West Portal Pilates
The Pilates Method is a well researched system designed to promote breath capacity, core strength, prevention and recovery from spinal issues, and overall well-being. The instructors at West Portal Pilates must be Nationally Certified Pilates Teachers with at least 1000 hours of training and 1000 hours of teaching experience.
West Portal Pilates stands out in the field because of our tailored approach to teaching clients in 1:1 sessions and small, well curated duets and trios. Each client has a specialized profile with individualized goals, and instruction designed to meet their unique learning needs.
Instructors at West Portal Pilates use the original exercises and system developed by Joseph Pilates and teachers who learned directly from him.
Using a range of classical Pilates equipment from the industry standard, Pilates Designs, clients will be able to accelerate toward their health and fitness goals safely. Unlike cheaper equipment, our apparatus and specialized training ensure the most positive outcomes for clients.
We encourage you to be empowered to relate to your breath, body, and movement with self-compassion and curiosity.
Tedra Matthews, NCPT
Studio Owner & Pilates Instructor
Tedra Matthews, NCPT, is a classically trained Pilates Instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience in a range of contexts. Tedra has specialized training in archival Pilates, pre and post natal Pilates, and movement to support recovery from adverse life experiences. Her ongoing education includes study with Cara Reeser, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, and the Pilates Center Teacher Training Program.
In Tedra’s care, clients attest feeling safe, supported, empowered and strong. She emphasizes continuing education so clients and colleagues can develop conscious awareness as they “Return to Life” through the practice of the Pilates Method.
Tedra found the Pilates Method at first as a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet School, UC Berkeley School of Dance and the Alvin Ailey School, and then years later as she returned home to her health and vitality after the birth of her two children. Tedra is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, and has completed over 1000 hours of training in the Advanced Teacher Training Program through The Pilates Center, Boulder. She is a Host Advisor Studio, supporting trainee teachers as they develop the art and craft of teaching.
With an extensive background in systems leadership and adult education, Tedra is thrilled to lead a team of skilled professionals to serve San Franciscans as they use the Pilates Method to support overall health and well being.
We believe that movement and vitality are basic human rights.
West Portal Pilates Instructors
Jeni Jesse
Visiting Pilates Teacher from Colorado
Jeni Jesse started doing Pilates over 25 years ago in San Francisco and quickly realized how much she enjoyed this body of movement and exercise. Pilates is mentally and physically challenging, it helped her get stronger and gain confidence in my movement. The results were inspirational, this encouraged her to pursue a career in teaching Pilates. In 2012 Jeni went on to complete the Advanced Teacher Training Program at The Pilates Center of Boulder under the guidance of her long-time teachers; Aura Fischbeck, Susanne Staehr and Erika Linton Groff. Jeni completed the Kathy Grant Heritage Training Program designed and taught by Cara Reeser in 2014. Kathy Stanford Grant was a second-generation student of Joseph Pilates.
Aura Fischbeck
Pilates Instructor
Aura Fischbeck-Wise has been teaching the Pilates Method since 2003. Her interest in Pilates as an exercise, rehabilitation, and mind/body integration technique evolved out of her background as a dancer. She was first introduced to the Pilates Method in 1998 in a dance class in college, taught by Cara Reeser. She then went on to receive her initial training at the Pilates Center of Boulder in 2003, and has done extensive continuing education in a variety of specialized topics around functional anatomy, and injury prevention and recovery. In 2014 she completed the Heritage Training with Cara Reeser, which focuses on the legacy of Kathy Grant, a Pilates elder and master teacher. She has worked as an advisor and mentor to teachers in training through The Pilates Workshop and the Pilates Center Teacher Training program, completed the Pilates Center Masters Program in 2015, and is a nationally certified teacher through the NPTC since 2016.