OUR STUDIO
Excel Pilates DC was established in 1998 and is fully equipped with Reformers, Wall Units, Chairs, Barrels, and Cadillacs, as well as Mat classes. We are dedicated to the power and depth of the original Pilates Method of body conditioning as it was taught by Joseph H. Pilates.
We are the Pilates studio of choice for many residents of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our clients range in age from 15 – 85 years old and include all levels of fitness. Our fully-certified teachers are committed to teaching quality Pilates sessions in an empowering and non-competitive environment.
Excel Pilates DC Location
Excel Pilates DC is located in the vibrant and diverse DC neighborhood of Brookland, close to Catholic University and Washington Hospital Center. Neighboring businesses include Dance Place, Brookland Artspace Lofts, Annie’s Ace Hardware, Lee’s Auto Shop, the Monroe Street Market, and Chancellor’s Row Townhomes.
We are located 1 block from the Brookland/CUA red line metro station. We are easily accessible to Maryland and Virginia and have limited parking available in front of the studio and in the lot next door, which requires a parking permit. There is always parking available on the street, as well as a parking garage located at the corner of 7th and Monroe, just one block away.
Excel Pilates DC Owner Bio
Lesa McLaughlin, Owner, was certified as a teacher in The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning by The Pilates Studio in New York in 1995 under the tutelage of Romana Krowsanavska. She received a Gold Certification by the Pilates Method Alliance in 2005. She holds a BFA in Dance from George Mason University (1984) and has taught dance, movement, and exercise for over 30 years.
In 1998, she opened Pilates at Excel Movement Studios (now Excel Pilates DC), a 5,000-square-foot Pilates studio in Washington, DC. In 2002, she opened a satellite studio in Annapolis, MD. She has worked with clients for 20 years in The Pilates Method Of Body Conditioning. Ranging in age from 13-83, clients have included athletes such as dancers, swimmers, ice skaters, runners, golfers, equestrian jumpers, and bodybuilders, all working to achieve better performance or to gain a competitive edge. Mrs. McLaughlin has also worked with clients to rehabilitate and prevent injury. Conditions and issues have included herniated discs, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, MS, knee surgery prevention, knee, and hip replacement, and pregnancy. In 2001 she collaborated with Kerry DeVivo to create and establish a comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program at Excel Pilates DC in which she developed the curriculum, program outline, and training manual. Currently, she teaches all system levels as well as continuing education. Lesa McLaughlin’s experience is that of a Master teacher.
She considers her strength in teaching to be a deep understanding of the work of Joseph Pilates and helping each client to see, feel and reach their fullest potential. Lesa considers the work of Joseph Pilates to be an inspiration. She has experienced personally the depth and power of the work. She considers her ability to practice and teach Pilates a true privilege. The most satisfying aspect of her Pilates experience is to see daily, through her teaching, the meaningful impact it has on others.