Blog Layout

NICE Pilates Strengthens the Richmond Community

Jan 19, 2024

2023 Expansion into Corner Retail Space at 5059 Geary Blvd Allows Business to Grow

Cassandra Palo, owner of NICE Pilates in the Richmond, describes her job as part instructor, part therapist, front desk clerk, bookkeeper, marketer, and janitor – the many hats worn by a small business owner. That investment in time and effort, however, is repaid many times over by the gratitude expressed by happy clients. "I'm rich in affirmation," says Cassandra.


NICE stands for Nourishing, Integrated, Classical, and Experience. These are the four levels of classes taught at the studio, which are based on pace, not ability. "Pilates will meet you where you are." notes Cassandra, "but you can't go faster than the practice you've built up because your body and mind need to work together, and that requires personalizing a routine and getting it down."


And once you do, the payoff in physical and mental fitness can be transformational. Cassandra relates how recently a 70-year-old client said, with tears in her eyes, "'Thank you for giving me my husband back.'" NICE Pilates had helped him rejuvenate his agility and revitalize his confidence – he was bicycling more, kayaking better, and enjoying his life and relationships anew.

Woman in workout outfit standing in a room with pilates equipment

PIlates is practiced by different people for a variety of reasons: Corrective exercises to overcome injury; A rediscovery of their journey with movement, especially if they've been sedentary for a while but don't like the idea of going to a hard-core gym or trendy fitness club; And ongoing strength and balance training as part of a healthy lifestyle. As Cassandra points out, "You can make the exercises easy or hard as you want, learning where your body wants to go and looking for nuance."


Another nice thing about Pilates is the infinite variety of exercises. Cassandra says she's "never taught the same class twice." And with a wide variety of movements and machines to choose from, she "teaches to the body in front of me," tailoring the session to the individual.


As a special bonus for the Gaetani community, through February you can use code NEIGHBOR20 for 20% off a single drop-in class credit. 1st time customers only, limit one usage per customer.  Visit https://nicepilates.studio/ to sign up or get more information.


19 Apr, 2024
Aaron Leavy's journey is a testament to the power of the individual in making a difference in people's lives. With a background in psychology, Aaron's desire to help others has kept him dedicated to community service across his two markedly different careers. His journey began when he studied psychology in college, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. This passion led him to work as a therapist at a non-profit organization in a Los Angeles neighborhood known for its challenges, where even the reception desk had bullet-proof glass—a stark reminder of the environment he was working in. Wanting to take a break from the intensity of his work in therapy, Aaron transitioned into real estate management but never lost sight of his dedication to community service. Two years ago, he joined Gaetani Real Estate, and throughout his 2nd career in real estate, he has never ceased leveraging his industry connections to contribute to meaningful causes. One such cause that captured Aaron's attention was Rebuilding Together SF, a national organization with 120 affiliate organizations across the country. This non-profit focuses on assisting homeowners in vulnerable communities by providing essential home repairs and improvements. Recognizing the intersection between his past experiences in therapy and his current role in real estate, Aaron was asked by another real estate professional to join the board of Rebuilding Together SF, which he enthusiastically accepted. Aaron's impact on Rebuilding Together SF has been profound. With his ability to mobilize resources and tap into his real estate clientele for fundraising, he has raised over $100,000 in donations. His reputation for integrity and dedication precedes him, makinghis fundraising efforts highly successful.
18 Apr, 2024
Revitalizing 940 Guerrero
15 Mar, 2024
In 1890 Alice Griffith (below R) and Elizabeth Ashe (L in framed photo) founded the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center (TelHi) to provide critical services such as healthcare, childcare, and education to immigrants. Similarly, in 1897, Donaldina Cameron (below C) turned what was then known as Presbyterian Home (now Cameron House, below R) in Chinatown into a refuge, helping rescue over 2000 young immigrant women from indentured servitude and human trafficking, and teach them vital employment skills. To this day, both these neighborhood centers continue to be a vital hub of activity and support for their surrounding communities.
15 Mar, 2024
In post-1906 Earthquake San Francisco, signs of the city’s resilience were everywhere: A new City Hall (built without a dime of graft, it's claimed); The Pan-Pacific International Exposition that briefly turned the Marina into a fantastic European metropolis; and remarkable residential buildings such as the Gaetani-managed 145 Laurel, constructed between 1919 - 1921, which projected a regained confidence as well as a refined aesthetic which furthered the image of San Francisco as the “Paris of the West.”
15 Feb, 2024
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is riding a wave of renewed interest in bicycling as a healthy and environmentally responsible mode of transport, whether that’s for work or for play.
14 Feb, 2024
Savard Color has been a Trusted Partner of Gaetani for more than 30 Years
13 Feb, 2024
Of all the wonderful properties Gaetani manages, one stands out for its unique combination of scenic beauty, interesting architecture, and historical significance – the Fort Mason Residences, which the firm has managed for the last decade.
12 Feb, 2024
A New Apartment Spawns a New Practice
19 Jan, 2024
Fast Response Plumbing Really Knows the Pipes of this City
18 Jan, 2024
Home is Where the Community Is!
More Posts
Share by: