Excel Pilates DC

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 that you understand the basics when you start, and then assist you in developing and getting more out of the exercise as you progress. They also recognize the unique challenges that every person has (tight hamstrings, shoulders, etc), and figure out the approach that helps with those. I have gone to Pilates classes at other places, and Excel is head and shoulders above them. They teach the classic style Pilates, based on Joseph Pilates original exercises, so it may be a bit different from what is offered in a gym. Sessions here are probably a bit less expensive than they are elsewhere, although no one can call this an inexpensive exercise method. It is worth it though! Thank you, Excel!

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?

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.

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.

i have been taking private reformer sessions here once a week for about 6 weeks now. I have worked with a number of diff instructors. Every single one of them is very thorough and knowledgeable, very professional and full of energy and encouragement. Their instructions are also precise. I have already noticed the increased strength and flexibility, and significantly increased core strength. I used to feel bloated all the time, and now my tummy just seems to suck itself in most of the time — the difference is very noticeable. This place is a gem.

I don’t Unilocal 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!

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 method and really wants the students to learn how to do the movements correctly. If you only have done pilates at home with a DVD, I definitely suggest taking a class here. The teachers corrections and attention to detail are amazing. The mat classes are by registration only, and are usually six weeks long. This is not a drop in type of place, the teachers want you to progress each week.
The studio is a converted warehouse and is very spacious. It is very nondescript on the outside, and I am sure some people have passed by it unknowingly. There is a small parking lot right in front of the building and ample street parking in the vicinity. Also, the CUA/​Brookland metro stop is about a block away. When you get there for class, hit the buzzer to get in, then enter the pilates oasis and enjoy!

Pilates at Excel has saved my life! I’m not kidding.
I have a degenerative condition and was getting weaker and weaker. Regular physical therapy (that my insurance company actually pays for) wasn’t working. I started individual lessons at Excel about 4 years ago and I’m stronger! And able to carry on a normal life.
The instructors are very creative and able to modify the exercises for my condition — at the same time keeping to sound Pilates principles. My current teacher, Michelle, had a long talk with my doctor in New York and has come up with an effective program that she is constantly revising as I change. I’m not as diligent as I should be about my own practice at home, but once a week still really helps me.
The price is very reasonable for the service — especially compared to other studios that don’t have such a complete program or all the crazy machines.
As other reviewers have mentioned, schedule changes are not a problem, and when my teacher goes on vacation, the sub is always able to help me with my modifications.

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.

I would like to take this opportunity to upgrade my Unilocal 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!