If you want an exercise routine that will get at every part of your body and leave you sore for days (in a good, “I did it” kind of way!), check out District Pilates (4011 Georgia Ave NW). The boutique pilates studio started with a location in Shaw, and recently opened up a second location on Georgia and Shepherd Street in Petworth.

I took an intermediate-level class at the Shaw studio and was impressed with the teacher’s instructions; the small, six-student class size; and, well, the intensity of the experience. My abs and hamstrings were shaking at certain points!

As someone who loves a convenient workout, I am thrilled District Pilates has come to the neighborhood. Owner Bailey Rizer is also excited about Petworth being her second home base.

“I used to live in the area, so I felt right at home here,” she says. “Petworth has a great neighborhood-type vibe.”

The 55-minute classes range in intensity from beginners to advanced, although new students could start at the intermediate level if that fits in their schedule better.

Bailey says that because classes are small, "We really get to know our clients.” The small group structure helps them explain the reformer and chair -- two pieces of apparatus used in pilates.

It also means you should sign up ahead of time online to avoid getting shut out.

Now at $35 for a drop-in session, District Pilates classes may seem a bit on the pricey side. But when you consider that personal training cost $50+ per session, it sounds more reasonable. And there are new client specials and class packages.

Bailey promises pilates is an equal opportunity workout. “Pilates for every single person, every body, every age. I never met anyone who didn’t enjoy it,” she says.

People with injuries should not shy away. If anything, pilates can help people with back pain, scoliosis and other medical issues, Bailey notes.

“We have modifications for everything,” she says.

District Pilates
districtpilatesdc.com
4011 Georgia Ave NW