Blue Sparrow Pilates' name came out of the idea that the sparrow is a symbol of freedom, happiness, integrity, and revitalization, all characteristics that we aspire to bring out of our clients. The sparrow or the "blue birds of happiness", is also known for traveling great distances, always returning home.
At Blue Sparrow Pilates we bring clients back "home" to a more balanced relationship with their bodies. Originally from Michigan, founder Holly Furgason was charmed by North Beach's rich history: Formerly known as the Barbary Coast, famous for dance halls and jazz clubs during the California Gold Rush of 1849, and later for being the west coast epicenter for the beatnik culture of the 1940's.
At Blue Sparrow Pilates we bring clients back "home" to a more balanced relationship with their bodies. Originally from Michigan, founder Holly Furgason was charmed by North Beach's rich history: Formerly known as the Barbary Coast, famous for dance halls and jazz clubs during the California Gold Rush of 1849, and later for being the west coast epicenter for the beatnik culture of the 1940's.
Services
Master instructor Holly Furgason will guide you through Pilates core building exercises to build a strong foundation of fitness. Focus on deep postural muscles, build strength from the inside out, and develop core stability to bring the body back into balance. We've recorded some of our favorite workouts for Mat or Reformer.
We train everyone from athletes to those suffering from injuries and chronic pain to those who want to age gracefully. Our clients improve core strength, flexibility, posture, and release tension, all while toning the entire body. We teach a contemporary approach to the original method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates.
Fit Pregnancy is a prenatal & postpartum Pilates program for each phase of pregnancy. Designed by experts and based in science to keep you healthy and fit. The right program is built for you from the ground up, with exercises that offer optimum benefits for you, your baby, and your future body that follows the recommendations for pregnancy exercise set by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Reviews (21)
Lowell Anderson
Feb 05, 2020
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Martina
Aug 07, 2019
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I've been to Blue Sparrow Pilates for Teacher Training courses and also as a client attending their classes and have to say that they are absolutely amazing. The teachers go through one of the best Pilates trainings in the world and you can tell immediately that they are incredibly knowledgable, on top of that super friendly and motivating.
There are so many places to do Pilates in SF but Blue Sparrow is really a gem among other boutique fitness studios and I can't recommend it enough.
There are so many places to do Pilates in SF but Blue Sparrow is really a gem among other boutique fitness studios and I can't recommend it enough.
Tina C.
Oct 31, 2017
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This is my regular spot for Pilates. I've learned so much from taking the small group classes there! Holly, the owner has regular Monday classes and she is amazing. Her instructions are clear and spot on, and her classes are run so tightly that you achieve an unbelievable workout, which is pretty incredible after one hour.
Alyssa S.
Jun 03, 2017
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Great studio. Friendly staff and great instructors with a strong knowledge in Pilates form, movement and routines. The instructors are approachable if you have any injuries and they usually check in with everyone prior to the workout about any injuries or if clients have preferences on what they want to focus on for the class. Parking is free in their lot. I love the jumpboard cardio class!
Charlie F.
Dec 06, 2016
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Blue Sparrow offers a wide schedule of high-quality classes taught by fantastic instructors at a great value in a beautiful space. What more could you ask for of a Pilates studio?
I have been going five or six times a week for about a month now. Already, I see and feel my body changing for the better. My core is stronger, I look taller, and I feel more flexible. What I love about Pilates is that the exercises feel good. Your muscles burn, but you don't feel any uncomfortable straining, crunching, or pulling. The point of Pilates is to condition your body not to wear it out. A friend of mine
I have been going five or six times a week for about a month now. Already, I see and feel my body changing for the better. My core is stronger, I look taller, and I feel more flexible. What I love about Pilates is that the exercises feel good. Your muscles burn, but you don't feel any uncomfortable straining, crunching, or pulling. The point of Pilates is to condition your body not to wear it out. A friend of mine
Charlie M.
Sep 18, 2016
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I still love this place with a passion, but just wanted to give an updated review. They recently changed the layout of the equipment in the studio, which has made it harder to see and hear the instructor during class. Also, some of the machines are now too close to the wall, so your arm will hit the wall when doing extension movements. I really hope they consider moving things back to the old layout.
