Are you looking for a full-body workout that gives you strength, flexibility, and stamina all in one? The Pilates Method is a popular form of exercise for its ability to provide excellent health benefits while helping you create a toned look. In Annapolis, there are lots of places to get training from devout believers and join a community of fitness lovers.
What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method began with Joseph and Clara Pilates in New York City. According to The Pilates Foundation, Joseph was a German national who lived and worked in England as a circus performer, boxer, and self-defense instructor. While interned with other German nationals and later as a hospital orderly during World War I, he developed this method of exercise and injury recovery. He emigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century, when he and Clara opened their gym that “featured much of the Apparatus designed to enhance his rehabilitation work. It soon became very popular, particularly with the dance community, as it offered a chance to improve technique or recover from injury.”
There are a few characteristics that make the Pilates Method different from other forms of exercise. Cleveland Clinic states, “Some of the principles that guide the Pilates method include concentration on each movement, use of the abdomen and low back muscles, flowing, precise movement patterns and controlled breathing. Depending on the exercise, Pilates routines can be performed on specially designed apparatuses, including a bed-like structure called a reformer, or more simply on a mat or blanket.”
Kerry De Vivo, owner of Excel Pilates Annapolis, is Annapolis’ only second-generation Pilates instructor. She received instruction from Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates. But she says you don’t have to be an expert to try Pilates.
“Everyone starts in the same place with traditional Pilates, whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to incorporate more movement into your life. Our teachers are highly trained, enthusiastic professionals who are deeply dedicated to health and wellness. We believe strongly in the power and depth of the original Pilates Method and are committed to guiding each client through level-appropriate sessions. Most importantly, we focus on the individual. We meet you where you are, help you build confidence, and progress at a pace that feels right for you. You may be surprised by just how great you feel after your very first session.”
Health Benefits of Pilates
Given that Joseph developed the Pilates Method in part to support injury recovery, it should come as no surprise that it allows you to continue exercising while healing. But the benefits don’t end there. Pilates can help with pain relief, flexibility, core strength, balance, posture, and improved mental health.
For moms, any time we take for ourselves needs to pack in a lot of advantages to make it worth it. But caring for ourselves allows us to have more energy to care for our families.
“Our Pilates sessions are 50 minutes of exercise that require mental focus, making them a great opportunity to step away from the demands of the day,” De Vivo said. “Clients leave their sessions feeling invigorated, with reduced stress and increased energy. Our studio provides a supportive environment where clients can take time for themselves and focus on their physical and mental well-being.”
Know Before You Go
Pilates is great for beginners, but there are still a few things to remember before you head to your first session:
- Wear grippy socks. These will keep your feet firmly in place, including on any equipment. Many studios offer socks for sale in case you forget.
- Wear fitted clothing. Instructors will want to easily see your alignment.
- If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
Pilates Studios in the Annapolis Area
Active Pilates Studio
This studio in Crownsville offers not only in-person lessons but also virtual classes that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Before jumping into a small-group apparatus class, they recommend a beginner have eight one-on-one sessions.
Address: 1321 Generals Highway Suite 103, Crownsville, MD 21032
Hours: You can book one-on-one sessions most weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. They have group lessons in the mornings and evenings, which include in-person, online, and hybrid. See their schedule for more information.
Cost: An online mat Pilates four-pack is $95 per month. Unlimited online mat classes are $160 per month. For in person, they have a new client package that includes four credits for $320. See their website for more options.
Chesapeake Pilates Center
Offering both private instruction and semi-private classes, Chesapeake Pilates Center allows for individualized teaching with very small class sizes. And they offer classes for every level from beginner to expert, with classes ranked Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Address: 108 Old Solomons Island Road, Unit 9U, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Classes are offered daily. See their website for specific days and times.
Cost: Five-pack of classes for $215. 10-pack for $405. Four classes monthly for $160 per month. Eight classes monthly for $290 per month. 12 classes monthly for $420 per month.
Club Pilates
This franchise has multiple locations, including Annapolis (listed here), Severna Park, and Crofton. Their size means they have availability every day for those who need more options than weekdays. Older kiddos and young adults can join in for a Teen class, as long as they are ages 14 to 19. And there are virtual classes through Xponential.
Address: 2661 Riva Road, Suite 625, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 AM to 8 PM. Tuesday, 6:30 AM to 8 PM. Friday, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM. Sunday, 8 AM to 1 PM.
Cost: First class is free. Membership options vary by studio.
Common Ground Pilates
In the Historic District on scenic Maryland Avenue, Common Ground’s slogan is “Real Bodies, Real Pilates,” so you know it will be an inclusive and welcoming environment. They offer classes for beginners, Pilates enthusiasts, athletes, seniors, and more. There is street parking, or you can park at Calvert Street garage, which is available (and free) after 6 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Address: 82 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Monday to Tuesday, 7 AM to noon, then 5 to 8 PM. Wednesday, 7 AM to 1 PM, then 5 to 8 PM. Thursday, 7 AM to 3 PM, then 5 to 8 PM. Friday, 7 AM to 2 PM, then 5 to 7 PM. Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM to noon. Doors open 15 minutes before class.
Cost: It is $36 for a single drop-in session. First-timers can get three classes for $77. The lowest monthly membership option is $129 per month.
Excel Pilates Annapolis
As Kerry De Vivo, owner of Excel Pilates Annapolis, says, “We bring the power and depth of Pilates to life through personalized instruction on mat and apparatus, in one-on-one, duet, and trio sessions. Our highly educated, experienced team teaches with precision and dedication in our fully equipped studio.” They are located in West Annapolis and have free parking on-site.
Address: West Annapolis, 11 Annapolis Street, Suite A, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Sessions are scheduled by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Cost: An introductory package of three one-on-one sessions is $225. A single one-on-one session is $90. Duet sessions are $65. Trio sessions are $55.
FS8
These new studios in Severna Park and Annapolis are a bit more than just the Pilates Method. They teach a workout that is a combination of Pilates, Tone, and Yoga. Total beginners are welcome, with teachers who let you ‘go at your own pace’ while guiding you through the movements. And they offer fun events such as Pilates in the Park and collaborations with Annapolis Aesthetics. Their Severna Park location is now open and their Annapolis location just opened on Monday, Sept. 14.
Address: Severna Park—570 Ritchie Highway, Suite H, Severna Park, MD 21146. Annapolis—169 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Hours: These are times for the first and last class on each day. Severna Park—Monday, 6:10 AM to 6:25 PM. Tuesday to Thursday, 5:10 AM to 6:25 PM. Friday, 6:10 AM to 12:15 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 7:15 to 10:30 AM. Annapolis—Monday, 6:10 AM to 6:25 PM. Tuesday to Thursday, 5:10 AM to 6:25 PM. Friday, 6:10 AM to 12:15 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 7:15 to 11:30 AM.
Cost: Drop-In—$39. Five-Class Intro Offer—$69.
Puppies and Pilates Annapolis
This pop-up studio experience comes with the cutest, fuzziest friends. Join a class or book a private party that combines fitness and snuggles with real puppies. Although you can’t spend the entire time just lying on the mat getting puppy kisses, you still get a 45-minute workout followed by 15 minutes of “Puppy Feel Good Time.” They get socialization, and you get a great workout with fun memories. Win-win!
Address: Within Fred Astaire Annapolis: 1907 West Street, Suite 102B, Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Classes are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, at 9:30 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2 PM.
Cost: $65 per ticket.
Check out any of these studios for a full-body workout with the Pilates Method. Try out all the different options from mat to reformer, and from a gentle approach to an intense workout that’ll make you sweat. Soon you’ll make Joseph and Clara proud!
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