As a longtime family friend I chose to take Megan Lipera's Barre Pilates class on Saturday and did not leave disappointed. I'd been doing Barre3 for the last four years but most of the time I did it from an on-line app at home for 30 minutes. Saturday's 1-hour class had students of all ages and abilities and Megan who gave clear instructions also took the time to give us modifications, adjust our stance or explain what muscle groups we were working. But trust me she takes no prisoners despite the fact her sister and I were taking her class. I left drenched, drained but energized. And I was reminded about the muscle groups I worked into the next day. Needless to say she broke a few of my plateaus. Great class Megan! read more

Alright, let's start with the good. - 1 free class per week, which is nice. - Classes are generally small and the studio (there's only one room) is spacious. Now, for the bad... It's almost as if they picked their yoga teachers here off the street (I haven't attended any of the pilates classes, so apologies if they happen to be good). Seriously, they seem to have little to no experience (unsure from their website about training). I'm all for more local yoga places in the area, but there's really better options to go in Alexandria to spend your $15 per class. Perhaps they'll improve as the operation expands? I won't stick around for it, probably. read more

This place rocks. I have been going to mommy and me pilates. Not only does the instructor kick your postpartum butt, she totally 'gets it' when it comes to new mommies. She reminds you to be proud of yourself for getting to the class in one piece, but also tells you how each move is slowly helping you bring your body back. It is a super effective workout and everyone is incredibly friendly and not intimidating. read more

Uh-mazing. The Yoga Barre is a great combo of stretching and bar method, while the Pilates Barre class is more intensive. Both Natalie and Laura are two of the best teachers I've ever come across. All around a very clean and good feeling place. read more

Update: Last night I went to Debora Jackson's class and was disturbed at the beginning of class when she suggested everyone sit in Sukhasana and press their heel into their perineum as they do Seated Pelvic Circles. It was a bit sexual and odd to me. I've taken yoga for 16 years and never had an instructor mention the perineum and describe what it's between. She also spoke about the election and got political before class started which i felt was inappropriate. She invited everyone to go to the National Mall Saturday night saying they were going to burn an effigy of President-Elect Donald Trump. A lot of people don't like Trump but I come to yoga to exercise - not to be invited to a protest/riot about our new President. You'd think a yoga instructor would be more zen! read more

For $18 a class, I definitely think this place is over priced for the level of instructor experience and quality of the studio itself. I recently sampled several classes ranging from Yoga 1 to Power Flow. I am by no means a yoga snob, but consider myself at least an intermediate after practicing regularly in Arlington and Alexandria for the past three years. I felt chastised by one instructor for doing a headstand during an inversion segment when the other students chose less advanced poses. In closing the pose, the instructor told us to return to child's pose and "release any competitiveness that you may feel." In addition to the novice level instructors who struggled to hold a tree pose, I was also quite disappointed by the visibly dirty mats (and lack of towels to wipe them with), the not-so-tranquil sounds of cars rushing by constantly on busy Mt. Vernon Ave, and the pretty awful music selection during a class that included Christmas music in July and the loud footsteps of the instructor walking back and forth across the floor to change songs during savasana. I say more mind needs to be paid to instructor selection and studio maintenance than the mat! read more

I am in love with MTM. I've been attending classes here on and off for about two years after searching for a studio I could enjoy. I primarily attend hot yoga classes and find them challenging and enjoyable. While all of the instructors are quite good and welcoming, I absolutely adore Georgia and Ha. The environment is bright, clean and spacious. read more

My favorite yoga studio. But not just yoga, there are creative, engaging and challenging classes by the BEST INSTRUCTORS. Enough variety that you can't possibly not find someone you will love. So glad MTM is growing and expanding. I'm a big fan of heated flow, power flow and boot camp. Since Megan is a DPT, I know I'm in capable hands, as she insists all instructors focus on form, technique and safe modifications. You gotta go. read more

I've been taking the Prenatal Pilates and Prenatal Yoga classes since I was 8 weeks. The Monday evening Prenatal Pilates with Meghan is awesome! She is a great instructor and the modifications still give a great workout. The Wednesday Prenatal Yoga classes with April feeeell sooo goooood! You learn poses to relieve the main aches and pains that come with pregnancy and poses to relax during labor. The studio is in the process of renovating the upstairs to include space for reformers and childcare! read more