On the positive side, they now have a Sunday class! More of these please! :) I also with they would add an earlier class on Monday morning that I could make before I go to work.
Overall though
On the positive side, they now have a Sunday class! More of these please! :) I also with they would add an earlier class on Monday morning that I could make before I go to work.
Overall though
Louise D.
Aug 23, 2016
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Regan R.
Aug 08, 2016
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After all the good things I have heard about Pilates, I cannot believe I made it this far in life before signing up for a class. I am so glad I was introduced to Holly and Blue Sparrow. Everyone I speak to raves about both and after a few short months, I am really reaping the benefits. Bye bye lower back pain. Hello strong core and improved posture.
I was introduced to Holly, the owner, by one of her clients earlier this year while still sporting "a boot" after a bad ankle sprain. She took the time to talk me through the workout in light of my injury, and encouraged me that I was ready
I was introduced to Holly, the owner, by one of her clients earlier this year while still sporting "a boot" after a bad ankle sprain. She took the time to talk me through the workout in light of my injury, and encouraged me that I was ready
Amie P.
Jul 29, 2016
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I was a client in Blue Sparrow Pilates for years then moved to the East Bay and rarely went into the city so was SO HAPPY when BSP opened a location in Temescal. The studio is beautiful, its easy to park and more and more classes are being added to the schedule. I love it!
The quality of the instruction is second to none. All of the instructors are Stott Pilates certified which is truly the best certification out there. I like to be pushed but also understand when its beneficial to have exercises that don't make you 'sweat' but are really working those deep stabilizing muscles
The quality of the instruction is second to none. All of the instructors are Stott Pilates certified which is truly the best certification out there. I like to be pushed but also understand when its beneficial to have exercises that don't make you 'sweat' but are really working those deep stabilizing muscles
Genevieve G.
Jul 28, 2016
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For most of my life, I have found most forms of physical fitness to be painfully boring. At least physical fitness that involves going to a gym and/or using a machine. Jogging is the worst. Weight machines are also the worst. I also find the smell of gyms, a musty blend of rubber, sweat and maybe cleaning fluid, to be repellant. I've usually gotten my exercise by hiking in the woods or at yoga. However, after turning 35 last year, and suffering the effects of a terrible job that involved a lot of stress-fueled hunching over a desk, I decided to give Pilates a try.
As it turns out, PILATES
As it turns out, PILATES
Schnitza F.
Jul 26, 2016
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I hate exercise and I didn't really even know what pilates is until a friend demanded that I go to one of Holly's classes. She is so charming, knowledgable, down-to-earth and considerate that I actually enjoyed the class!! Which never happens. Afterwards -- and for days after -- I felt empowered and energized but not sore, which is as far as I know the holy grail of workouts.
Even though I was clearly lagging behind the rest of the class, Holly was encouraging but not in a way that singled me out or made me feel embarrassed. She even talked to me about a problem I've had with my
Even though I was clearly lagging behind the rest of the class, Holly was encouraging but not in a way that singled me out or made me feel embarrassed. She even talked to me about a problem I've had with my
Jeanine I.
Jul 25, 2016
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Love this studio and all of the instructors who teach here!! Blue Sparrow has made me fall in love with Pilates and working out!! I feel so much stronger and actually look forward to my workouts, hard but so fun!! I've gotten a bunch of my friends into it as well and they all rave about Blue Sparrow too!!
Grace L.
Apr 21, 2016
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I've been going to classes @ Blue Sparrow for a little over a year now and it's made a huge difference in my general health. I'm stronger, sleep better, and my back hasn't gone out in a whole year! I have the instructors @ the studio to thank for it.
Over the last year, I've become addicted to Pilates and every time I travel, I've gone to different studios. Malibu, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Upstate New York, San Luis Obispo....
The instructors are great and they really care about your well being.
Over the last year, I've become addicted to Pilates and every time I travel, I've gone to different studios. Malibu, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Upstate New York, San Luis Obispo....
The instructors are great and they really care about your well being.
Rosalia L.
Apr 05, 2016
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I love this place! They do Stott Pilates so it is anatomy based and really safe. I do the monthly pass and have taken with many different instructors and I like them all! They have a wide variety of class times and since I work in the afternoons and evenings, I am usually able to make at least 3 mornings a week work in my schedule. I have only tried the Fit classes, but they are really awesome and even though there are different levels, the instructors really cater to everyone's needs and ability. I really love the small class sizes, at most there will be 7 people and I feel like I get a good
Emma Y.
