Georgetown Pilates has called Hamilton Court (between M and N Streets) its home for the past two years. Now the studio is adding an additional space next to its current unit at 1228 31st St.

The plan is to convert the current space, which has been used for private apparatus-based pilates, into a group exercise area for mat-based pilates and some yoga classes. The new studio will then hold all the bars and apparatus equipment for the private lessons to continue.

Alma Ramos said she and her business partner, Heather Perry, met when they were both working at Sports Club LA.

"We are both former ballet dancers and we came to pilates for the same reasons," she said.

The two left Sports Club LA together and with the help of a supportive client, opened their own studio in Georgetown. Though they had not told many people about their plans, it was not long before former clients found Ramos and Perry in Georgetown.

 "When we left, people found us...Our clientele followed us almost 90 percent," said Ramos.

"We were lucky in a sense that we’d already been established here in D.C."

The move to add group classes comes largely from a demand.

Group classes, "make it more accessible to more students" whether its those who cannot afford the apparatus sessions or clients seeking to supplement their apparatus sessions, explained Ramos.

Georgetown Pilates classes will remain small and personal, though, as the room can hold 12 comfortably, maybe 15 in a squeeze said Ramos.

And that's fine by her.

"We want to keep it small and pay more attention to the individual in a group setting."

Ramos and Perry added a third instructor in February and have since added several others for a staff of about 10, said Ramos. They are still hiring instructors and trying to figure out how the schedule will work.

They are also planning a few innovative offerings to draw in more clients: Georgetown Pilates will offer happy hour acupuncture. Pariticpants in a group of four or so will meditate together and receive shorter personal acupuncture treatments in the group setting.

Ramos said she loves their space on 31st Street, "it's hidden way from the craziness of Georgetown."

The new group classes will begin Sept. 19. Check their website for class information as it becomes available.