Excel Pilates DC, established in 1998, located in the Brookland neighborhood, is fully equipped Pilates Studio with Reformers, Wall Units, Chairs, Barrels, Cadillacs and Mat Classes. Get started today with three Private sessions and two Mat classes to give you a tour of our studio and our approach to classical Pilates.
Whether you're interested in classes, one-on-ones or just finding out more, contact us today. I'm a senior citizen and I've had my share of sports- and exercise-related injuries over the years. I appreciate the expert guidance and oversight provided by the instructors at the Excel studio. Their expertise imbues in me a confidence to attempt challenging exercises.
Whether you're interested in classes, one-on-ones or just finding out more, contact us today. I'm a senior citizen and I've had my share of sports- and exercise-related injuries over the years. I appreciate the expert guidance and oversight provided by the instructors at the Excel studio. Their expertise imbues in me a confidence to attempt challenging exercises.
Services
Excel Pilates DC was established in 1998 and is fully equipped with Reformers, Wall Units, Chairs, Barrels, and Cadillacs, as well as Mat classes. We are dedicated to the power and depth of the original Pilates Method of body conditioning as it was taught by Joseph H. Pilates. We are the Pilates studio of choice for many residents of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Our fully certified teachers have fulfilled a minimum of 700 hours of active training in all apparatus and mat work, seminars, and apprentice teaching. In addition to regular study, our teachers also fulfill 16 hours of continuing education annually. We strive to share/inform consumers of the power of the original Pilates Method by offering apparatus and mat sessions with experienced professional teachers in a safe environment.
The Pilates Method is taught in a layering process that allows the individual to build on knowledge and skills gained in each workout. Private sessions allow the individual to learn and grow at their own pace and ability. Private sessions are recommended at least one time a week. One to three times per week is typical.
Our principal goal is to empower all participants in the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning to be in control of their own health and well-being, and to provide a supportive atmosphere in which clients may grow, learn, and be guided toward a fitter lifestyle.
We are strongly committed to the power and depth of the original Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, a highly evolved and in-depth program that originated from the work of Joseph H. Pilates.Our teachers have the highest level of qualification and are enthusiastic people dedicated to health and wellness.
We are strongly committed to the power and depth of the original Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, a highly evolved and in-depth program that originated from the work of Joseph H. Pilates.Our teachers have the highest level of qualification and are enthusiastic people dedicated to health and wellness.
We have a variety of options for all price ranges. See Fees and Policies for our options on private sessions, mat classes, group classes, etc. If you would like to join our group mat classes and have never done Pilates before, try taking Intro Level Mat, Open Level Mat + Stretch, or Level 1 Mat for a great place to start.
Reviews (24)
Kathleen R.
Sep 16, 2021
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I'm torn about this place. Great studio, great instructors, but front staff not the most welcoming (one time I called ahead to see if a class was still on despite inclement weather, and the lady was very dismissive and acted as though this was a stupid question) and overall I've had a negative experience here.
I don't appreciate that Excel has stopped offering classes via ClassPlass. Once I became more of a regular (via ClassPass), Excel decided to stop partnering with ClassPass altogether. Hard not to take that personally when I was pretty much the only person going there through
I don't appreciate that Excel has stopped offering classes via ClassPlass. Once I became more of a regular (via ClassPass), Excel decided to stop partnering with ClassPass altogether. Hard not to take that personally when I was pretty much the only person going there through
Patrick F.
Jun 05, 2021
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I stopped by here today. I know nothing about Pilates but I was curious and had a minute. I walked up to the door where a woman inside who worked there (and seemed to be expecting someone who was not me) stared back through the glass door. I pulled on the door- it was locked. It's a pandemic, I get it. But she stared for a few more beats from behind the glass, our faces a two feet apart, looked me up and down, and then reluctantly opened the door and said "YOU are looking for the hardware store. It's 'OVER THERE' ..... there's a *SIGN*" and in a passive aggressive
Jacqueline Emanuel
Oct 08, 2020
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I've been a student at Excel for over 20 years. It's a world class studio with fantastic teachers in a beautiful space that is not only spotless, it's easy to get to via metro, bike, driving or walking. The attention to detail, emphasis on the care and safety of each individual client, (while you're getting your butt kicked in a class or private) is unlike any other studio on the east coast.
Anpan W.
Apr 24, 2020
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Sherwood Va
Dec 23, 2019
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Laura Jackson
Dec 14, 2019
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I love this pilates studio! Firstly, the space is so welcoming and peaceful; the tones are warm and the lines are clean. It's perfect for helping you focus and flow. The staff and instructors are all wonderful as well. I'm a beginner and Rachel, my instructor, has been so helpful with getting me acclimated to the form and movement of pilates and it has changed my life forever!
Maria Salvadore
Dec 10, 2019
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Louisa Buatti
Dec 03, 2019
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While I have only taken Reformer classes here, I found the instruction at this studio top notch! Teachers have many years--if not decades--experience with the Pilates Method. Administrative staff members are friendly, helpful, and responsive. The studio is bright, airy, and very pleasant overall. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in studying classic Pilates!
Lois Nembhard
Nov 27, 2019
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E. L.
Oct 19, 2019
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Chris Frates
Aug 30, 2019
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Jahmekya G.
