Reina Offutt Pratt is both the creative mind and owner of Potomac Pilates Inc. and its three locations: The Shops at Wisconsin Place, The Palisades, and Potomac Tennis Club. For the past seven years, Reina has worked continuously to create the perfect environment where fun meets fitness for both her employees and clients, while also actively giving back to the community.  Proud mother of two, this MOM-trepreneur is a member of the Potomac Chamber of Commerce, was selected by the Mind and Body University panel as the 2012 success story, has raised over $20,000 and walked the runway for Fashion for Paws, and was recently dubbed a 2013 lululemon brand ambassador.

Potomac Pilates offers Performance Pilates and Performance Barre classes.  Performance Pilates strengthens and stretches out bulky muscles while toning and balancing the strength of the smaller muscle groups. The Pilates method of exercise is safe and gentle on the body, making it an effective workout for people of all ages.  Performance Barre classes are a hybrid of Pilates, ballet and yoga. Performance Barre classes offer a total body workout using ballet-inspired exercises that result in a serious sweat.

Getting to Know Reina

What inspired you to open Potomac Pilates? After my first Pilates class I instantly knew I wanted to become certified and share the benefits Pilates has to offer to help others change their minds and bodies.  I started teaching at a Pilates studio in Virginia and soon after I had my son I decided to open a studio in Potomac where I reside. I have been teaching and doing Pilates ever since! I have been fortunate enough to have amazing clients and a wonderful staff of over 20 exceptional instructors who support and believe in Pilates as much as I do.

What makes Potomac Pilates unique? Potomac Pilates embodies traditional Pilates and Barre while incorporating a high level of fitness and a modern twist to keep the mind and body stimulated and wanting more.  Our Pilates program was developed in house and our entire staff is responsible for the quality of classes delivered at Potomac Pilates. We have three different levels for Pilates to make the classes accessible to ALL men and women of all ages. Our Barre classes are cardio-based and we use glide boards, which simulate speed skating and get your heart rate up, and are unique to the Washington D.C. area.

Advice for first-timers? Keep an open mind and come several times. The reformer can be an intimidating machine so we strive to make our exercises seamless and easy to transition. Reformer Pilates has no age or fitness level barrier and we make it a point to stress that. It is all about getting familiar and in tune with your own mind and body while respecting your limitations as you achieve your goals.

The one workout move everyone should master? Mastering the perfect plank whether you are on the floor or on a reformer is crucial. We do a lot of planking exercises and it is important to keep a long flat back and stay broad and open through your shoulders and upper back. People will tend to tense up around their neck and forget to squeeze and hold their core.  Also, never forget to keep breathing! It will help out in any exercise.

Favorite workout brand? We carry a few fitness apparel brands at the studio and we are all obsessed with Bia Brazil! The clothes are the perfect mix between fashion and fitness, and are one size fits all from 2-12.  Every client who tries on their pants and tops ends up swearing by them! We also love Bordeaux tanks since they have a built-in bra that is flattering and the color varieties are endless.

If you could give GoRecess one piece of advice, what would it be? Try many different workouts because you never know what may work for you.  The traditional membership is not for everyone and some people need a fixed schedule and a fitness studio works best for them. Don’t be shy or resilient to explore and push your personal limits! Have fun with whatever physical activity you are doing, because at the end of the day, your workout should relieve stress and bring you peace.