Rock the Reformer By Potomac Pilates – Mclean

My best friend had been on me for years to go with her to a reformer pilates class by Potomac Pilates, but none of the locations were convenient for me. THEN… the McLean location was established. At this point, I had gone from a skinny girl to a slightly over-​weight woman, who was just not physically fit. I had decided to give RTR a try, since the McLean location offered a number of desirable features for someone who hates working out and wants no part of the typical gym or even mat pilates scene. Those desirable features include only 11 other people in the class at most, 5 minutes from my house, and will lead to results (I saw what reformer pilates at RTR in Potomac, MD had done for my best friend). So, I started the day the McLean location opened — 9÷25÷15. I have had to miss about 3 – 4 weeks in between the opening day and now, but otherwise I go 3 – 5 times a week using the unlimited package for $ 210/​month. This is a lot of money in my opinion, but this forces me to be diligent about going 3 – 5 times a week — I like getting my money’s worth ($ 17.50/class based on 3 days a week for 4 weeks).
While I still am not a fan of working out at all, I am committed to reformer pilates at RTR because of the results I have seen — I am in the best shape of my life, and I feel much better about myself — people at work have noticed I look great and have my confidence back. I am still not a skinny girl and probably will not be again, but reformer pilates at RTR has helped me have and maintain a great shape and become a strong and healthy woman. Just going to any reformer pilates class will not bring about the amazing results I have had. I 100% believe that I would not have seen results without the help of the instructors at RTR in McLean — they are just fantastic and very knowledgeable! I do feel that I receive plenty of attention during my classes, even the full ones (i.e., all 12 reformers are full — yes, 12 not 30+ like other similar type of classes). All of my instructors seem to be invested in helping me reach my goals, which is another huge motivation for me to keep going… thank you!!! All the instructors regularly help me with my form whether I am 1 of 2 or 1 of 12. They also regularly provide me with modifications, as I need. Because the instructors are great about getting to know their clients, they also know where I am at in my progress — they are great at motivating me to keep pushing forward just when I need it. I am definitely one who can be a slacker when it comes to exercise (remember, I hate working out), but they keep me moving forward and constantly wanting to improve… thank you again!
I very much encourage anyone looking for a challenging workout that leads to results in a safe manner to check out RTR in McLean in the Chesterbrook shopping center.

I love Pilates Reformer so I was excited to discover RTR. There are about 12 reformers in the class and we are on the reformers the whole time (unlike some other reformer classes that incorporate the chair). Each class is different so it never gets boring and it is a total body work out — legs, arms and core. All levels are welcome and they provide modifications if necessary. The instructors are friendly, professional, welcoming, and technical! The instructors correct your form when you are doing something incorrectly so it is very hands-​on even in a full class. Plus parking is always easy to come by.

I started Pilates as my 2016 New Years resolution and I love it. The instructors are friendly and don’t make me feel like a moron when correcting my technique. I like the variety of exercises and don’t feel bored when I go.
After 1 month of going 4 – 5 times each week my instructor has suggested that I am ready for the next level.
I’ve seen negative comments about some classes that are large but I’ve been in full classes and see the instructors go around checking each station.

I hate exercise. Seriously. ALL exercise. But I absolutely love this PIlates studio. I am really not very fit at all and was nervous about coming to a class in McLean, surrounded by all the beautiful, fit people I see around town. I have been pleasantly surprised to see women (and occasionally men) of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels in here. While I don’t get personal one-​on-​one attention, I do feel like my instructors are able to provide wonderful instructions with modifications for all levels. They move around and gently assist/​correct anyone to prevent injuries and are willing to help before or after class if someone is struggling with form in a position/​exercise. In the short time I’ve been a member, I can already feel myself getting stronger, and I look forward to each class. While I enjoy the personalities and teaching style of some instructors more than others, I have never had a bad experience in any class.

I’d like to take a moment to explain my mediocre review.
First, there are 12 reformers in this studio. That’s way too many and instructors can’t provide 12 students with the individualized attention needed for a truly great Pilates class. The other RtR studios have fewer reformers. Twelve seems greedy and overly profit-​focused. Most great Pilates studios only have a handful of reformers. This studio is so large that headsets are worn by instructors which provides a less enjoyable experience.
Second, the classes are very expensive. At $ 40 for a drop in, or $ 32 as part of a package, the classes shouldn’t be so large. If I’m paying $ 30+ for a class, the experience should be more intimate and attendees should receive quite a bit of individualized attention. Yes — it’s less expensive if you purchase an unlimited package but that doesn’t work for everyone.
Third, the quality of the instructors is inconsistent. Some are amazing, others aren’t.