NoVa Pilates · Sterling, Virginia

Don't cheat yourself.
Treat yourself.

A classical Pilates studio in Sterling, Virginia — built for the local client ready to commit, the instructor ready to grow, and the professional ready to master the method.

Book Intro Sessions → Explore the Studio →
1:1 Private sessions
5 Max group size
100% Classical method
Clarissa Shepherd demonstrating classical Pilates

NoVa Pilates

Home Of Classical Pilates & Strength Training.

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Find your path

You're in the right place.
Tell us where you're headed.

Four distinct audiences. Four focused experiences. Zero confusion.

01

I want to train

The Studio

Private sessions, small group classes, and the full classical apparatus. This is where you start.

Book a session 02

I want to grow as a teacher

For Instructors

NPC exam prep, prenatal training, and continuing education for Pilates professionals.

Explore programs 03

I want to master the method

Shepherd Method™

An elite apprenticeship capped at a small cohort. Waitlist only.

Join the waitlist 04

Movement starts early

Pilates Mamii

Classical Pilates for kids, families, and the next generation of instructors.

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The difference

Classical Pilates for the way you actually live.

Most Pilates studios serve one audience. We built NoVa Pilates to serve everyone — the athlete cross-training, the mom rebuilding postpartum, the professional who sits at a desk all day, and the instructor who wants to teach this method at the highest level.

We practice classical Pilates the way Joseph Pilates designed it — as a complete system, not a series of isolated exercises. Every session uses the full apparatus. Every movement is intentional. Every client is seen.

Full Classical System

Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and small apparatus. Every session is the complete method — not a single piece of equipment.

Small By Design

Group classes cap at five. Private sessions are 1:1. You are never lost in the room.

Built for Everyone

Athletes, moms, men, beginners, professionals. If you are ready to train with intention, there is a place for you here.

Clarissa Shepherd, Founder of NoVa Pilates
Founder · NoVa Pilates
Meet your instructor
"Train alongside teachers who understand your WHY by teaching you HOW."

I'm Clarissa Shepherd-Hayes — a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, CEC Provider, and the founder of NoVa Pilates. I am a Master Trainer for Club Pilates and comprehensively trained by Peak Pilates. I have been teaching Pilates since 2016.

As a HYROX & Spartan athlete and fit mom of two, I built this studio around one belief: intentional movement changes everything. Whether you're here to get stronger, recover smarter, or teach at the highest level — I will meet you where you are and take you further than you thought possible.

"Don't teach yourself, treat yourself."

"Train alongside teachers who understand your WHY by teaching you HOW."

Nationally Certified Classical Pilates Master Trainer · Peak Pilates & Club Pilates lineage
3 years training Washington Commanders athletes · performance, injury prevention, total-body control
On-Care Postpartum Movement Specialist · Sanu Postpartum Care
Creator of the Shepherd Method · instructor education & mentorship platform
60+ instructors certified across the U.S. · 25+ internationally
Meet Clarissa →

This is what intentional training looks like.

Client stories

What our clients say.

"Clarissa is an amazing Pilates instructor — she doesn't miss a thing and I constantly feel challenged."

Elise · Studio Client

"I am an older beginner and was concerned about my ability, but Clarissa's classes have been amazing — she provides the gentle support I need for a great workout. Can't say enough!"

Judith · Studio Client

"She had the time to listen and address your issues and needs, and was patient when helping correct our form. It was my first day trying Pilates and I already like it a lot!"

Samer · First-Time Client

The studio

NoVa Pilates

The studio where local clients train, instructors develop their craft, and the Shepherd Method is taught. Classical Pilates at the highest level — for anyone ready to do the work.

Explore the studio 01

The community

Pilates Mamii

Where classical movement meets the next generation. Kids programming, family education, and the Sage Does Pilates world. Same method. Same standards. More people reached.

Explore Pilates Mamii 02

Your next step

Your next step starts with two sessions.

Two intro private sessions are required before any group class — and they're the best investment you'll make. You'll understand your body differently after session one.

Book Intro Sessions — $120 →