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 I've been taking mat classes with Ivan for five years and cannot recommend him highly enough. He's passionate about his work and helping each student connect with their body and push their limits, but always with a strong emphasis on safety. If you've ever felt that Pilates might be intimidating, working with Ivan will change your mind. He brings his sense of humor into every session and always knows when I need a good laugh to make it through an exercise. His classes are definitely challenging, but the exercises are tailored for each student, and I always end a class feeling ten times better than when I started.

In addition to his skill as a teacher, Ivan is a wonderful person. He genuinely cares about the health and happiness of every person he works with, and that generosity of spirit creates a welcoming, friendly, comfortable atmosphere in his studio. The space clean and beautiful--it's in an old industrial building that also holds artists' lofts, so on your way to class, you can admire work by a wide range of local artists.

In summary, Ivan and his Classical Pilates Room are two of my favorite things about Somerville. Try a class or a private session if you want a good workout in great health.

Caroline T.

Ivan is an instructor characterized by his commitment, expertise, and authentic enthusiasm. He masterfully blends professional aptitude with heartfelt sincerity to nurture his students' physical and emotional well-being.

Ever since my partial double mastectomy, I've been under his tutelage on a weekly basis. He's done more than help me manage the physical discomfort that followed my procedure. Ivan has guided me toward truly comprehending my body, mastering its inner workings, and fostering mindfulness and gentleness toward it. He has unlocked my inherent strength and guided me in utilizing it fully. His help has sparked a journey towards healing and self-understanding that I was unaware I needed so deeply.

Ale Y.

The first months after my cancer diagnosis was an emotional haze, and I filled my weeks with self-care activities: qi gong, church, acupuncture, mindfulness sessions, talk therapy, and Pilates. (And got a prescription for an SSRI.) Now my most consistent self-care activities happen on Fridays; I have standing appointments for treatment and Pilates. I'd been seeing my therapist for about six months before I was diagnosed with cancer, and having someone, I trusted already in place was critical for my adjustment to the new normal of cancer. Similar for Pilates, I had attended Ivan's group mat classes for over a year at that point and shifted to one-on-one sessions after my diagnosis. Some weeks I'm not feeling great, and Ivan meets me where I am for stretching and breathing. And the weeks I feel good, well, I feel myself getting stronger week to week, which is so satisfying when my insides feel so out of my control. BMC's Cancer Support Services include support activities for well being like qi gong and yoga, and BMC's Integrative Medicine group provides free massage and acupuncture for cancer patients. By supporting these services, you are supporting cancer patient's emotional and physical well being.

 Caroline M.K

Having suffered from running injuries for the past 15 years, I decided to give Pilates a try to strengthen my core and back. I was so happy that I came across Ivan's mat class. He is great at teaching beginners proper technique with detailed instructions and hands-on adjustments. I found the workouts to be both challenging and effective. Sadly, I recently moved to the west coast and will miss this studio!

Rebecca L.

I had regular private sessions and mat classes with Ivan. These sessions were helpful and challenging on all levels. Ivan was always attentive to my body's needs and what I was working on at the moment. Sessions helped me to channel my energy in a positive and engaging way. It was a real pleasure to work with him. I recommend him to everyone.

 Anne S.

I've been going to Pilates religiously for over eight years now, and have worked with some very skilled and beautiful teachers. Ivan is, by far, one of the best. I've worked with him for over the past two years, and he has challenged and encouraged me in ways that I could never repay. He is extremely dedicated, skilled, focused, and intelligent. I have had some serious injuries and structural problems, many of which have not improved under medical attention and traditional PT, but which have seen immense improvement under Ivan's guidance. I see Ivan sometimes as an Olympic coach, personally vested in my development and success. He's not easy, and sometimes it feels like he's a drill sergeant, pushing me beyond what I think I can take. But in fact, he's proven to be wise and knowledgeable and can see where our limits and potential lie more than we can in the moment. I say "we", as I feel I can speak for many of his other students whom I've practiced with over the years. We all know we are better because of Ivan, and we are grateful for him.

Lillie P.

I have been practicing Pilates for over five years, and have been studying with Ivan since February 2019 in both his mat and apparatus classes. In this time, I have seen improvements in my strength and alignment in ways that I never imagined. As a person living with autoimmune disease, I always believed that hypermobility and joint pain would be part of my life. Under Ivan's instruction, though, I have come to understand more about my specific anatomy than through any previous Pilates instruction. Ivan takes time to understand his clients' particular needs and crafts challenging yet purposeful plans to target those needs. This is certainly not one-size-fits-all Pilates; it is hard work, but hard work that feels possible thanks to Ivan's outstanding instruction.

Alisa C.