"Thanks to Tonya Amos' patient and gifted expertise, I have gained an enhanced mind/body awareness that has changed my life on many levels. Now the quality of my life is one of joyous freedom from pain that previously had prevented me from successfully participating in many physical activities. I feel a new world of possibilities has opened up for me.”

- Kathleen D., Concord, CA   

“Aspire Pilates Center is faaaaabulous!!  If it weren’t for Tonya and Charlie (Pleasant Hill Chamber), I don’t know where I’d be right now.  She saved my life and I am now 80 pounds lighter”.

- Ingrid R., Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill, CA

"Finding Tonya was one of the true miracles of my life. To say that she taught me how to get in touch with many muscles in my body and how to use them properly would only hint at what I gained from my sessions with her. No teacher I have encountered since has given such personal attention to her students and made each movement a meaningful effort that must be made with careful attention. Tonya gives an extra dimension, far beyond the meaning of "exercise" to her work that makes every minute a discovery and a joy."

- Shirley M, Walnut Creek, CA

"In this fascinating world of either hyper-focused sports training or complete couch potato that children live right now, Tonya provides a great balance, training, and awareness of body performance. I find my children (3 of them!) not only have learned strength, grace, and injury prevention techniques, but also a greater appreciation of their body and its role in the arts."

- Lisa C., San Francisco, CA

“Tonya, you have tremendous patience, and I truly appreciate the time you take to make sure I understand what I'm doing so I do it right and I don't get hurt.  You have a great ability to meet everyone where they are. I walked into your studio not really knowing what Pilates was all about, but after working with you, I realize it's the best thing ever! I feel taller, stronger, and more limber than when I was 20! This is awesome.”

- Alicia M., Concord, CA

 “I slept all night with no leg pain!!!  Which means my husband did, too! Amazing!! Thanks so much.”  &   “Tonya’s cautious approach helped me ease into strengthening without pain. She addressed individual needs without taking away from the class. She educates every step of the way”.

- Terese M., Concord, CA

I feel like I rediscovered a younger self I had given up on. I feel this training will give me healthy movement habits for the rest of my life."

- Jennifer B., Walnut Creek, CA

“She was a very energizing, encouraging coach. Tonya knows the body and seeks the underlying reasons for various body problems and tailors her work and assignments accordingly. She does not work from a text book but from an intimate, deep understanding of the human body! Amazing to watch her rework my previous exercise regime to achieve good results and eliminate unintended negative consequences. Tonya is the best from a deep background in dance and movement; she brings an understanding of how our lives have misshaped our bodies and uses that to tailor effective strategies to correct our problems. She brings so much energy and concern to each student, that if the student only meets her part way, great progress is assured.”

- Glen L., San Francisco, CA

“I had to tell you that when I was driving after our session yesterday, I had to adjust the rear view mirror -- I was sitting higher (straighter)!  Woo-Hoo!  Don't you just love progress?!  And I had my monthly Chiropractor appointment today and she said that I am 'much straighter'!  She said to tell you, 'Thank you!' from her! Thank you from me too!  You're the best!!!  Thank you again for your caring support."

- Sandy W., Martinez

“Wow, my lungs are at 270 today which is as good as they have ever been since I started testing.  I'm imagining my lungs being at 450!  With Pilates I feel it is very possible!"

- Teresa P., Clayton, CA

"Tonya combines a background in professional dance and extensive Pilates training with her passion and knowledge of the human body to help people regain function and excel.  I have confidently referred a variety of patients, from seniors to Olympic athletes, for her guidance.  Whether you are looking to recover from an injury, prevent injury, or improve sport performance, I highly recommend Aspire Pilates and Tonya Amos."

- Adam Benjamin, DC

"This was really an amazing experience. I never expected to see the changes I did so quickly"

- Starla S., M.D     

“The strength of Tonya’s pilates practice is her personalized and individualized approach with her clients which is focused on injury prevention, symptom reduction, and strength training.  She takes the time and has the ability to teach anyone pilates with positive results.  I know first hand because it has worked for me.”

-  Ardis C. Martin, MD.

"The class went above and beyond my expectations! The instructor was more knowledgeable than anyone I have spoken to in this area of expertise. As a physical therapist I am already aware of my body, but this class has taught me how to be even more aware of how I move. I love every bit of it! Tonya, you are my muse for body awareness! You have prolonged my injury free career! Thank You."  

- Connie G., Physical Therapist

“I had no back pain for my entire pregnancy and I had my baby in 10 minutes, with only 4 pushes!  I know it was the Pilates!”

