I’ve had a great experience with Erika! Classes are well-structured, challenging, and leave me feeling stronger every time. The studio is clean, well-equipped, and has a calm, positive vibe. Highly recommend for anyone looking to improve strength, flexibility, and posture.

Erika is an exceptional Pilates instructor. Each session is thoughtfully tailored and always different, with focused attention that makes every workout feel personal and effective.

I am a Pilates instructor and have been taking sessions with Erika for two years. She is wonderful. Her knowledge of Pilates is extensive. She knows how to adjust an exercise if you have a particular issue going on that day. She notices minute “incorrect” positions and gently guides your body to make sure that your form is correct. Workouts vary every session to keep things fresh and interesting. As an instructor, I appreciate how detailed she is to ensure the exercises are being performed the way they should be. She truly is an outstanding Pilates Instructor!

Updated Review 6/1/2025: I have been working with Erika for FIVE years now. I have definitely improved my flexibility and the classes continue to be fun and work different muscles. You have an opportunity to push your strength and flexibility safely as Erika ensures your alignment and technique is correct. Highly recommend and I feel Erika is the perfect instructor for all levels, including beginners. Original review 2020: I have been working with Erika to address some alignment issues. I needed a low impact exercise due to a degenerative disc and uneven hips and was looking to improve my flexibility. I am overweight and was concerned that I would have trouble with some of the movements but Erika makes me feel very comfortable and adjusts the movements for my level and I’ve been able to surprise myself more than once. My sessions are always different and, yes, you sweat! Her in home studio is comfortable and professional with fun music playing in the background. No matter your size or age or fitness level I would recommend working with Erika to work on strength and flexibility.

Erika is simply the best Pilates instructor! Each class I learn something new or get challenged with a new concept in a completely safe and supportive environment.

I started taking Pilates classes to strengthen my core and alleviate chronic back pain. When I first started, I couldn't do half the exercises because my core was weak, I was overweight, and I had very limited flexibility. Within three months, I lost 20 lbs and noticed a huge improvement in my core strength and flexibility. Also, it's so nice to have the option to take virtual classes that are just as effective as live ones during this pandemic. Erika Surma is an amazing instructor who can adapt her classes to any setting or ability level. Highly recommend!

Love South Riding Pilates! Beautiful studio and the best instructor! My Pilates sessions have improved my golf game and helped with my posture. Pilates is the best! And South Riding Pilates is too!

Erika is awesome! I have been doing Pilates with her for over 3 years now. It's an awesome workout, but she also really understands the body, so it becomes almost like therapy too!

Erika is amazing in the way she understands your goals and leads you through a challenging and thorough workout. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly my body started to get stronger and more flexible. She is very knowledgeable and knows what your body needs. She is always very aware of my body alignment so I get the most benefit from each exercise. I’m so happy I found her.

Erika is the instructor everyone needs - she works with her clients to understand their needs and helps them reach their goals steadily and successfully. Pilates is a process; you won’t see results overnight, but working with Erika consistently, you will absolutely see and feel your progress. Erika will guide you every step of the way with her expertise, fun and challenging material, and a great sense of humor!

I am in my 50's, have a desk job and and injured knee and was having trouble when COVID hit finding ways to avoid turning into a total couch potato. I found Erika online and took some virtual mat classes from her then progressed to reformer classes in her home studio. Classes feel like a gentle motion but they are incredibly effective. Erika is amazing at adapting the classes to incorporate progress but more importantly to work on my aches and pains. The increase in flexibility has been amazing...I have toes!!! I can easily touch them. I have abs under the flab and they are getting stronger and more supportive. Pilates has made me more aware of how I am sitting, how to sit better, how to move better. I have more range and less pain and feel surprisingly refreshed at the end of my lessons. I would never have thought an exercise class could refresh me but this does. She knows how to work my body so that I can be a happier, healthier, bendier human. I am very happy that I found pilates it is the perfect exercise for me.

If you are looking for one of the best Pilates Instructors in the DMV, look no further than Erika! I met Erika nearly 10 years ago and she introduced me to Pilates, which completely changed my life! I had suffered from a debilitating knee injury which required a total knee replacement. I had gone from very active to not active, Pilates made all the difference in building strength, toning muscles and strengthening my core without pain.Erika is extremely knowledgeable about the body and will push you to achieve your goals, and make it fun! She introduced me to TRX which further challenged me and is a great workout to increase your strength.

Don’t miss the chance to have Erika as your instructor and wellness mentor, you won’t regret it!