Mind The Mat
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Mind The Mat
Offering expert instruction in Alexandria and Arlington, VA with inclusive options for everybody: outdoor, in-studio, virtual, and on-demand classes. NEW MASKS POLICY: At this time we are increasing our class sizes in accordance with state mandates. Masks are required at all times. If you are vaccinated you may opt out of wearing a mask on your mat by emailing your vaccination card to info@mindthemat.com.
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Megan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Polestar Certified Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation. She has been practicing PT & Teaching Pilates for 15 years. She is a mother, co-founder of Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, director & creator of Hawt Pilates Teacher Training. Her favorite thing to do is goof around.
HAWT Pilates was developed by Megan Bellamy Brown, PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy & Pilates Practitioner with over 20 years experience in teaching multiple populations. Passing a practical and written exam is required in order to obtain HAWT Pilates certificate of completion through Mind the Mat, LLC.
In 2008, our flagship studio opened in the heart of quaint Del Ray in Alexandria Virginia. It has three unique studios: a state-of-the-art, climate controlled, hot studio for Pilates and yoga; a serene barre studio; and our original ground-level space. All classes are taught by seasoned, expert instructors.
Reviews (22)
Samantha Brletich
Samantha Brletich
Nov 12, 2019
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Classes are great at the mind the mat locations however parking is awful.here. I missed a class because I could not find street parking.
Krystal S.
Krystal S.
Oct 23, 2019
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Love this place! The variety of classes and availability make this studio one of the best I've ever been to (even compared to my experiences in Hawaii and California).

I love the instructors and how personal and interested they are in our development.
Marylou V.
Marylou V.
Oct 20, 2019
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Nice studio tucked into Del Ray. I attended a class on the second floor. It wasn't the biggest space, but it fit a decent amount of people. The facilities were well kept and thermoregulated. The instructor was very personable and skillful. I wouldn't mind attending another class here soon. Keep in mind that you have to find street parking
Catherine McLean
Catherine McLean
Aug 15, 2019
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I have done Mommy & Me classes, post natal, hot yoga, etc...here. Absolutely love Sara and her team. They are so knowledgeable, the place is clean, and most importantly they are chilled out and relaxed. Highly recommend!
Megan C.
Megan C.
Jul 15, 2019
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Great classes, best pilates and yoga instruction in this area, and easy to get to and park near. I've taken prenatal pilates and yoga, postnatal pilates and yoga, every hot yoga class on offer, barre (particularly when I was pregnant) and pilates boot camp. At Mind the Mat, I've prepared my body for having a baby, recovered from having a baby, and rehabbed (via Pilates classes) after foot surgery. The quality of instruction is truly incredible and very consistent. Megan (B. and L.), Caroline, Georgia, Alli, Julie, Natalie, Stephanie, and everyone else have built such a welcoming community
Joy H.
Joy H.
Apr 04, 2019
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I bought the 4 class package for $40 to attend mommy & me classes during my maternity leave but also ended up taking different yoga classes. The studio is cute and everyone is friendly, but they pack their classes way too tight. You can't stretch your arms out without having to dodge the people next to you.
Za S.
Za S.
Dec 11, 2018
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This is a much needed staple in my weekly routine. When I first moved to Alexandria, my wife and I went to another yoga studio. We loved the instructor, but we were not happy with the studio. Enter Mind the Mat. The same instructor also teaches here and the studio is great. The hot studio is set up in an efficient and thoughtful manner with a separate changing room. The class package expiration policy is reasonable and one of the best in the area. Furthermore, the class offerings surpasses most studios in the area. My wife switched from the hot power flow yoga to prenatal without missing a week
Monika T.
Monika T.
Nov 18, 2018
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Megan Brown is hands down the most amazing pilates instructor I've ever had! Never before have I met someone able to combine the science of PT w the high energy and intensity (and humor!) that she brings to her Pilates Bootcamp class! In just 10 mo I went from a constant dull hip pain (from labral tears/mild dysplasia) to 100% pain free and able to actually run and sprint around w my playful puppy!! Amazing!! Life Changing! Thank you Megan!
Leigh Ann H.
Leigh Ann H.
Jul 27, 2018
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Best prenatal and Mommy and Me Pilates classes! Megan Brown's physical therapy knowledge shines through, along with her sense of humor. The classes with Caroline and Sara are also excellent.
Anusha S.
Anusha S.
Mar 24, 2018
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One of the top studios in the area. All the instructors are energetic, talented and fantastic. They are helpful with options fi something doesn't work you. Megan Brown's Saturday morning boot camp is the best ! Her energy is unparalleled. Anna, Megan L and Meaghan C are also pretty great. Both locations are good - del Ray has more options.
Maggie M.
Maggie M.
Mar 10, 2018
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This is a really cute studio and the teachers use creative sequencing so whether you are new or old to yoga you won't get bored. Street parking is pretty easy, although there are passes for parking in the back lot too.
Susan Carlin
Susan Carlin
Oct 31, 2017
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As a longtime family friend I chose to take Megan Lipera's Barre Pilates class on Saturday and did not leave disappointed. I'd been doing Barre3 for the last four years but most of the time I did it from an on-line app at home for 30 minutes. Saturday's 1-hour class had students of all ages and abilities and Megan who gave clear instructions also took the time to give us modifications, adjust our stance or explain what muscle groups we were working. But trust me she takes no prisoners despite the fact her sister and I were taking her class. I left drenched, drained but energized. And I was reminded
GeeHee L.
GeeHee L.
Oct 10, 2017
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Love their hot yoga studio. I have been to many hot yoga studios where tou just feel gross, sweaty, and suffocating even before class starts. MtM studio feels just right and I can breathe... i definitely sweat more than regular flow, but it doesnt feel disgusting. The floor is clean and the studio itself is a very cute place. I really enjoyed Georgia's class at 9:30 am with her hands-on assists and guidace. Her voice is very soothing and super encouraging. Although it is a 75min class, it does not seem that long, even in the heat. There is a lot of parking in the back and tons of classes to
Amber H.
Amber H.
Sep 01, 2017
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Fantastic studio with wonderful customer service! Verveine of the customer service team is a true asset, and super polite even when I accidentally called her "Valerie". So sorry!


