Reviews and testimonials from Pilates, Pilates & Stretch & Meditation

Samira teaches at the Yoga Center of Columbia under her name Karen Best.

“I've taken classes with Karen for two years, both before and during the current covid 19 crisis. She is a such a wonderful instructor! Her directions are concise and very easy to follow. And she is so well versed on how each movement we do affects our bodies. Karen and the Yoga Center have been super responsive during the pandemic, so much so that we never missed a class because they went to Zoom as soon as everything closed. I highly recommend to anyone to join one of her classes.”

Deb J. 5 Star review - rated 5 stars for Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“I love the Yoga Center! I started with Rimmi in Yoga to reduce stress and it worked like a charm. Rimmi is sweet, funny and very knowledgeable. I've since moved on to Pilates because I wanted to enhance my workout regimen. I've been attending Karen's Pilates 2 class. In one session I can see that I'm much more toned and stable. Karen is also very knowledge with a great personality. She will push you to YOUR limit never more than what you can handle. She's a great teacher!”

— Samantha Jones. 5 Star review from Google.

“Love, love, love Pilates with Karen. I have been going weekly since last summer and have noticed a lot of differences in my core. She integrates stretching with Pilates exercises and describes each exercise so well. At 22 weeks pregnant I was still able to do most exercises and she helped modify them so I was still getting a workout without putting pressure on the babies. I have less back pain and discomfort this pregnancy due to Karen's expertise on strengthening my core.”
(update: at 8 weeks post birth of TWINS, Ann is back, and feeling great!)

— Ann Anderson. 5 Star review from Google.

“I love the Columbia Yoga Center for so many reasons. Every teacher I have ever had is fantastic. The Center is absolutely focused on the mind and the body, striving to enrich both your mind and your body. I also love the sense of community between the students and the instructors. I especially enjoy Pilates with Karen Best, Core Yoga with Rimmi Singh and Yoga 1/2 with Bita Jenkins.”

— Patti Willard Dean. 5 Star review from Google.

“I have taken Pilates classes for over 5 years with 4 different instructors and Karen Best at the Yoga Center of Columbia is by far the best instructor I have ever had. Karen is technically trained and certainly understands the proper Pilates forms and techniques. She is excellent in her descriptions and how to achieve proper technique. She also keeps the class going at a great pace. Not rushed, but you get an awesome workout. She also makes class a lot of fun. She is great!”

— Ellen Mathews. 5 Star review.

“I really enjoyed the Pilates and Bone Density workshop with Karen Best. She shared great information and specific exercises to work on bone density. It was also a great forum for participants to share experiences with each other.”

— Katy Mahoney Kerwin. 5 Star review from Google.

“I am a former fitness competitor and I am currently a Registered Nurse. I drive 90 minutes to take Karen's Monday morning Pilates classes...simply the best!”

— Jonlun Pisocki. 5 Star review from Facebook.

“This is the best yoga/pilates center I have ever attended. The instructors are awesome and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”

— Joellen. 5 Star review from Google.

“I've been going to the Yoga center on and off for over 5 years. Always the best instruction. Karen's Pilates classes keep bringing me back. She's funny and warm and somehow makes us want to work hard! ”

— Google User. 5 Star review.

“I've been going to the Yoga center on and off for over 5 years. Always the best instruction. Karen's Pilates classes keep bringing me back. She's funny and warm and somehow makes us want to work hard!”

— Don. 5 Star review on Google.

“I've been going to the yoga center for several years and Pilates has really helped my back issues. I suffered from sciatica pain and muscle relaxants and motrin were no longer helping with the pain. After attending Karen’s Pilates classes, I saw a significant improvement and soon I no longer needed any medication much less any invasive procedures that I had been considering. I highly recommend Karen’s Pilates class and also really enjoyed Rimmi’s yoga classes. I cannot stress how much these classes have helped my back and sciatica issues and overall well being.”

— Liz F. 5 Star review on Google.

“Karen's pilates classes are what really keep me coming back, though. I have been going to her for a couple years now, starting with the level one class. Her patience and humor add a nice touch to her years of experience and knowledge. I only wish she taught more level two classes...once a week isn't enough!”
(Update: There are now 2 Level 2s per week)

— Jill J. 5 Star review on Google.

You can add your own review of Samira’s classes on her Google Business Page, or on the Google Business Page for The Yoga Center of Columbia.