Intimidated to Start Pilates? You are Not Alone.
Our team and clients make Mind the Mat special.
You are Not Alone by Megan Brown, PT, DPT
Mind the Mat is in its 18th year of expert Pilates Mat instruction. Over the years we have heard common sentiments from beginners, such as “I am intimidated to come to the studio” or “I don’t know where to start, you have so many classes and many are full.” Yes, your first time can be intimidating, but it is our priority as your instructor team to make it fun and for you to feel welcomed. Our clients are friendly; they create a home-y feeling that is unlike any other exercise space. This year, I got the best bit of feedback I’ve ever received. A woman who was a new client in my class said, “I’ve never been to a group fitness class before where a participant has actually helped me and wanted me to have a good experience.” That is Mind the Mat in a nutshell. Our clients and teachers are what make this studio unique.
Here is a good place to start when coming to Pilates Mat for the first time:
Pilates Mat I: Beginners should start here but there are also many seasoned Pilates clients who prefer to stay with this foundation class and move at a slower pace. However, don’t let that last sentence fool you - Pilates Mat I is tough. Once you find the correct muscles and hold the form, you will realize the magic of Pilates and how it can change your life. Some people say that the better you get at Pilates, the harder it becomes.
Beginner HAWT Pilates: HAWT means hot and also “Having a Wonderful Time.” This beginner class will ease you into the hottest fitness trend out there right now. We know how great it is because we started heated Pilates classes over a decade ago.
Special Pilates Workshops: These one-off special classes focus on a theme, and like the name implies, you get to workshop specific cues and techniques offered by your expert instructor. Coming up in January 2026:
Form First: Pilates for Beginners. This is a workshop designed to build strong movement habits. Form First is a supportive, technique-focused workshop where we will break down the foundational principles of Pilates - breath, spinal alignment, core engagement, and intentional movement - so you can step into any class feeling ready to go. This Saturday, January 3rd at 3PM in Del Ray!
Pilates Boot Camp for Beginners: PBC is the perfect workout incorporating cardio, mobility, strength and Pilates Mat. This special workshop will show you the basics so that when you show up to class the following week you know what to expect! Saturday, January 24th at 4PM in Del Ray!
Membership at Mind the Mat includes Pilates Mat classes, HAWT Pilates (Pilates Mat on crack), Pilates Boot Camp and tons of yoga classes. Our Deluxe Monthly Unlimited Membership is currently $149 a month but if you are reading this post today (12/31/2026) it is only $129/month GET IT HERE!
Stephanie (AKA SteFanny) teaches a small group Pilates Mat I class at our Lyon Park location.
If you have other questions we are here to help. Email us at info@mindthemat.com or call us at 703-683-2228. To try out our classes, you can purchase the NEW CLIENT 3 PACK, which you can use to try classes at any of our locations. We know you will love it! After you try it out, we hope you join our vibrant community as a member. Try the Deluxe Monthly Unlimited Membership or the Membership Lite.
