibility. She was always patient and encouraging while also keeping things challenging.
~Pam C.
I worked with Calleja to build strength to address a back problem, arthritic knee and ankle injuries from an accident. I was new to Pilates, but felt very comfortable due to her patience and clear instructions. She listens! I definitely became stronger and was happy with the progress I made.
~Karen N.
Calleja was great at modifying and adapting to my needs/abilities! I had graduated from physical therapy but couldn’t keep up in a ‘regular’ class – she was able to help me both enjoy and benefit from the Pilates experience. I also appreciated her supportive approach (not one of those intense/intimidating instructors).
~Norma D.
I valued Calleja’s classes so greatly that I eagerly came to 2 classes per day 6 or 7 days a week. She applies her vast knowledge of kinesiology & physiology for her students’ benefit. Calleja prescribed movements to strengthen physical weaknesses that PTs & doctors did not recognize or treat.
She made kind, gentle, non-judgmental suggestions & corrections to refine my technique.
Calleja encouraged & inspired me to work hard to get stronger & become more capable!
~Fredda K.
I took private Pilates lessons from Calleja for almost three years.. and would have happily continued “forever,” absent her move to the East Coast! What I especially appreciate about Calleja’s sessions are the following:
She keeps it “fresh;” each lesson is different, and she’s able to adapt to whatever is feeling tight, or out of sorts. Her new approach to each session keeps me motivated – during the session, and afterwards. She is sensitive to my body’s strengths and limitations.
Because of her strong dance background, coupled with lots of Pilates training, she really hones in on proper alignment and form. You find muscles deep down in your core that you never, ever knew you had! In addition, because of her understanding of anatomy and musculature, she’s able to fine-tune my alignment to improve my performance, and explain to me the reason why.
And last but certainly not least, she’s engaging and fun to be around!
~Carole G.
I love Calleja’s classes! She makes everyone feel at ease and does a great job ensuring form is correct so we get the most from each session. They’re a great mix; every workout is a little different then the last, never boring or predictable. And every muscle group gets a great workout. Seriously, it is great how she offers variations of each move. Practically anyone can enjoy a great workout at an intensity that is right for them.
~Caroleigh F.
I loved Calleja’s kind, friendly, encouraging manner the most! She made Pilates accessible to all ages and body types. I’m impressed that the classes appealed to both my daughter (18 yo) and myself (49 yo). She had high expectations of her students and there was little down time during the class-I appreciated that!
Each class was different…her repertoire of exercises (and more) is nothing short of amazing! She carefully explained and cued new combinations and I learned the importance of proper form.
After having lower back surgery five years ago, I’ve been cautious about any sort of exercise. My core strength improved tremendously during my classes with Calleja…I’m able to move much more confidently and feel my lower back is in the best shape it’s ever been. My stamina has increased…I can do more and more of each class! (I actually feel Calleja’s Pilates classes helped me MORE than the two rounds of physical therapy I’ve completed)
While my overall health has improved under Calleja’s instruction, I can tell a huge difference in my upper body/arm strength. The combination of work with weights and bands was just what I needed to feel stronger!
Calleja is a talented teacher with a true gift for helping people’s health and overall well-being improve!
~Christine C.
It was a pleasure having the opportunity to be in Calleja’s classes the past few months. Her patient assistance explaining how to engage specific muscles when I was struggling to keep form and suggesting modifications when needed helped to allay frustration. I very much appreciated the clear instructions Calleja gave and the pace she set made for enjoyable classes that were both challenging and fulfilling. Each class was interesting as new moves built on those previously used and results were clearly manifested in increased strength, stamina and energy levels. Other facets of Calleja’s instruction that are very much appreciated include her calm demeanor and ability to set a positive, encouraging tone for the class, selecting music that had a helpful tempo but was not overpowering, speaking audibly without intimidating, as well as building confidence and enthusiasm in her pupils. This truly shows more than just technical proficiency, teaching is an art in which Calleja excels and her instruction will be very much missed!
~Beth V.
Pilates with calleja 