Business Details
28 Years
experience
Empower Your Body & Mind with Expert Pilates Instruction
Excel Pilates, established in 1998, is a fully equipped Pilates studio dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the original Pilates Method. Our studio features state-of-the-art equipment, including Reformers, Wall Units, Chairs, Barrels, and Cadillacs, offering expert instruction in a supportive and welcoming environment. With a team of fully certified instructors, we provide personalized private sessions and group mat classes tailored to clients of all fitness levels. Our commitment to classical Pilates principles ensures a focus on precision, control, and holistic well-being. Located in Washington, D.C.'s Brookland neighborhood, we serve clients from Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, emphasizing individualized attention and a non-competitive atmosphere.Our instructors, trained through rigorous 700-hour programs, bring decades of experience in movement education and rehabilitation. We also offer a comprehensive Teacher Training Program, preserving Joseph Pilates' legacy through authentic, in-depth study. From beginners to elite athletes, our mission is to empower clients to achieve stronger cores, healthier spines, and improved body awareness through invigorating, results-driven workouts.
Services
Private Sessions
Group Mat Classes
Reformer Classes
Teacher Training
Duet Sessions
Small Group Sessions
Apparatus Classes
Prenatal Pilates
Rehabilitation Programs
Continuing Education
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in classical Pilates instruction since 1998.
- Our instructors complete rigorous 700-hour certification programs with continuing education.
- We maintain Joseph Pilates' original method with state-of-the-art equipment.
- We provide personalized programs for rehabilitation, injury prevention, and athletic performance.
- Our small group classes ensure individualized attention with experienced instructors.
Associations and certifications
- The Pilates Studio in New York
- Pilates Method Alliance
What people say
Excellent instructors
Spotlessly clean studio
Individualized instruction
Authentic Pilates methods
Lifelong practice benefits
Services
Private Sessions
Personalized 50-minute workouts using full Pilates equipment. Certified instructors tailor sessions to individual goals, focusing on core strength, posture, and rehabilitation. Ideal for all fitness levels seeking accelerated progress through customized programming.
Group Mat Classes
Affordable classes emphasizing classical Pilates mat exercises. Graduated levels from beginner to advanced build foundational skills in control, flexibility, and body awareness. Limited to 10 participants for quality instruction without equipment requirements.
Reformer Classes
Small-group sessions using Pilates reformers for resistance training. Structured curricula progress from basic to advanced techniques, focusing on precision and movement efficiency. Classes limited to 4 participants ensure personalized attention while learning equipment setup and transitions.
Teacher Training
Comprehensive 700-hour program preserving Joseph Pilates' original method. Includes anatomy studies, teaching practicum, and 30+ years of institutional expertise. Graduates receive certification recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance for professional instruction careers.
Duet Sessions
Shared private instruction for friends or family at similar fitness levels. Combines personalized attention with cost-effective scheduling. Sessions focus on individual goals while maintaining structured progression through classical Pilates equipment and techniques.
People
Lesa McLaughlin
Owner
Certified by Romana Kryzanowska in 1995, Lesa holds a BFA in Dance and has taught movement for 40+ years. She established Excel Pilates in 1998 and developed its teacher training curriculum, emphasizing classical Pilates principles for rehabilitation and athletic performance.
Jacqueline Emanuel
Certified Instructor
Third-generation instructor with 20+ years Pilates experience. Specializes in helping clients achieve high-quality life improvements through classical method instruction. Combines challenge and nurturing in sessions tailored to individual capabilities and goals.
Stefanie Covey
Certified Instructor
Trained under second-generation teachers since 2016. Combines Pilates expertise with nonprofit fundraising experience, emphasizing life-changing health benefits. Focuses on helping students discover personal movement breakthroughs through classical instruction methods.
Questions
What Pilates options exist for beginners?
Start with our Intro Package (3 privates + 2 mat classes) or try Intro Level Mat classes. Both options provide foundational skills before advancing to higher levels.
How often should I attend sessions?
Weekly sessions maintain progress, though 2-3 times weekly yields optimal results. Joseph Pilates recommended 30 sessions over 10 weeks for transformative body changes.
Can Pilates help with rehabilitation?
Yes, our instructors work with herniated discs, post-surgery recovery, and chronic conditions. Private sessions allow personalized programs addressing specific rehabilitation needs through controlled movement.
What equipment do you use?
We feature Reformers, Cadillacs, Wunda Chairs, Barrels, and Wall Units. All equipment follows Joseph Pilates' original designs for authentic, comprehensive body conditioning.
Are men welcome in classes?
Absolutely! 35% of our clients are men. Pilates benefits all genders through core strengthening, flexibility improvements, and posture correction applicable to athletic training and daily life.
Do you offer teacher certification?
Yes, our 700-hour program includes seminars, apprenticeship, and anatomy studies. Recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance, it trains instructors in classical methods across mat and apparatus work.
