Everything you need to know about Hiptwist Fitness - from your first class to memberships, recovery, and beyond.
A quick reference for your visit.
New to Pilates or new to us? Here’s what to know before your first visit.
We’re located at 740 Polhemus Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402 - right in the heart of San Mateo, with easy access and parking.
Hiptwist blends modern Tower Reformer Pilates with Mat classes, Hot Pilates (coming soon), and Red Light Therapy - all under one roof. We keep class sizes small and focus on personalized instruction so every session feels tailored to you.
Classical Pilates follows the original exercises created by Joseph Pilates in a set order. Contemporary Pilates evolves from that foundation, incorporating modern movement science, biomechanics, and physical therapy research. At Hiptwist, we teach contemporary Pilates - rooted in tradition but designed for how bodies actually move and feel today.
We intentionally keep our classes small to ensure quality instruction and personal attention. Tower Reformer classes hold a maximum of 10 clients. Mat and Hot Pilates classes are similarly sized for an intimate, focused experience.
Absolutely. Pilates is for every body. Our instructors are trained to offer modifications and progressions so you can work at a level that feels right for you. We recommend starting with a Foundations or All Levels class.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can get you set up on the reformer and go over the basics. Your instructor will guide you through each exercise, and the class will challenge, support, and move you. You’ll leave feeling taller, stronger, and a little hooked.
Yes. We offer 1:1 Private and 2:1 Duo sessions for those who want a fully personalized experience, whether you’re working around an injury, preparing for a sport, or simply prefer focused instruction.
Just yourself, a water bottle, and grip socks (required for all reformer and mat classes). If you don’t have grip socks, we sell them at the front desk. Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing so your instructor can see your alignment.
If you’re new to Pilates, we recommend starting with a Tower Reformer - All Levels or Foundations class. Already have Pilates experience? Jump into any All Levels or Intermediate class. Check the schedule for class descriptions.
Everything you want to know about our Tower Reformer classes.
A Tower Reformer is a hybrid Pilates machine that combines the traditional reformer (a sliding carriage with springs) with a vertical tower attachment. This means more exercise variety, more resistance options, and a more complete workout - all on one piece of equipment.
It’s challenging in the best way. The springs provide resistance that you can adjust, so the difficulty scales with your body and your experience. Beginners and advanced movers alike will feel the work.
Reformer Pilates builds full-body strength, improves flexibility, enhances posture, and develops deep core stability. It’s low-impact but high-intensity - making it a smart complement to any fitness routine and gentle on your joints.
Mat Pilates uses your body weight as resistance and focuses on core control, stability, and flow. Reformer Pilates adds spring-based resistance and a moving carriage, allowing for a wider range of exercises and more targeted muscle engagement. Both are incredible - and even better together.
Yes. Pilates is one of the most effective movement methods for improving posture, spinal alignment, and relieving chronic back tension. The focus on core strength, joint mobility, and body awareness helps you move better in everyday life.
Pilates builds serious functional strength, especially through your core, glutes, and stabilizing muscles. For many people, it’s a complete workout on its own. If you also lift weights or do other training, Pilates makes an excellent complement by improving mobility, balance, and muscle control.
100%. Pilates targets muscles you didn’t know you had. Even experienced athletes find that Pilates exposes imbalances and challenges their body in new ways. You might be surprised.
Yes. Pilates meets you where you are. It’s low-impact, scalable, and designed to build you up - not break you down. Many of our clients return to movement through Pilates because it’s safe, supported, and effective.
What to expect from our heated Pilates classes (coming soon in Phase 2).
Our heated studio is kept between 90–95°F using infrared panels. Unlike traditional hot yoga studios, the heat is gentle, even, and deeply penetrating - warming your muscles from the inside out without feeling suffocating.
Yes, when done properly. Our infrared panels produce a comfortable, radiant heat that is well-tolerated by most people. We recommend staying hydrated and listening to your body. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before trying heated classes.
