At a Glance

Website: fusepilates.com
Address: 2008 Hillyer Pl NW, Washington, DC 20009
Class length: 60 min
Price (for mat classes): 1 class/$19, 10 classes/$150, month unlimited/$175
Sweat Scale: low
Energy level: low

Sweating on Christmas Day…I didn’t know that was a thing but I hoped it was possible! On Xmas Eve I checked out my ClassPass DC options and found two I was interested in: cycling and Pilates. Since the Pilates class was one metro stop closer, I decided to go with that.

Pre Sweat

Although I had my mom drop me off at the studio so I wouldn’t have to wake up so early (jet lag, people), this studio is one block from the DuPont circle metro station. There was also metered parking in front of the studio. The studio is a gorgeous old town house (you don’t see that architecture in LA). I walked in and was greeted by a bright and clean room with a friendly instructor who had me fill out the usual form. I hung my coat, topped off my water bottle, and headed up to the third floor where there are cubbies for purses, etc.

After grabbing a long, cushiony mat, I headed into the studio. Not knowing where the back of the room was, I cozied up next to the furthest wall. The studio is absolutely stunning with light colored walls, hardwood floor, and framed mirrors everywhere. The class was packed, with 15 students, the most they’ve had after starting Xmas classes 2 years ago.

Sweat

Turns out the front of the class was actually the middle. The instructor, Ayelet, stood in the center of the room and each side faced her. This class changes every time depending on the suggestions of the students. Ayelet asked what body parts we wanted to work on and that’s how she decided what exercises we should do. My class decided to focus on upper abs, thighs, and arms.

We were on the mat the entire time. Starting with ab work, we did a ton of crunches…pulsing, freezing, holding one or both legs up, going to the side, and other variations. There weren’t a lot of breaks besides “lay back down and come up right away on your next exhale”, so my abs were feeling shaky by the time it was done. Next we did bridges (laying down, knees bent, feet flat on ground, lifting and lowering your hips) which worked our glutes and inner thighs. By the end of each section, my body muscles were exhausted. Using our own body weight, we did a ton of arm work. Since the segment was so long, it was difficult despite not having weights. Lastly, we focused on arms, holding planks and doing push-ups. One variation had us do push-ups in downward dog. We stretched at the end and did some deep breathes to conclude.

Post sweat

This studio is literally in DuPont circle so there are a TON of things to do afterwards. Since the class is strength rather than cardio the lack of showers won’t prevent you from heading to dinner at Circa, grabbing a healthy snack at Sweetgreen, or a trendy cold-pressed juice at Jrink. There is also plenty of shopping in the area!

Tricks of the Trade

• If you want to be in the back of class, make sure you snag a spot in the way front or the way back because the center will be the “front”.
• Taking the metro? Make sure to leave plenty of time or check the times before you head out the door.
• Come with a body part in mind so you can suggest it to the instructor before class begins.