COLUMBIA - Reformer Progression


This class is taught by:

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.

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.

Sarah Day

Sarah received her Pilates Certification through Polestar Pilates in August of 2015. She believes in the balancing effect Pilates has and thinks that everyone can benefit from its method. Sarah has worked in the Physical Therapy field for ten years, and has seen just how important movement is to the health of the body. She is excited to share her passion for Pilates with you!

Chris Ruane

Chris is a clinical Hanna Somatic Educator and Practitioner, Maryland Certified Massage Therapist, 500 hour yoga and Pilates teacher with over 17 years experience and is currently pursuing a Masters Pilates certification. She considers herself a mood movement detective who's focus is to help you achieve full range of movement in a pain-free body. Her background as an Irish dancer, athlete and musician give her personal insight into the mechanisms of chronic pain and her education and neurophysiology and hands on experience guide her work in creating custom tailored movement and Bodyworks sessions to help you move throughout life pain-free.

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.

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.

Kathryn LaRusso

From a young age, movement has been at the heart of my life. Growing up as a dancer, cheerleader, and stage performer, I’ve always felt connected to the power of movement. 
In 2024, I was led to become a certified comprehensive Pilates instructor—a career change that has brought me new purpose and joy.
In my classes, students can expect a focus on the mind-body connection, with movements designed to foster both physical strength and mental clarity. My goal is to empower clients, helping them leave each session feeling strong, confident, and more in tune with their bodies. Longevity is a key principle in my teaching, with an emphasis on sustainable practices that support long-term health and vitality.

This class is held at the COLUMBIA Studio.
9160 Rumsey Road, Suite B4
Columbia, MD 21045
 
A full-body class for students ready to expand their practice with more variety, creative sequencing, and refined technique. You’ll work with moderate pacing, layered options, and added strength or balance challenges.

Who it’s for:
Students with a strong foundation and at least 3 Foundation classes completed.

Upcoming classes:

  • Wed Dec 17 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Wed Dec 17 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Wed Dec 17 11:30 am - 12:30 pm with Sarah Day
  • Wed Dec 17 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm with Chris Ruane
  • Wed Dec 17 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm with Jessicah Midy
  • Thu Dec 18 7:30 am - 8:30 am with Joanna Gilmer
  • Thu Dec 18 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kelly McDonald
  • Thu Dec 18 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Chris Ruane
  • Fri Dec 19 6:30 am - 7:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Fri Dec 19 8:30 am - 9:30 am with Lana MacDonald
  • Fri Dec 19 10:30 am - 11:30 am with Kathryn LaRusso
  • Fri Dec 19 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Kelly McDonald