Transforming How You Move — and How You Live — Through Classical Pilates

At KO Pilates, our mission is to help you build a healthier, stronger lifestyle outside of the studio. Through the Classical Pilates method, we teach you how to move with clarity, confidence, and control so the benefits you gain here support you in everything you do beyond our doors.

We believe that when you learn to move well in the studio, you live well outside of it. Every session is designed to give you the tools, awareness, and strength that elevate your daily life — from how you stand and breathe to how you work, play, and care for your body long‑term.

Studio Overview

Classical Pilates Studio

We specialize exclusively in Classical Pilates — the original method developed by Joseph Pilates. Our work helps clients build strength, improve flexibility, reduce pain, and develop healthier movement patterns that support them far beyond the studio.

Enhancing Lives at Every Age

The Classical system is designed for every body. Regardless of age, experience, or physical challenges, Pilates offers a pathway to better posture, improved mobility, and long‑term well‑being.

Value for Your Time and Investment

Your time matters. We provide personalized instruction, thoughtful corrections, and a clear progression tailored to your goals — ensuring you receive the highest value from every session.

High‑Quality, Ongoing Training

Our instructors are committed to lifelong learning. Through workshops, mentorship, and continuing education, we uphold the highest standards of Classical Pilates instruction.

A Unique Offering in the Central Valley

KO Pilates is the only fully Classical Pilates studio in the Central Valley and a proud Contrology Authorized Demo Center, reflecting our dedication to preserving the integrity of Joseph Pilates’ original method.

Classical Pilates handles

Getting Started

Intro Pack Special

New clients begin with our Intro Pack Special of three Private Sessions. These sessions introduce you to the Classical system, help you learn the basics, and allow us to assess your movement patterns and needs.

Your Next Step

After completing the Intro Pack, clients may continue with Private Sessions or transition into one of our classes, which prepares you for more independent work.

Open Studio Sessions

Open Studio offers a unique blend of independence and support. Clients may arrive during designated times and work at their own pace while receiving hands‑on guidance, corrections, and new exercises from our instructors. This format reflects the grassroots way Joseph Pilates originally ran his studio.

Private Sessions

We offer single‑session and package options for one‑on‑one training. Duet and trio sessions are also available for friends who want to train together.

  • Why Classical Pilates

    Joseph Pilates envisioned a holistic approach to fitness—one that harmonizes physical strength, mental clairty, and spiritual well-being.

    At KO Pilates, we honor his legacy by offering true Classical Pilates instruction teaching authentic tenchniques, emphasizing precision, control, and alignment.

    We believe that movement is more than physical—it’s an opportunity to connect and work your entire body, including the mind, to help you build strength from the inside out.

  • Central Valley’s Only True Classical Pilates Studio

    KO Pilates proudly stands as the Central Valley’s home for Classical Pilates. Our commitment to tradition ensures that you experience the essence of Joseph Pilates’ vision.

    Approved Truemed vendor to use your HSA/FSA funds. Click here to complete the survey for approval.

    Approved Vendor with Yosemite Valley Charter School and Monarch River Academy.

    Approved Demo Center for Contrology equipment. Click here to receive your 5% discount.

  • Flexible Training Options

    Whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual training, we’ve got you covered. Join us at the studio or participate from the comfort of your home—either way, you’ll receive personalized attention and expert guidance.

Join our community

Discover the transformative power of Classical Pilates. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, KO Pilates welcomes you.

Karin teaching and supporting a male client on the Classical Pilates reformer, demonstrating proper alignment and controlled movement.
Karin teaching and supporting a male client on the Classical Pilates Wunda Chair with the Teaser.

Meet our Teachers

At KO Pilates, our instructors share a deep commitment to the Classical Pilates method and to empowering clients through intentional movement, personalized guidance, and a supportive studio environment. Our mission is to provide each client with the highest quality Pilates training so they can move better, feel stronger, and live healthier, more capable lives outside the studio. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, building strength and flexibility, or embracing a healthier lifestyle, we meet every client exactly where they are.

Karin Oliver — Founder & Lead Instructor

Karin, a certified Classical Pilates teacher, has been immersed in Pilates since 2014. She discovered the method after a car accident left her with a neck injury and high‑impact exercise was no longer an option. Pilates offered a full‑body workout that supported her spine, improved her posture, and helped her feel better after every session — a transformation that inspired her to pursue teaching.

Her passion for the work led her to comprehensive Classical training, becoming a third‑generation teacher with lineage tracing back to Joseph Pilates through Jay Grimes. With thousands of hours of education and ongoing study, Karin continues to refine her craft and honor the integrity of the Classical method.

As the owner of the only true Classical Pilates studio in the Central Valley, her mission is to empower clients with the highest quality Pilates training so they can move better, feel stronger, and live healthier, more capable lives outside the studio.

Kayla — Certified Classical Pilates Teacher

Kayla is a Certified Classical Pilates Teacher, wife, and mom of three whose work is rooted in faith, compassion, and a desire to help others feel strong and supported. Pilates has been transformative in her own life, and she brings that lived experience into every session — guiding clients to build strength, confidence, and balance from the inside out.