The infrared heat increases blood flow, warms muscles faster, and promotes deeper stretching. Benefits include improved flexibility, enhanced detoxification through sweating, faster recovery, and an elevated calorie burn - all while reducing the risk of injury.
Wear lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. Think fitted shorts or leggings and a tank top. You will sweat, so dress accordingly. Bring a towel and a full water bottle.
Infrared heat feels very different from traditional heated environments. Most people who dislike “hot yoga” find infrared heat much more comfortable. That said, you can always start with a non-heated class and ease into it.
The exercises are the same - the environment changes. The added heat enhances your flexibility, accelerates muscle warm-up, and increases the intensity of the workout. Think of it as Pilates with a boost.
Learn about our recovery and wellness sessions using medical-grade red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy (RLT) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate your skin and stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery. It’s non-invasive, painless, and backed by growing clinical research.
Benefits include:
Yes. RLT is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and does not emit UV light. It’s safe for regular use. We recommend protective eyewear during sessions, which we provide.
Each Red Light Therapy session is approximately 15–20 minutes. It’s designed to complement your Pilates practice - perfect before or after class.
For best results, we recommend 2–4 sessions per week. Consistency is key - the more regularly you use it, the more benefits you’ll experience over time.
Both work great. Before class, RLT helps warm up your tissues and increase blood flow. After class, it supports recovery and reduces muscle soreness. Many clients love pairing it with their Pilates session for a full mind-body-recovery experience.
It depends on your membership tier. Some memberships include a set number of RLT sessions per month, while others offer it as an add-on at a discounted member rate. Check our Memberships page for details.
How to book, what to know, and our studio policies.
You can book classes through our website or app. Simply create an account, browse the schedule, and reserve your spot. We recommend booking in advance as classes fill up quickly.
Classes open for booking 7 days in advance. Founding members may receive early access to booking windows.
Join the waitlist. If a spot opens up, you’ll be notified automatically. Waitlist spots often open up, especially within 24 hours of class time.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before class. First-timers should arrive 10–15 minutes early for a brief orientation and equipment setup. Doors close at class start time.
For the safety and experience of all clients, we cannot admit late arrivals once class has begun. If you’re unable to make it, please cancel in advance to open the spot for someone else.
We require at least 12 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a class. Late cancellations or no-shows will result in a forfeited class credit or a late-cancel fee. This policy helps ensure spots are available for everyone.
Absolutely. Your friend can sign up for a class or purchase an Intro Offer. Some membership tiers also include a guest pass - check your plan details.
Yes. We offer membership pauses for qualifying circumstances such as travel, injury, or medical reasons. Please contact us directly to discuss your options.
Class packs and intro offers are non-refundable but do not expire. Memberships can be cancelled with 30 days notice. Please review our full terms at sign-up or reach out with any questions.
Your safety and well-being are our top priority.
Pilates can be a wonderful option during pregnancy, but we recommend getting clearance from your doctor first. Please inform your instructor before class so they can provide appropriate modifications. We recommend private sessions for prenatal clients.
Yes, with medical clearance. Pilates is one of the best ways to rebuild core strength, reconnect with your body, and support recovery after pregnancy. We recommend starting with private sessions or a Foundations class.
In many cases, yes. Pilates is widely used in rehabilitation and injury recovery. Please let your instructor know about any injuries or limitations before class. For more targeted work, we recommend a private session.
Absolutely. All Hiptwist instructors hold nationally recognized Pilates certifications (500+ hours) and are trained in anatomy, biomechanics, and safe movement practices. Many hold additional certifications in pre/ postnatal fitness, injury rehabilitation, and sports conditioning.
We recommend 2–4 classes per week for noticeable changes in strength, posture, and flexibility. Many clients feel a difference after their very first session. Consistency is the most important factor.
In some cases, yes. If your doctor provides a letter of medical necessity, Pilates sessions (especially private sessions) may qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement. Check with your plan provider for specifics.
