Pilates Mat Classes in Columbia, MD

Transform your strength, posture, and well-being with expert mat Pilates instruction at The Yoga Center of Columbia. Join Samira (AKA Karen Best) for personalized guidance in both studio and online Pilates classes designed to enhance your core strength and relieve back pain.

Howard County Mat Pilates Classes

Strengthen and stretch for total well-being in our beautiful studio or from the comfort of your home. Our Pilates programs offer:

  • Focus on your back health, posture, hip and knee stability, strength, and more

  • Pilates 1 is beginner friendly

  • Personalized attention in small group settings

  • Expert instruction from certified instructor Samira

  • Both in-studio and Zoom options, easily accessible via our app

  • New Student Special: 3 weeks unlimited classes for $59

Register Now

Featured expert in:

CNN Health logo with red and white background and black text.
Logo for Prevention Magazine Online in blue and black text on a white background.
Blue background with white text that says 'Woman's Day'.

What students say

  • "I started because I had tweaked my back picking up my tiny infant. Now I can pick up my 50 lb. dog no problem."

    Christie

  • "You're the first teacher I've had who explains things enough. I finally feel like I understand my body more and I am getting it right.”

    Leslie

  • “Speaking of measurable results, I no longer need to go to the chiropractor every 6 weeks.”

    Russell

  • "In one session I can see that I'm much more toned and stable. Samira/Karen is also very knowledgeable with a great personality. She will push you to YOUR limit never more than what you can handle. She's a great teacher!"

    Samantha

  • "Pilates and Mobility Stretch classes with Samira/Karen have really helped my back issues. I suffered from sciatica pain and muscle relaxants and Motrin were no longer helping with the pain. After attending just a couple of classes, I saw a significant improvement and soon I no longer needed any medication much less any invasive procedures that I had been considering."

    Liz

  • "Sticking with your classes have made my sciatica completely go away."

    Michael

  • “I've been taking your class for over 20 years now, and I can't imagine my life without it.”

    Patti

  • “My doctor asked me what I was doing because I measure 3/4 of an inch taller!”

    Alice

  • "Nagging hip pain, gone! I can't thank you enough."

    Diane

  • "Always the best instruction. Samira/Karen's Pilates classes keep bringing me back. She's funny and warm and somehow makes us want to work hard!"

    Jill

  • "I never thought I'd get this from an exercise class, but I feel more confident. I feel stronger physically, but also emotionally. Your classes help me feel more grounded, and I can't thank you enough."

    Kathleen

  • "This is a great class! Karen is an excellent teacher and offers informative and creative methods! Simply wonderful!"

    Rona

Pilates Class FAQs

  • This is like asking if you need to be clean to get in the shower. Start where you are. Pilates 1 classes are truly for beginners. They move at a slow pace and have modifications for those who need. My classes also come with a free intro video so you always start from the very beginning with confidence.

  • Mat Pilates is the original exercise system, is practiced on a cushioned mat and can be done anywhere. Reformer Pilates requires large equipment and a specialized. My Pilates 1-2 classes and above include resistance props, many of which simulate apparatus Pilates. All classes are in-studio and online.

  • Equipment Needed

    In-Studio:

    • At the Yoga Center of Columbia we have mats and props available for use

    • Option to bring your own equipment

    Online Classes:

    • Mat

    • Yoga strap or bathrobe belt

    • Blanket

    • That’s all you need for Pilates 1

    • For Pilates 1-2 with Weights, Pilates 2 with Weights and Pilates 2-3 with Weights: 2-5 lb dumbbells, 1-5 lb ankle weights, 12” loop resistance bands, long resistance band, and a 9-9.5 inch soft Pilates or yoga ball

  • Yes! A meta-analysis of 217 studies found Pilates to be more effective than other types of exercise for reducing pain and functional limitations.
    Many of my students no longer need to go to the chiropractor. Many perform better in sports and athletics, and I even avoided back surgery by doing physical therapy and Pilates.

  • Yes. Level 1 classes are beginner friendly. You even get a free intro video before class if you register more than an hour before class start time.

  • The one you enjoy more or that has the flexibility to fit into your schedule best, because that is the one you will do!
    They are both wonderful for you and complement each other very well. Many students take both, or they take Pilates and my Mobility Stretch classes.

Pilates Benefits for Back & Core Health

Physical therapists consistently recommend our Pilates classes for their proven results:

  • Improved posture and core strength

  • Increased bone density

  • Reduced back pain

  • Fixed diastasis rectii

  • Relief from sciatica

  • Enhanced flexibility and mobility

  • Improved balance

  • See also our Mobility Stretch classes

Pilates Class Schedule

  • Monday, Pilates 2 with Weights, 10:15am - 11:15am
    Monday, Pilates 2 with Weights, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

  • Tuesday, Pilates 1, 8:15am - 9:15am
    Tuesday, Pilates 1-2 with Weights, 6:15pm - 7:15pm

  • Wednesday, Pilates 1-2 with Weights, 9:30am - 10:30am
    Wednesday, Pilates 1, 6:15pm - 7:15pm

  • Thursday, Pilates 2-3 with Weights, 6:15pm - 7:15pm

Pilates Schedule

Class Levels & Options

Pilates 1 (Beginner-Friendly)

Perfect for those new to Pilates or returning after a break. These beginner friendly, back friendly classes help you strengthen the deepest muscles in your body and understand how to do them effectively. In other words, you learn how to get results! Focus on fundamental movements and proper form. Understand your body and the movements, gain confidence, get stronger!

Pilates 1-2 with Weights

Intermediate level combining classic Pilates with resistance props for enhanced results.

Pilates 2 with Weights

Advanced sessions for experienced practitioners seeking additional challenge.

Pilates 2-3 with Weights

Advanced sessions for experienced practitioners seeking more flow, rolling and inversion movements, and additional challenge.

What to Expect in Your First Class

Class Structure

  • 60-minute class sessions

  • 50 minutes of strengthening exercises

  • 10 minutes of rejuvenating stretches with slow breathwork

Equipment Needed

In-Studio:

  • Mat and props available for use

  • Option to bring your own equipment

Online via Zoom:

  • Mat

  • Yoga strap or bathrobe belt

  • Blanket

  • That’s all you need for Pilates 1

  • For Pilates 1-2 with Weights, Pilates 2 with Weights, and Pilates 2-3 with Weights: Weights, 12” loop resistance bands, long resistance band, and a 9-9.5 inch soft Pilates or yoga ball

Start Your Pilates Journey Today

Join our supportive community and experience the transformative power of Pilates. Take advantage of our New Student Special: 3 weeks of unlimited classes for $59.

Register now at the Yoga Center of Columbia. See Pilates class reviews from below!

Classes available both in-studio (Columbia, MD) and online via Zoom