Stella Sandoval

Stella was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always enjoyed being active. Her biggest joys were running, jumping, riding bikes, and doing back flips down the street with friends. Movement made her feel alive, energized, and happy. She learned early in life the value of physical movement so it was natural that she would gravitate towards a career in fitness. 

For more than two decades, Stella has worked as a fitness professional in the Bay Area and starred in several exercise videos that were sold nationwide. Some people still recognize her from Dancing Off the Inches, Sizzling Salsa, and many others.

In 2011, after having a full hip replacement, Stella used Pilates to help with her rehabilitation. Today, she credits the Pilates method for her full recovery and for changing her body. 

Inspired by Pilates, Stella enrolled in the Metropolitan Authentic Training (M.A.T)  Pilates Certification Program. She completed her rigorous 700+ hours of training and exams under Master Teacher Trainer Dorothee VandeWalle, earning her teaching certification in 2013. She also holds a certificate in the Complete Pilates Method Continuing Professional Education with Chris Robinson and continues to study under his close mentorship. 

Stella’s hard-fast rule when teaching clients is ensuring they understand the work and leave each session feeling challenged and invigorated. “She is often heard saying to her client’s, “Pilates is a journey with NO short cuts, or quick-fixes just good hard work, commitment and patience. “

Stella Sandoval is the owner of UP Pilates Burlingame in the San Francisco Bay Area, an official training center for the M.A.T. Pilates Certification Program.  Stella is a M.A.T. Pilates mentor, and prepares apprentices for full certification.