 - Paola C., Concord, CA

“This class has given me my body back.  Without it and what I’ve learned, I wouldn’t be able to be strong for my family”.

 - Monica T., Pleasant Hill, CA

“Tonya was knowledgeable and very in-tune with what I needed along my pregnancy. I learned lots of things I can use to build strength and relieve pain. She was welcoming, fun, and helpful and the work was enjoyable while not too strenuous."

- Kristin C., Pleasant Hill, CA

I delivered a healthy baby girl on September 28th!  I had my heart set on an epidural, but everything happened so fast that they didn’t have time to give me the drugs.  I think that all that work that we did really helped me have a quick delivery.  It took about 25 minutes of pushing, but everything happened so fast that they didn’t even have time to admit me into the hospital until afterwards.  Thanks for your help!  I’m positive I couldn’t have done it without those core muscles being strong!

- Melinda C., Walnut Creek, CA

“Tonya not only has helped me become a healthier person in a healthier body, but has also helped me to become a better swimmer. She is creative in her approach and exercises, customizes the program to my needs, and allows my learning process to take its own shape. She is a kind, generous, and intelligent woman who has inspired me on a personal and athletic level. I have gleaned so much information from her vast knowledge base that my whole experience as her student has been and will continue to be invaluable.”

- Allison Wagner, Olympic Silver Medalist Swimmer

“Tonya helped my kids get to the next level. We expected core strengthening. What we got was overall top level conditioning, improved line, and less injuries. Her eye is top rate and her background as a coach makes her ideal for bringing the power of Pilates into the gymnastics world”.

-  Kim Rich, Sutton Gymnastics Level 9 coach, Chelsea Piers’ Assistant Director of Gymnastics, New York, NY

"I can kick higher with less effort!"

- Walter D., National Tae Kwon Do Gold Medalist, Antioch, CA

"I've been doing the "PrePilates" exercises you showed me last week and all I can say is...WOW! I've been able to kick, stretch and even do my ab exercises on the chin-up bar at the gym with substantially better results and no PAIN! A whole new world has opened up...so my heartfelt thanks!”

- John H., Martial Artist, San Francisco, CA

"Tonya really bridges the gap between Pilates and dance. She has a fabulous way of addressing a dancer’s needs. She has helped me so much, even long distance over the phone! Her way of describing and explaining movement is so clear. She really understands what I need to prolong my dance career, helps me stay strong against injury, and keeps my extension gorgeous and pain-free. "

-Mindy Haywood, “Stomp” on Broadway & Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY

"Over the past five years, I've often called upon Tonya to help me with my post knee surgery recovery, a recurring hip injury and numerous everyday aches and pains.  Due to her background as a professional dancer, she has extensive first hand knowledge when it comes to the body and how it works.  You can only imagine the knowledge that she gained after completing her Pilates studies not once, but twice, on her own accord.  Her dedication to her craft is remarkable. You can expect much more than just a good workout with Tonya.  You will find her to be passionate, personable, efficient and honest with her work.  She really takes her time in creating a program that works just for you so that you can reach your personal goals. Tonya Amos is a phenomenal person and teacher.  Any association between her and her clients can only be mutually rewarding."

- Lisa-Marie Lewis, “The Lion King” on Broadway & Dance Captain of The Radio City Rockettes, former ballerina with The Dance Theatre Of Harlem, New York, NY

"I had my appendix removed last weekend, managed an audition-got the movie and booked a recurring role on a new series. I was up and on my feet the next day and people are amazed (even the doctors) at my come back. I actually attribute it to you and the lower -ab exercises you taught me. It got me up and around in days instead of weeks."

- Mark La Mura, Actor, Mark Dalton- “All My Children”,” Law & Order”, “The Sopranos”, New York, NY

“My first session with Tonya was shocking- I could NOT believe how limited my body was… and I thought I was strong!!!! Where I am today (6 months later) is a testimony to Tonya’s ability as a teacher. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for this work have given me a fun and safe place to help my body grow in functionality.  As a performer I knew I wanted my body finely tuned… what I’ve discovered is that even in my daily life, my body is my instrument, and it needs as much tuning as the strings of a guitar. EVERYONE needs this work, and if they are lucky enough to work with a teacher like Tonya, well….. Let’s just say I consider myself blessed!”

-Jessica Raaum, Actress, San Francisco Bay Area

"Our (two) daughters, an opera singer and an aspiring actress, as well as our son, a baseball player, have all reaped the benefits from Tonya's inspirational and highly professional expertise."

- D. & Joanie C., Walnut Creek, CA