Deborah's class is one of my favorites - she guides you through a truly relaxing and centering experience.

Couldn't be happier with Mind the Mat!
Jennifer K.
Jennifer K.
Aug 10, 2017
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I went to my first hot yoga class at Mind the Mat this am and really enjoyed it. The instructor was sweet and made me laugh throughout the 70 minute class which made hot yoga tolerable. Her pace, for me, was fast enough to keep me engaged and slow enough that I was able to keep up and not fall over from heat exhaustion. I will definitely be going back!
Mary N.
Mary N.
Jul 26, 2017
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I discovered Mind the Mat at this year's Well Ray event and purchased the 4 class passes for $40 to try them out.

I'm going to say right now, I don't intend on purchasing a monthly pass ONLY because my best friend needs a place with childcare and I'd prefer going where she does, but if they offered childcare or my friend's schedule allowed her to go here, I'd be a forever member. All four classes I took were FANTASTIC with really excellent instructors, a clean space, and doTerra products. While you're asked to bring your own mat to most classes and your own
Hanorah Grill
Hanorah Grill
Nov 03, 2016
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I joined MtM over a year ago and I love it. I've belonged to other yoga studios back home in NY and none compare to Mind the Mat. We moved from Arlington to Alexandria, mainly because, if we had to move, I was set on staying close to MY pilates studio. Classes are always challenging and effective, and their schedule offers almost an impossible number of classes. The teachers are amazing and are always inventing new ways to get dormant muscles working (and sore). They are also friendly, funny, welcoming and accommodating for injuries or discomfort.
Not only has MtM helped change my body (I have
Nellie D.
Nellie D.
Sep 26, 2016
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I completed my 200 hour teacher training here and it was one of the best decisions that I've ever made in my life. The curriculum covered not only teaching a sequence but also anatomy and the business of yoga. It really was a transformative experience and will deepen your understanding of the yogic philosophies, the definition of yoga, and who you are as a teacher/student.
I have also practiced here and have appreciated the wide variety of courses. Each teacher also has something different and lovely to offer. I have yet to try the Pilates classes, but have heard nothing but amazing things
Anthony I.
Anthony I.
May 22, 2016
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I survived my first yoga class, it was pretty awesome, the space was peaceful, the teacher went at a great pace and being able to sign up and pay for my class online was very convenient. I was a little nervous going into this, coming out I feel great. Fast forward 3 months in and I love this place more and more, I've taken numerous classes with several different teachers, although I do have my favorites, all of the teachers and classes are fantastic.
I can't say enough great things about this place! 5 stars, namaste.
Stephen M.
Stephen M.
Nov 04, 2015
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For the 300th review...yoga, because, why not?

I love this place. I've been coming here for nearly two months and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handful of instructors I've had classes with have all been knowledgeable and capable. The other attendees are all legitimately interested, too. This is a great change from the usual set of people who would show up at classes at Gold's who treat it more as "look at me" than taking it seriously.

Classes range from beginner to advanced, including yoga (hot, flow, gentle, barre and combinations of) as well as Pilates. I'm
Laura Gibbs
Laura Gibbs
Sep 29, 2015
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Excellent instructors and a welcoming space! The instructors know what they're doing. Classes are challenging yet safe, lots of cues and adjustments throughout. One of the few studios with hot pilates classes daily.
K. S.
K. S.
May 09, 2015
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Absolutely amazing. I bought the unlimited for 3 months just based on the reviews.

First class I took- yoga happy hour. Completely full. Levels 1 & 2. But the people were great, truly positive energy. The instructor provided modifications for those of us not at the advanced level. It was wonderful and hard. Relaxing and a workout.

Hot Pilates express. Also fabulous. 45 packed minutes. Very challenging.

Hot deep stretch- as a runner this class is a must. Great stretches and the warmth helps so much.

The manager is so nice and all instructors have been amazing. Truly. The entire place