I liked RTR in McLean but found the instructions to be lacking even in the beginner classes. I often felt like I was doing exercises wrong and had to look around at others to check my form.

Given the inexperienced instructors at RTR in McLean and Arlington, I started at epic. The schedule is not as convenient but the classes have been amazing. I wish I had made the switch years ago.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am really happy with RTR. I go to the Sumner Place location and the instructors are wonderful.

Which instructors do you like there? It’s a convenient location for me, but the one time I went, the instructor was absolutely phoning it in.

I mostly only take classes with Karin T and Stefanie H. That is also because the timing and levels are perfect for me - there are other great instructors. I have heard Dolci is good.

Nicole G is also very good, as are Camille and Kelsea. Agree that Dolci is excellent as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am really happy with RTR. I go to the Sumner Place location and the instructors are wonderful.

Which instructors do you like there? It’s a convenient location for me, but the one time I went, the instructor was absolutely phoning it in.

I mostly only take classes with Karin T and Stefanie H. That is also because the timing and levels are perfect for me - there are other great instructors. I have heard Dolci is good.

Anonymous wrote:I am really happy with RTR. I go to the Sumner Place location and the instructors are wonderful.

Which instructors do you like there? It’s a convenient location for me, but the one time I went, the instructor was absolutely phoning it in.

Anonymous wrote:

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

RTR does in-house teacher trainings that are basically another source of revenue. I don’t think it’s well regarded.

I am really happy with RTR. I go to the Sumner Place location and the instructors are wonderful.

Interesting…a potential sale does make sense given all of the things we’ve been seeing with RTRs declining quality. Maybe a club Pilates acquisition even.

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

Potomac has 16 reformers in the room now, terrible.

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.