Anonymous wrote:That’s a fair comment given what I wrote and I agree it happens even with experienced teachers. That class had a lot of other issues I could add…they missed a whole side and there was no time left for the other (along with overall pacing issues), they frequently used wrong terms, kept bumping the microphone while adjusting their hair, and taught at an extremely basic level even though it was meant to be a 2.

Years ago I would have written glowing reviews of many instructors. And, ones like Ulrich and Reina were unbelievably great. Unfortunately, it’s not like that anymore.

Ulrich is long gone as are all the good instructors.

The owner has lowered the standards to attract investors. Sell to private equity for tens of millions.

It’s not what it was. It’s a factory now

Thanks for the input on epic and excel! They are both on my list to try along with Spring Studio. I really like Pilates Loft, but it’s not that convenient for me. Years ago I went to the Pilates Room and Pengu, so definitely appreciate the smaller studios too.

I tried Club Studio recently and had two great instructors in each class. They have about 25 machines (really nice, I think they were balanced body) and it was easy to get into class. Both instructors were making discrete adjustments throughout class even though it was a bigger group. And, it’s unlimited for about $150 that includes all of the other classes too. It’s not as convenient as the three smaller studios for me, but it’s another option for sure.

I love Club Pilates but haven’t tried RTR. I wasn’t sure it was making much of a difference until I noticed I feel better when I run and my core seems to be shifting away from the “fit pooch” I’ve had for years. I am meticulous about following cues and really focusing on form.

I think RTR does have some excellent instructors. Kelsea, Nicole G, Jenna, and Dolci are some of my favorites. I do wish there were more adjustments, but I will take it over Club Pilates any day.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve went to McLean RTR pretty much since it opened and tried club Pilates in falls church last fall due to ongoing frustration with so many new and inexperienced instructors at RTR (along with the studio not being cleaned well…like hair on the floor that stayed for many days). Unfortunately Club Pilates had many of the same issues and was even harder to book. I’m trying some of the non chain options in the area now and will report back! Would love to hear if anyone has had good experiences at other McLean/falls church/north Arlington non chain locations.

Epic and Excel are both very good. Excel is classical so will be different from what you’re used to, in a good way. I’ve only done privates there so unsure about class offerings. I’ve also been wanting to try The Pilates Loft, which is classical.

Anonymous wrote:That’s a fair comment given what I wrote and I agree it happens even with experienced teachers. That class had a lot of other issues I could add…they missed a whole side and there was no time left for the other (along with overall pacing issues), they frequently used wrong terms, kept bumping the microphone while adjusting their hair, and taught at an extremely basic level even though it was meant to be a 2.

Years ago I would have written glowing reviews of many instructors. And, ones like Ulrich and Reina were unbelievably great. Unfortunately, it’s not like that anymore.

I agree. I was at a class recently and there was a woman next to me that was doing several of the exercise so wrong that even I noticed she might injure herself. The instructor did not correct her once. She paced the room back and forth and did not pay attention to alignment. It really bothered me, I want to know if I'm doing something wrong.

Has anyone been to the new Arlington location? I worry the instructors will be even worse/less experienced.

That’s a fair comment given what I wrote and I agree it happens even with experienced teachers. That class had a lot of other issues I could add…they missed a whole side and there was no time left for the other (along with overall pacing issues), they frequently used wrong terms, kept bumping the microphone while adjusting their hair, and taught at an extremely basic level even though it was meant to be a 2.

Years ago I would have written glowing reviews of many instructors. And, ones like Ulrich and Reina were unbelievably great. Unfortunately, it’s not like that anymore.

Anonymous wrote:Also, RTR has so many new and inexperienced instructors. It’s really gone downhill. During a recent class, the instructor totally missed a leg sequence on one side to even us out.

This is super picky. They do these classes all the time and will forget to do a side. Just kindly remind them - they are people too!

I had an unlimited club Pilates membership a few years ago and canceled because scheduling around work got to be too difficult to feel like I was getting my money worth. My location didn't have early morning classes.

I’ve went to McLean RTR pretty much since it opened and tried club Pilates in falls church last fall due to ongoing frustration with so many new and inexperienced instructors at RTR (along with the studio not being cleaned well…like hair on the floor that stayed for many days). Unfortunately Club Pilates had many of the same issues and was even harder to book. I’m trying some of the non chain options in the area now and will report back! Would love to hear if anyone has had good experiences at other McLean/falls church/north Arlington non chain locations.

Also, RTR has so many new and inexperienced instructors. It’s really gone downhill. During a recent class, the instructor totally missed a leg sequence on one side to even us out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:RTR is overbooking their classes. 14 reformers in one room!!!

Wow. Do people feel safe? I would think this would limit the range of exercises, for example standing on the reformer.

How on earth is this safe? Does it change the routines?

Pure Barre is better.

Anonymous wrote:RTR is overbooking their classes. 14 reformers in one room!!!

Wow. Do people feel safe? I would think this would limit the range of exercises, for example standing on the reformer.

I like my Club Pilates classes-you get used to the sign up process and learn which instructors you prefer. 12 people per class is fine. You pay so much more for the boutique places with 4-6 reformers.