Mar 05, 2019
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Elizabeth B.
Oct 07, 2018
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I came here for 1 free introductory mat class and was somewhat disappointed. It was not in any sense a workout, but more a lesson on what pilates is. Maybe you need to advance to the machine classes to get a real workout in? I also didn't like how the instructors touch you without asking if it's okay. It was fine, but I know for others that can be uncomfortable.
Rachel Peterson
Sep 27, 2018
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Francie Israeli
Aug 19, 2018
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Dodie J.
Apr 09, 2016
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Excel Pilates is the kind of studio you walk into and instantly know it's the real deal. Management and the front desk are always helpful and the instructors are experienced, knowledgable, and encouraging. I have taken mainly one-on-one sessions with Susan, Louise, Michelle, Robin, and Tatjana. Each one was excellent. Excel Pilates' greatest strength is the consistency in talent and teaching abilities among the instructors. The atmosphere, quality of machines, and parking availability are other pluses that keep me coming back. I love this studio, and I'd recommend it to anyone
B. B.
Jan 08, 2016
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This studio is excellent. I have been going here since it opened (maybe 16-17 years), doing mostly one-on-one sessions. The studio is spotless and very well maintained. Equipment is new and in very good shape. But the reason for the five stars is because of the instructors. They are incredibly knowledgeable. (I believe their training involves more than 700 hours, and most were practicing Pilates for a long time even before starting that training). Pilates is a very exacting form of exercise. There is always something new to learn and discover in the same exercise. The teachers make sure
Bill B.
Nov 12, 2015
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I have been doing Pilates for a couple of years and have taken from a lot of instructors at a lot of studios around the globe since we travel lot. This place is easily in the top 5% of studios I have worked in. Great instruction, good well maintained equipment, clean and bright. What more can you ask for?
Abbey P.
May 20, 2015
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I've been going to this studio for years and every instructor is amazing. I started at the beginner level and through their instruction I've learned the pilates method. I can't say enough about this form of exercise, stick with it and you'll become strong and improve the health of your body. There is always more to learn and more challenges to meet. This studio is great and I wholeheartedly recommend trying it out.
Keyser S.
Jan 31, 2013
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I have been taking yoga and zumba classes here for a while, and I love it. The classes are small, so you get a lot of personal attention. I am even happier now that you can buy a number of sessions and schedule them as you please online- big improvement. My favorite thing about Excel is the yoga instructor, Hermione, is fantastic! She always corrects students poses and incorporates meditations - two things that are sorely lacking from many yoga classes in the area.
Tara G.
Apr 15, 2012
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I don't Yelp much. Mostly because I think that unless something is amazing, keep it to yourself. Well, Excel is amazing. I am getting fairly serious about pilates, with the hope of someday teaching it. I have taken it at my gym with a great instructor and several other DC yoga/pilates studios, where I have had good classes. None of these classes are like the training I have gotten in a few short weeks at Excel. I feel like I am finally really learning pilates. And it is awesome. Thank you Excel!
Emily S.
Mar 10, 2011
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The teachers at Excel really know their stuff. This isn't a studio that offers a zillion different types of fitness classes, they focus on what they do best: pilates classes and pilates teacher training.
Part of becoming a certified teacher at Excel is completing student teaching hours. I was able to train with individuals going through the program at a reduced rate because they were not certified teachers yet. It was completely fantastic. Having the one-on-one instruction was so helpful and it gave me an opportunity to train on the apparatus.
Excel teaches the traditional pilates
Part of becoming a certified teacher at Excel is completing student teaching hours. I was able to train with individuals going through the program at a reduced rate because they were not certified teachers yet. It was completely fantastic. Having the one-on-one instruction was so helpful and it gave me an opportunity to train on the apparatus.
Excel teaches the traditional pilates
Erica S.
Jun 05, 2010
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After some rather interesting pilates experiences, I have finally found an instructor that works well with my level. I had my first private lesson with Lesa and she is fantastic! She really understands my body dynamics, knows how to break things down and makes the exercises challenging without leaving me feeling frustrated.
The studio atmosphere is very serene, clean and nicely decorated. The staff also tries to really work with your schedule. Plus, there is parking out front so you don't have to search for street parking.
The studio atmosphere is very serene, clean and nicely decorated. The staff also tries to really work with your schedule. Plus, there is parking out front so you don't have to search for street parking.
Kelly G.
Dec 22, 2009
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I would like to take this opportunity to upgrade my yelp to FIVE STARS.
Excel Movement Studios, the past and present instructors, my current instructors (Louise and Cheryl), and the owners REALLY ROCK!
I'm taking two classes this session. I needed to do a tiny bit of rescheduling. They worked with me. We worked things out. During the snow day, they made calls/touched base to see if I could make it. I could. And they even gave me a Christmas present!
Woohoo! Thanks Excel Movement Studio is as good as it gets!
Excel Movement Studios, the past and present instructors, my current instructors (Louise and Cheryl), and the owners REALLY ROCK!
I'm taking two classes this session. I needed to do a tiny bit of rescheduling. They worked with me. We worked things out. During the snow day, they made calls/touched base to see if I could make it. I could. And they even gave me a Christmas present!
Woohoo! Thanks Excel Movement Studio is as good as it gets!