Mar 24, 2016
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I went here twice, the first time I took FIT, but it was so easy I almost fell asleep on my mat, So I wanted to give it another chance and took PRO, Again, SO easy, weirdly easy. I like to at least break a sweat during a class, but I think I got sweatier walking into the studio from my car. Bummer, I so wanted to love this place since it is so cute inside, and so close to my house.
Cynthia C.
Mar 13, 2016
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Beautiful studio and good selection of grippy socks.
Compliments end there.
New clients are afforded a rate of $20 for their first class. I sprung on this deal, reformer classes are typically upwards of $30.
After reading the descriptions of the classes available online, students with injuries are dissuaded into signing up for any pro or pro plus class, so I opted for the fit.
There were not many timeslots available and ended up with one that was within a realistic hour I would actually wake up for.
I was still late, blame it on the traffic, rain, my horrible walking and parking
Compliments end there.
New clients are afforded a rate of $20 for their first class. I sprung on this deal, reformer classes are typically upwards of $30.
After reading the descriptions of the classes available online, students with injuries are dissuaded into signing up for any pro or pro plus class, so I opted for the fit.
There were not many timeslots available and ended up with one that was within a realistic hour I would actually wake up for.
I was still late, blame it on the traffic, rain, my horrible walking and parking
Kristen B.
Oct 22, 2015
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I found this gem of a studio through Classpass and I have had nothing short of an amazing experience. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable in regard to good body mechanics and reinforce solid form during the movements, which for anyone who has ever dealt with a sports/workout injury is pure gold. Knowing your instructor is there to build your fitness while also protecting your body is what puts this studio ahead of many other Pilates studios. Erica is friendly and helpful to even the most newbie of Pilates students and the atmosphere is one where you won't feel intimidated, no matter
Linda Grigorik
Aug 27, 2015
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I've been to this studio for 2 years and just absolutely love holly and all the instructors! They are all very knowledgable and would give every individual the absolute attention they require! If you just started with Pilates and want to learn to do it right, then start with blue sparrow, you will love it and get the most out of your workout!
Miriam W.
Apr 10, 2015
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I'm glad that Blue Sparrow decided to cross the bridge and open up their second outpost in Temescal. They definitely get points from me for proximity and parking (you can easily cruise into a free spot if you take a 07:00AM class)!
I've taken two of Emily's Barre Fit classes and really enjoyed both. She uses a variety of props in this class that keep things interesting: ankle bands, hand weights, balls and of course, the barre itself! I like the combination of dance, cardio and strength training. Whilst I sometimes have a harder time picking up certain bits in Bar Method and Dailey
I've taken two of Emily's Barre Fit classes and really enjoyed both. She uses a variety of props in this class that keep things interesting: ankle bands, hand weights, balls and of course, the barre itself! I like the combination of dance, cardio and strength training. Whilst I sometimes have a harder time picking up certain bits in Bar Method and Dailey
Jocelyn L.
Mar 18, 2015
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Blue Sparrow Pilates rocks!
Holly Furgason, the famed STOTTS pilates instructor and owner of Blue Sparrow in north beach, San Francisco recently opened this brand spanking new studio in Temascal and it's great!
The studio is spacious, has the newest STOTTS reformers, TRX bands and a huge area for barre classes. Holly, Emily and Erica are seasoned instructors who will make sure you get a great workout in any of the classes or private sessions. There's even a separate room equipped for private classes.
The studio is located in a busy and popular strip mall with lots of parking, even
Holly Furgason, the famed STOTTS pilates instructor and owner of Blue Sparrow in north beach, San Francisco recently opened this brand spanking new studio in Temascal and it's great!
The studio is spacious, has the newest STOTTS reformers, TRX bands and a huge area for barre classes. Holly, Emily and Erica are seasoned instructors who will make sure you get a great workout in any of the classes or private sessions. There's even a separate room equipped for private classes.
The studio is located in a busy and popular strip mall with lots of parking, even
Jeff Sims
Jan 03, 2014
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