She teaches with warmth and clarity, creating a space where clients feel seen and empowered. Outside the studio, Kayla loves exploring the outdoors with her family and volunteers with Al‑Anon, supporting families impacted by addiction. She is honored to share the Classical method and help clients discover how Pilates can support a more grounded, healthy life.

Join us at KO Pilates and experience the transformative power of Classical Pilates under expert guidance!

Karin Oliver, the teacher and studio owner, known for her warm, confident presence and dedication to Classical Pilates.

At KO Pilates, we’re more than just a studio—we’re a community committed to the Classical Pilates system.

We provide hands‑on, individualized instruction so every student receives the attention they need to progress safely and confidently. Here’s what sets us apart:

Fully Equipped Studio: Our space is outfitted with Classical mats, Reformers, Cadillacs, Wunda Chairs, Barrels, and more. The studio reflects the spirit of Joseph Pilates’ original New York space, offering an authentic experience rooted in the full Classical system.

Approved Vendor for Charter Schools: We proudly partner with Yosemite Valley Charter School and Monarch River Academy, supporting students ages 13–18 with high‑quality Classical Pilates instruction.

Private Sessions: Work one‑on‑one with Karin or Kayla for deeply personalized instruction. Whether in‑studio or virtual, these sessions are tailored to your goals, your body, and your movement patterns. Sessions are typically 55 minutes, with 30‑minute options available.

Essentials Class: Our small‑group Essentials Class teaches the foundational Classical Pilates exercises on all major apparatus. It’s the ideal next step after your Initial Assessment or Intro Package, helping you build strength, alignment, and confidence before progressing to Open Studio.

Open Studio Sessions:  Open Studio reflects the grassroots way Joseph Pilates operated his original studio — clients working independently under the guidance of a trained teacher. You’ll move at your own pace, make individual connections in your body, and deepen your understanding of the system. Arrive anytime during the Open Studio block, stay as long as you’d like, and join us in person or virtually.

Pilates for Active Aging:  A supportive, small‑group class designed for adults 55+. Improve balance, strength, posture, and mobility through gentle, effective Classical Pilates progressions that help you stay active and confident in daily life.

Continuing Education for Teachers:  Support your growth as a Classical Pilates teacher through private mentorship and focused workshops. Deepen your understanding of the method, refine your teaching, and stay connected to the Classical lineage. Contact the studio to schedule.

Karin demonstrating the Swan exercise on the Cadillac, showing lifted extension, lengthened spine, and controlled Classical Pilates technique.

Classical Pilates, originally known as Contrology, was first developed by Joseph Pilates to train boxers in strength, precision, and unwavering control. What began as a method for fighters quickly revealed its universal power — a system that supports bodies of all ages and genders with intelligence, efficiency, and grace.

Contrology isn’t merely a fitness regimen — it’s a skill set. Each session leaves you feeling energized, aligned, and deeply connected to your body. Unlike yoga or typical gym workouts, Contrology is a complete system of more than 500 specialized exercises, supported by Joseph Pilates’ ingenious apparatus. This combination creates a unique experience that strengthens, stretches, and organizes the body from the inside out.

As your spine becomes more flexible and your alignment improves, you’ll notice changes that feel both profound and practical. Contrology builds strength and mobility while nurturing your joints, offering a truly holistic approach to well‑being — one that enhances not only how you move in the studio, but how you move through your life.

 Policies

    • Private sessions are charged when the appointment is made. If a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the appointment time, full charges for the session are non-refundable.

    • Once your membership package is charged for the week, this fee is non-refundable so please be aware of your schedule and change your membership prior to your weekly membership renewal day of the week.

    • You may change the type of membership for the upcoming week in your account online at kopilates.com or by contacting me.

    • The membership can be paused for your scheduled vacations but again, please make the changes prior to your weekly membership charge renewal day.

    • You can cancel your membership at any time. There are no refunds if you cancel during a week that you have paid for. To avoid this, please contact me before your membership renews.

    • I will close 30 minutes prior to the end of the block of time if no one is present. What this means is that you need to arrive at the studio in person or log in virtually before the last half hour of each time block to get your workout in.

    • The membership will be paused for any week vacations that I take.

    • I reserve the right to change my schedule and make session cancellations as required.

    • When you enter the studio, be mindful that other lessons may be in session so please keep the noise level at a reasonable level.

    • If you are arriving for an Open Studio session, please do not start working out until the session time arrives. Please be especially mindful to not start your workout until the private session client has concluded their session.

    • You are welcome to use the changing room, and we ask that you keep your items contained so that others may use the space at the same time.

    • If you are able to, please turn your cell phone off. We understand that some of you are on call and cannot do this, but the less ringing and distraction, the better.

    • We ask that no children be in the studio unless they are enrolled in a session.

    • We ask that if you are not feeling well, that you respect others and reschedule your session.

    • Also, as some participants have sensitive noses. Please refrain from wearing strong scents/lotions.

    • Please wear comfortable, workout clothing. We need to be able to see the movements the body is making so please do not wear baggy clothing. We recommend working out in bare feet but if you prefer to wear socks, please wear grip socks. We also have these available for purchase in the studio. We all need to embrace our bodies and watching you transform will excite us all.