COLUMBIA - Mixed Progression


This class is taught by:

Joanna Gilmer

Joanna began her journey with Pilates in 2011 in Warsaw,Poland. On the first day of practice, her teacher started class by quoting Joseph Pilates “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body”. As a “skeptical” beginner, Joanna was amazed that everything that was said about Pilates became true. As a result, she has become a committed practitioner of Pilates, and in convincing others that thanks to this method, not only the body movement and strength can improve, but you will also gain greater balance and energy. You simply start feeling better!. Joanna is Comprehensively Certified by Balanced Body and teaches Mat, Reformer, Tower and Chair. In addition to practicing Pilates, Joanna also enjoys running, biking,cooking, reading, and traveling with her husband and spending time with her family.

Lana MacDonald

Lana has been teaching Reformer Pilates in her homeland of New Zealand since 2020, now a recent resident in Maryland she is keen to share her passion for gaining strength and stability through Pilates. She loves being part of clients Pilates journeys and enjoys encouraging clients to challenge themselves and never be afraid to try something new. Lana also has a love of yoga and has recently completed her 200hr YTT.

Jessicah Midy

My life’s passion is for all forms of movement and continues to evolve. I completed a 500-hour training course to earn a Pilates Method Certification through The Lab at Pilates House Baltimore.

Join me for individualized training that bridges the gap between Classical and Contemporary Pilates. Each session offers the opportunity to engage the core for greater stability, improve flexibility, build strength, gain better control of everyday movements, and further develop overall endurance. I tailor every workout for the unique body in front of me and enjoy learning as much from my clients as they do from me.

In parallel, I hold a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Interior Design. I am grateful for my 15+ years of experience leading commercial and residential projects globally, including in North America, Europe, and Asia —as I believe the same commitment to form and function influences my Pilates routines as well.

Doreen Sheppard

Doreen Sheppard has over fourteen years teaching experience in the fitness industry. She enjoys working with clients one-on-one or in a group setting. She is certified in person training (NASM and ACE), group fitness (AFAA) Resist-A-Ball, and Spinning. She is currently pursuing a Balanced Body Reformer certification. Doreen enjoys running and road cycling in her spare time.

Kelly McDonald

Kelly was first introduced to Pilates as a teenager through her classical ballet training. Years later, after starting her family, she rediscovered her love for the practice and experienced firsthand how Pilates could heal, strengthen, and restore the body. Inspired by the transformative impact it had on her own life, she felt called to share the method with others.

Kelly is certified through The Lab and is currently completing her bridge to become fully certified with Balanced Body. Her teaching style blends a deep understanding of movement with a compassionate, down-to-earth approach.

When she's not in the studio, Kelly is usually on the move—chasing after her three kids, two dogs, and enjoying the beautiful chaos of family life with her husband.

Jen McIntosh

"Come as you are." Like the invitation of the Nirvana lyrics, for nearly 30 years Jen has deeply appreciated the practice of Pilates and its ability to meet us where we are - with equipment that can flexibly challenge, support, or rehabilitate at any given moment. From restorative to athletic, every class is a bit of self-care and longevity...and fun! Trained in Balanced Body (Irvine Valley College in CA + Coreworks, MD) and Peak equipment, Jen teaches mat, Reformer, and Tower. She is also a 300+ hours Certified Yoga Teacher, trained by Charm City Yoga (Kim Manfredi) and Yogaworks in the Hatha/Vinyasa-style tradition, and her teaching is uplifting, mindful, and grounding.

Jen is an applied mathematician (decision scientist), executive coach, and conflict trainer/mediator. Like so many of us, the common thread in our day jobs is a whole lot of sitting. So, she especially understands and enjoys some extra stretch and attention to postural support in the practice. Cue the 'deep sigh exhale', and she'll see you on the carriage!

This class is held at the COLUMBIA Studio.
9160 Rumsey Road, Suite B4
Columbia, MD 21045
 
This dynamic class uses a mix of equipment to challenge coordination, stability, flexibility and movement flow. Every class offers variety while reinforcing form and whole-body awareness.

Who it’s for: Students with a strong foundation and at least 10 Foundation classes completed.

Upcoming classes:

  • Wed Dec 17 9:30 am - 10:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Wed Dec 17 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Lana MacDonald
  • Wed Dec 17 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Thu Dec 18 6:30 am - 7:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Thu Dec 18 9:30 am - 10:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Thu Dec 18 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm with Doreen Sheppard
  • Thu Dec 18 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Fri Dec 19 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm with Kelly McDonald
  • Sat Dec 20 11:30 am - 12:30 pm with Jen McIntosh
  • Sun Dec 21 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Jen McIntosh
  • Mon Dec 22 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Lana MacDonald