Best prenatal and Mommy and Me Pilates classes! Megan Brown's physical therapy knowledge shines through, along with her sense of humor. The classes with Caroline and Sara are also excellent. read more

I have been going to Mind the Mat for about a year or so (both the Clarendon and Del Ray studios). I love this place! After jumping around to a number of different studios I finally found a great fit. MTM has a fun, laid-back style. If you are looking for sanskrit and silence...this studio will likely not be your cup of tea. I attend primarily the hot yoga and rock n' roll yoga classes. These classes are great for all levels and provide enough challenge to keep me progressing, but are not so difficult as to make me feel like the only person who doesn't know what is going on. All the instructors are really friendly and welcoming and seem to know their stuff! My favorites are Laura, Georgia, and Carson. While some of the poses can be very challenging, I appreciate that the teachers take student safety seriously. I've attended Bikram yoga classes at a few other studios around DC. The hot yoga classes at MTM are not traditional Bikram classes. There are a few sessions of hot hatha classes which are modeled off of Bikram classes, but most of the classes are a power flow in a warm studio. The studio is warm enough that you will sweat a lot...but not so hot that you feel uncomfortable in a really no fun sort of way. The hot yoga studio is CLEAN and doesn't smell gross...which is awesome (and more then can be said for a number of other hot yoga studios). I have heard that some classes can be crowded. There is a "wait list" system in place for very popular classes, but I have never attended an overly crowded class. The most crowded class I took was on a holiday weekend when most of the regularly scheduled classes were canceled. Parking is a bit tricky at the Clarendon studio and is much easier to find at the Del Ray studio. The Clarendon studio is accessible by ART or from the Virginia Square or Clarendon metro stops. read more

I had such amazing experiences here with their prenatal yoga. I usually went Sunday afternoons and the classes were so calming. The drive is a bit far for me now that I'm further along in my pregnancy but it was worth going the distance. I plan on going back after having my baby. The prices were also very reasonable as well. read more

I took advantage of the DC metro snow day yesterday and decided to come in for the 9:30am Hot Flow class with Amanda. I am SO glad I did! Amanda, the studio manager and everyone else I came in contact with were so friendly. The studio was very clean and very Zen. The flow class was AMAZING.... a lot of movement, not holding any pose for too long but still having a lot of opportunity for strength and improvement. I cannot say enough good things about my experience yesterday and I am looking forward to my next visit! read more

I absolutely love it here there is a class for everyone here! The instructors are great and its a great atmosphere. :)

I have been trying to be better about doing yoga and thought I'd try out Mind the Mat. Several people recommended it and it's fairly convenient. I did a few classes and then signed up for the monthly unlimited at $125 before they jacked up the price to $139, which is a bit high but I did it anyway. The teachers are fine, only one stood out to me, and she is cutting back her hours because she got a new job (or something like that, I didn't quite catch the details). She did a great job of correcting posture/form, which is really the biggest reason I venture out from my house for yoga. I can do yoga incorrectly for free at home. It's ok but I'm not sure I'll continue the monthly package after the three month commitment I've already made. read more

Love love LOVE this place! I am 8 weeks postpartum and just getting back into my grove. I have practiced hot vinyasa yoga for 8 years and have been looking for a place closer to home as my hot yoga studio in Gtown is just too far. Over the past two weeks, I have attended three hot yoga classes and a Mommy&Me Barre class. The hot yoga classes were all a little different (different instructors for each), but I found them all engaging and a great workout. The Mommy & Me Barre class was awesome- a great outing for me and my daughter and nice to meet other mommies. Parking is fairly easy, the studio is clean and tons of space compared to the city studios. I am so so happy that I found this convenient studio!! My only suggestion is more Saturday hot yoga classes! :) Thank you MTM! read more

Mind the Mat offers many varieties of yoga and Pilates to choose from. The teachers are good and the studio, which was recently renovated, is lovely. I do find that the studio focuses on the 20-45 year old demographic, and does it very well. Not to say that the 45 plus 'ers don't enjoy this studio, but they tend to be very much in the minority. read more

