Pengu Studio

In terms of location and overall cleanliness, I’d have to give Pengu a five star rating. It is central, easy to find, lots of parking and very inviting. One or two small admin issues keep me from giving it a five. I may review this after more time spent at Pengu. The instructors are top notch. They really know how to run their classes.

I went to Pengu while in town for a weeklong visit. As I am about to embark on a 200-​hour yoga teacher training, I decided to get three one-​to-​one sessions as part of a deal offered to new students so that I could get extra attention regarding poses and transitions that I was either confused about or still struggling with physically. Jasmine was my instructor, and I cannot speak highly enough of her skills and embodiment of the many principles of yoga. She provided excellent instruction, and answered all of my questions fully and with great patience. I definitely felt helped by her one-​to-​one instruction and was able to get greater clarity about certain poses and transitions. I also liked how she would sometimes comment on the specific benefits of certain poses, which gave me greater motivation, especially when feeling challenged. And at the end of every Savasana, she read an inspiring poem or quote, which I found comforting and inspirational. I really appreciated how she embraced yoga in its totality, not just focusing on the poses, but treating it as the multifaceted spiritual practice that it is.
After 3 sessions with Jasmine, I went to the Saturday morning (930) group class that was led by another instructor (forget her name). This was an extremely challenging and good workout, but the class was devoid of any spirituality whatsoever — so if you are into yoga mainly for the exercise, you would likely really like this class as she definitely pushes you to your body’s limit. The other students seemed quite nice and friendly.
The studio itself is very clean and conveniently located. They also offer pilates but I didn’t take any of those classes.

The sign up process is either through the Mind Body Connect app or on the Pengu website. I have been going to yoga classes for a year and a half and I have always had an instructor or a sub if need be. Alex Duchscher is outstanding. She thoroughly warms up the body before focussing on a particular body part. I have stretched my quads more than I have ever thought possible. She also has a spiritual focus which leaves you feeling very relaxed. The price is right as well, in fact they should probably charge more. More old guys like myself should be doing yoga. It has done wonders for my lower back.

I’m a Pilates teacher in the Seattle area (I grew up in DC though) and I drop into classes here whenever I’m back in town. The studio is clean and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve taken class from several of the instructors and they have all been fun, challenging and safe workouts. All in all a really nice experience. I’d recommend them to anyone looking to get into Pilates :)

Pengu is awesome! A friendly Pilates studio that is great for beginners or pros. They have plenty of reformers, towers, and chairs — plus a private room and Cadillac. The instructors all have different styles, so it is easy to find a good fit. I work with Laura and have also taken classes with Heather — both are great! The online scheduling system is easy to use, too. You must cancel with more than 24 hrs notice or get charged, but that is pretty standard. I used to go to a place where it was 48 hrs! They also do yoga classes and private yoga, but no Pilates mat to my knowledge.

A wonderful pilates studio, easy to park at. The studio is quite clean and the students are very good about wiping down equipment and mats after using them. The interior is well maintained with approachable instructors. Both Sarah and Erin are good. More mat classes please!
What’s interesting about the registration… you can sign up early online, but if you try to cancel with 24 hours, you lose the cost of the class. So now I sign up online the day of the class or a few minutes before I head out the door, once I’m certain my schedule will allow me to attend. No sense signing up early if I’m just going to get penalized when my work schedule changes.
The schedule use to incorporate more yoga… would be great if they brought more yoga options back.
Overall, a great place to plug into with flexible class options. I like that the classes are usually an hour or less… easier to manage with work schedule during the week.

The instructors are very friendly. The studio is right in the middle of McLean so the commute is really easy. Sommer is very knowledgeable and probably one of the best pilates instructors that I know.

I have been going to Pengu on and off since the studio opened. I am trying to make it there more often lately and I really like the flexibility of being able to mix up which classes I go to each week. My schedule varies quite a bit because of my job so I don’t like to be locked in to a specific class each week. Their online scheduler allows me to do that. I have had a variety of instructors and loved them all. The studio is conveniently located and has a great ambiance. Most important, all of the instructors are professional, passionate and gifted.

Excellent!!!
The studio was easy to find, immaculate and inviting. The admin was very friendly and personable.
I had a personal session with Summer and I’m so going again. Her knowledge of movement anatomy is truly remarkable and a level that I really admired. I was truly impressed and had a fantastic work out. My body hasn’t been challenged like that in a very long time and I go to the gym 4 – 6 times a week!
I learned a lot about my alignment and proper postural movements that I’m implementing in my daily life and I can feel a huge difference already. As a side benefit that night was the best sleep I’ve had in years. I can’t wait to go back.

Amazing and fun reformer classes. Can’t get enough of the yoga. I am thankful to have found a studio that offers both in a convenient location with a comfortable atmosphere. And, a note about a previous review: Pengu most definitely takes credit cards, I keep mine on file with them so i can keep a package running. Try them out!!!

I come for Zumba classes here and it’s a lot of fun. It’s challenging dancing so it gets you sweating, but the loud and fast music, the other people in the class and the great instructors motivate you to keep going. the good thing about Zumba is that you can be as hard on yourself as you want to be, or if you want to take it easier that’s no problem either.
I only wish they offered it more often on weeknights!

At last a good pilates studio has arrived in McLean in a commuter friendly location. There are a couple other good studios in McLean but they are hidden away and their location discourages commuters.
My comments address Reformer Classes. I’ve experienced 4 instructors. I would rate 2 of them as 5*, the third as 4.5* and the fourth as 4*. They know their stuff. They watch and correct posture. They encourage you to try harder. You know you’ve been working out.
This studio is a recent addition to McLean, so expect classes to have only a couple of students at times. More personal attention!
I hope more people find this gem. I’m looking forward to more classes before and after work.

I don’t know why my review is not showing up properly on Unilocal.:(
I still looooooove pengu pilates class. On top of that, I love Mary’s yoga class on Sat morning. This studio make you feel you have been taken care of by fantastic staffs. You won’t regret!

Don’t waste your time like I did!
I drove in the beltway rain and traffic to try this place out for the first time, but was sorely disappointed to be turned away at the door because they would only accept CASH. That struck me as odd because their website specifically says that they accept cash, check, visa or MC.
Based on my experience and another post, it seems like going by what’s on their website is a BAD idea.

The reviewer who complained about no instructor posted their review on Thanksgiving week

This review makes me sad to write. I had really been enjoying my first sessions, and then today they didn’t have the instructor/​owner show up for a class that I had scheduled online. There were two of us who had signed up, and no one was there to teach the class. They market so that it looks like you can drop in, but I would definitely be wary of that option. Even with a reservation, the class didn’t happen.
Very disappointing and I’ll post if I find an alternative place that shows up for their scheduled classes.