I absolutely love MTM! Megan Brown's Boot Camp Pilates is an awesome way to get back into shape, cross-train, or keep up with an already intense physical workout schedule. I'm a runner, and while training for long-distance races, I take Bootcamp to diversify my training and add a different challenge. I know my running greatly improves, even without as many miles, and I know that can solely be attributed to Megan's Bootcamp course. As a trained physical therapist, Megan is keenly attuned to the participant needs in the class. A minor ache or pain, she can work with you - a serious injury (As my husband has), and she works diligently to modify the workout to accommodate and assist you with getting an equally challenging workout while changing things up. The only bad thing I have to say, is that I wish Bootcamp was more than once a week - as it is such a great workout. read more

This review is only relevant for the Del Ray studio and the hot hatha class. Only negative is the lack of showers. Admittedly this is a huge negative, but I haven't found any other good studios in the area that have showers, so for the purposes of comparison, I'm only deducting one star. It's also pricier than I wish, but it seems consistent with other studios in the area (most of which do not offer hot yoga). It's very clean, the staff is friendly, and class purchasing and scheduling online is super easy. Sara's hot hatha class is great. The best hatha class I've been to, actually. It's challenging mentally and physically and Sara does a good job of keeping you motivated and present. read more

This studio is so cute and I love that it is close to lot's of other great local businesses. Kristina Scrimshaw's Flow Yoga class is my favorite and the highlight of my week. I would absolutely recommend! read more

We went to a couple's massage class. Not our usually hippie type of thing but our backs hurt all the time, so we figured it couldn't hurt. It was ok, but the tables were definitely adjusted for people about 5'4" - the men were commenting that their lower backs hurt, and for me at 5'8"...ouch. I came home and had to use a heating pad to help my lower back pain from leaning over a table for 40 plus minutes using my lower back to compensate for the low height of the table. Having visited several other of the myriad pilates/yoga/places of this genre in Del Ray and having been disappointed for several reasons...I'm wondering why we have so many of the darn things and not one Sushi restaurant. read more

I've been doing yoga off and on for the past 8 years. I started taking regular classes at MTM and saw major improvements in my practice within the first few months I started there. With the help of terrific instructors, I have achieved new poses and most importantly improved my ability to be present and mindful. I also appreciate the inclusive atmosphere of the classes, both the staff and students are friendly and supportive. With such great results, I now purchase unlimited monthly classes and have had a chance to try out many of the studio's wide selection of other stellar classes like pilates, barre, and boot camp style classes. As a Zumba instructor and former dancer, I am impressed with the staff's knowledge of alignment, technique, and movement and that practices can be tailored to all levels. With so many offerings, it's easy to squeeze a class into my hectic schedule. I highly recommend Laura Schwartz and James Fraser's hot yoga classes for those looking for a good vinyasa and challenging, but attainable workout. In particular, I love Laura's Rock n' Roll class. She is very approachable, encouraging us not to take ourselves too seriously and that it's okay to stumble or fall. During this class, she takes the time to break down poses so that we can understand proper placement or modifications. For so long, I was intimidated by crow, arm balances, and headstands, but it turns out that I just didn't understand how to position myself properly. I am now able to confidently incorporate them all into my practice and am no longer scared to experiment with new poses. Laura also teaches a popular barre and Pilates class that will get those legs burning and leave your whole body feeling stretched and toned! I highly recommend this studio to all students: those just starting out or experienced yogis and athletes looking for a challenge. I suggest trying a variety of the MTM classes and teachers, one (or a few) are bound to get you hooked. read more

I find the two instructors that I have had excellent. They don't push too hard and don't single out those that can't do a particular pose. They were concerned about each individual's capabilities and were able to give alternate poses for any injury. I recommend this yoga facility to anyone. read more

I have taken many classes from MTM in the past, but just recently finished the 6 week Prenatal seminar with Sara. What a wonderful class and instruction. Sara provided a great enviroment and many helpful tips to ease the stress the pregnancy can bring. It was also nice to have a few classes that involved your spouse/partner so they could learn a few things as well! The location is clean, relaxing, full of equipment should you forget anything and not too big so it has an intimate feel during instruction. I really looked forward to my Thursday evenings! Now I can't wait to go back for the morning classes for Mommy & Me! :) read more

I love Mind the Mat. I have been coming here for almost a year now since, serendipitously, they started offering a Monthly Unlimited plan shortly after I moved to Del Ray. After a few months of trying every type of class they offer, I figured out which classes and instructors' styles suited me best and I try to attend those classes every week. Some favorites include Yoga Barre with Natalie Berkeley, Pilates Barre with Laura Rose Schwartz, and Hot Pilates classes. MtM has made me stronger. They truly deserve the "Heart of Del Ray" and I can't wait for my class tonight. read more

Update - 9/11/15 Laura from Mind the Mat reached out and explained that they increased prices to reduce membership. She apologized for the crowded atmosphere, and suggested classes that have less people enrolled. I appreciate the reach out and explanation and have changed the rating. read more

I seldom write a review, not that I do not experience good service but honestly because life is to busy to slow down long enough to do so.. But every once in awhile you experience something that just makes you pause for a moment and you take a step back and say "WOW".. This studio is hands down amazing, I went there withy girlfriend in January to take a class, and ended buying a 4 session package.. we took both the Pilates bootcamp and the Pilates Barre class.. People would describe me a big guy, mostly muscle.. Generally I would prefer a kettle bell, or a dumbbell workout over anything else.. Pick stuff up and put stuff down kind of guy... After experiencing these amazing classes, which by the way they kicked my butt.. and Laura the instructor (don't let her little size fool you, she is packing some serious strength in that little package) is hands down amazing. Not only was the class fun, but I finished it standing in what I can only describe as a puddle of my own sweat. Yes, its that hard.. I challenge any guy out there to man up and take these classes. If you are looking for an amazing experience then this is the place, whether its a one class thing, or a monthly membership where you can put your body through the gantlet daily.. they have you covered. Thank you to the staff for making these classes great, and making me see that there are other types of endurance/strength that I should be adding into my normally guy type of workouts. read more

Consistently excellent instructors. Owner Megan Brown teaches the best Pilates Barre and boot camp classes ever, combining stand up comedy, awesome tunes and brutal workouts. I credit her and Mind the Mat with maintaining my girlish figure, and my sanity. read more

Love the hot room and teachers, especially Laura S. (quirky, talented, and cool) Megan B. (funny, knows her stuff, and amazing) andJulie W. (thoughtful, assists at all the right times, and just all around great, grounded teacher). The space is clean, the hot room is perfectly HOT and the classes are challenging if you're willing. I also like the fact that they never complain about the expense of heating the hot room like so many other studios I've been to. This place is a gem. read more

I love this place!! I've been going to Mind the Mat since it opened and taken all sorts of classes - - Hot Yoga, Yoga II/III, Yoga Flow, etc... The teachers they have now are wonderful and teach to a number of levels of experience, but the classes I've been in lean towards more beginner than advanced. Since Mind the Mat hasn't been open for a year yet, they seem to be still building up a regular set of classes, students, and teachers, but they've got a good vibe! Just for context, I've been doing yoga in the area for the last 10 years and am a bit of a yoga nomad--I've been to all sorts of classes at lots of different studios. read more

I have been to many yoga studios and I think Mind The Mat is one of the best. First, I like that you can register/pay for your classes online. You don't have to wait in any line before or after class. Plus +++ your spot is reserved. I personally have been impressed by the quality of instructors (go to Mind The Mat web site and see bios on teachers) The parking is easy, the space is clean and it's easy to walk to in Del Ray. Try the hot yoga class and the Partners Thai Yoga class really good. read more

Mind The Mat is a terrific yoga studio and I highly recommend it. I have taken yoga classes at other studios and this is by far the most comfortable I have ever felt with the instruction, personal attention and the space itself. The three different instructors I have had have been superb. In fact, I now bring my 14-year-old daughter to two classes a week and convinced my reluctant husband to start going to the Sunday evening gentle yoga class. (He loved it!) I would like to add, for those who are shy about trying yoga, that I am not a particularly skilled practitioner but I emerge from each class both sufficiently challenged and sufficiently accomodated. The results have been terrific. My sleep has improved dramatically and, unbelievably, my bad knees (already had surgery on one of them) feel the best they have felt in years. I feel more focused and much less stressed. You have nothing to lose and much to gain trying out Mind the Mat. read more

I've taken a few different kinds of classes at Mind the Mat and have loved them all. Pilates Boot Camp is always a great start to my Saturday. Megan is an energetic and knowledgeable teacher with a great sense of humor. She keeps the classes fun and different each time. I've also recently started taking some of the heated yoga classes with Deborah. Bikram yoga was not for me, but this heated class is just hot enough and Deborah is a great teacher. The heated class provides both a great workout and some nice relaxation at the end. I love the community feel of the studio (you see a lot of the same faces in different classes) and am happy to see they're expanding. Looking forward to trying some of the new classes - specifically the Barre ones. read more

It's been awhile since I last reviewed MtM, and I think it deserves an update. I have been attending Megan Brown's Pilates Bootcamp class every Saturday morning for many years now, which is a testament to this establishment in of itself. The class is 50% cardio/bootcamp and 50% pilates, but kicks my butt 100% of the time. Fun music always accompanies the class and when the weather is nice, Megan will take you outside in true bootcamp fashion (think sprints across the parking lot and other a$$-kicking activities). However, the real reason I come back is for Megan herself. Not only does she have her masters and her doctorate in physical therapy, she is the most fun person I know, which in combination makes her the best Pilates instructor to walk this earth--no joke. Her classes are so much fun, you (almost) forget you're getting an awesome work out! She is engaging, tough, and provides personal attention and modifications based on preference and injuries. The only downside to this bootcamp class is how popular it is! Come early to mark your spot and bring sneakers (as well as a sweat towel and water)! Don't be one of those curious spectators walking by wondering where all the fun music is coming from... Oh, and her butt-routine is insane. =O #notjustsquatsfordays read more

Amazing studio. Stellar teachers--many do this full-time and it shows. Once you go to one of Sam's classes you will be totally hooked! And Laura is such an amazing and fun teacher. Megan teaches a super fun Pilates Boot Camp that is super popular--she had to add a second one for the overflow. Go. Feel Good. Get Strong. read more

Have to check in and give MTM another five stars. This studio has literally changed my life. I started there having zero Pilates or yoga experience, within a year I was going to a class practically every day, sometimes two because with all variety of classes it never gets boring (or easy!). Absolutely love the boot camps (as much as you can love torturing your body into quivering submission), the hot Pilates is probably my favorite - especially in the winter it is a haven/Sanctuary of peace and inner strength. My focus over the past year was my pregnancy, delivery and recovery and once again MTM was there for me through the entire thing - to the point where the surgeon doing my c section commented on my stomach muscles mid surgery - when the heck does THAT happen!! Huge shout outs to Megan, Laura and Martina for their ability to make working every muscle in your body fun, interesting and a true lifestyle. These ladies are by far the absolute best in the business, hands down. read more

I just attended the Pilates boot camp with Meagan and it was great! Meagan has a great attitude and was very encouraging. Though everyone was in pain, especially me, she kept us moving while laughing. Music was cool. Class didn't feel overcrowded at all. The space was a nice size. Parking was easy. Great class! read more

I signed up for a 5-class package ($80) so that I could attend a Pilates Fundamentals open class, meaning that I could attend when I was able to attend and not be penalized for missing a class. After the first class (only three attendees), I received an email stating that the class was being changed to a "workshop" and would now cost $96 dollars - no refunds, no makeups. Since the only reason I purchased the package was to attend that particular class under those particular circumstances, I asked for a refund on the four unused classes. (Yeah, It sounds like a bait and switch to me too.) It has been weeks and I have not heard back from the owner - she ignored me and my email. I cannot recommend this studio. There are much better studios in Del Ray - better classes, better ethics. read more

My favorite place in Del Ray. From the moment I started there they have been just outstanding. Can't say enough good things about the care they put in to making this business work. From the outstanding teachers, great programs, extra-helpful staff, and well-kept facilities, this place is excellent. read more

I had a monthly membership at Mind the Mar for four years. I loved the sense of community of the teachers and the wonderful regulars in my classes. I took Pilates, barre, yoga, boot camp, prenatal and Mommy and Me. The Mommy and Me classes were a godsend in that post-natal period of not wanting to be watching Bravo and holed up inside; I absolutely adored the sense of community. I enjoyed my barre, Pilates and boot camp classes best and loved the early morning and late evening schedule. I loved checking and online reservations and everyone was so kind and welcoming. I only dropped my membership because I needed earlier morning classes and my baby didn't allow me to attend evening classes. The only downside is that some of the classrooms don't have a mirror and I like to be able to check my form and posture. I'd also like more teacher correction. I only found that in Pilates and some yoga classes. More individual assessment would have enhanced my practice but the instructors were always available after class. read more