To begin! Me leaving a review shows how much of an impact something has left on me.
I live in Gwinnett, which is about 40 minutes away from Buckhead, where the class is located. Last night, when I checked the time, I realized it was actually a 45-minute drive from my house. This morning, I woke up really early to recheck the navigation and make sure I left on time. I ended up leaving an hour early to ensure I made it. However, on my way there, my ETA kept getting extended due to rerouting and extreme traffic in my city. It took me much longer than expected to even get on the freeway.
The class was scheduled to start at 9:30 AM. By 8:40, I realized I wasn’t going to make it on time and that my new arrival time would be around 9:39 AM. I called their number to inform them of the situation and left a voicemail explaining that I understood their 15-minute early arrival policy for newcomers. I also mentioned that I would love to go over the safety and procedures beforehand so I could be fully prepared to jump right into the class upon arrival.
Finally, I arrived at the location, still excited for the class despite the delays. When I walked in, the front desk staff greeted me and asked for my name. Once she realized it was my first time, she informed me that I couldn’t join the class because I was late, which I completely understand as a newcomer. However, I reiterated that I had called nearly an hour earlier to inform them of my delay and my willingness to go over the safety instructions prior to starting the class.
She insisted that there was nothing she could do for me except reschedule me for the 12 PM class. Unfortunately, with the heavy traffic, what was initially a 45-minute drive had turned into an hour and 30 minutes, and I simply didn’t have time to stay for a later class. I completely understand the importance of safety and procedures for classes like this, and I had made sure to inform them of my situation in advance. I also mentioned that, as an instructor and certified personal trainer myself, I take numerous fitness classes and am experienced with the machines they use in their class. I even offered to sign the necessary waiver and take full responsibility for joining the class despite the timing.
We went back and forth for 30 minutes, but nothing changed. She was adamant about only offering the 12 PM class, which was not feasible for me since I had to head back to Alabama. At that point, I could tell there was no reasoning with her, so I had no choice but to leave.
Thankfully, ClassPass refunded and credited me, and I decided to find another workout class in the area. I wasn’t leaving Atlanta without trying something new! Thankfully, Solidcore came through, and I was able to join a class there.
All this to say, I’m incredibly disheartened that I wasn’t able to try such an amazing class at Sculpt. I was so excited to see the format and experience the workout, but everything happens for a reason. Lord willing, maybe I was being saved from an unpleasant experience.
That said, it’s hard to walk away knowing I will never return to this studio or recommend it to any of my fitness friends in the community. I didn’t feel like they were empathetic enough to my situation, despite my efforts to notify them in advance and provide solutions. Their unwillingness to accommodate me really highlighted a lack of empathy and customer service for the clients they serve, which is disappointing for a business in the...
Read moreI recently visited SculptHouse Pilates Studio through ClassPass, a studio I've frequented for a while on my own and purchased workout clothing from, but today’s experience left much to be desired.
Arriving for a class on Friday at 12 p.m., I encountered significant parking issues, circling the establishment for a frustrating 10 minutes before finding a spot. I promptly called at 12:05 p.m. to alert the studio of my situation, but was met with a strict response from Anesa, the manager, stating I needed to arrive by 12:10 or wait for the second half of class. Despite my efforts, I arrived at 12:11 and was denied entry, even though the class wasn't at full capacity.
Attempting to salvage the situation, I inquired if I could at least use the treadmills, but was met with a curt refusal. My discomfort escalated when I was reprimanded by Sophie, a store associate, for simply standing in the empty boutique area and looking through a glass door (for less than a minute). She stated that I wasn’t allowed to stand there or look at the class due to policy and potentially making the class uncomfortable. When I questioned this policy, she provided no explanation and walked away.
The situation deteriorated further when Anesa attempted to address the issue as the manager, only to be interrupted by Sophie. When I tried to clarify that I was speaking with the manager, Anesa's attempt to reprimand me saying “I spoke over her” after being interrupted by the sales associate was uncalled for and unprofessional.
This entire ordeal left me feeling discriminated against and unwelcome in a space where I've been a paying customer for some time. Whether this unpleasant experience was a result of the day I chose to attend, or the staff present remains unclear, but it has undoubtedly tarnished my perception of the studio.
Overall, my visit to SculptHouse Pilates Studio was marred by poor communication, lack of flexibility, and an unwelcoming atmosphere. As a loyal customer, I hope the studio takes steps to address these issues and ensure a more positive experience for all patrons in the future.
UPDATE - Shortly after posting my review, I received a call from Katherine Mason, the owner of Sculpthouse. She apologized for her front desk staff's handling of the situation and assured me that there would be follow-up conversations and training. I appreciate her proactive approach and commitment to improving the customer experience. Katherine's passion for her business is evident, and I'm optimistic that these conversations will lead to positive changes for...
Read moreSince moving back to Atlanta in 2014, I've struggled to find a gym and exercise routine that really works for my schedule and my body. I was so involved in my gym in Nashville that nothing quite measured up. Eventually, I just stopped working out and quickly gained 25 pounds and 2 pant sizes. I knew something needed to change when I saw my engagement photos and tried on wedding dresses. It wasn't the actual wedding that motivated me, but rather visually seeing that I was no longer as healthy as I was and not feeling nearly as strong.
No sooner than I felt that way than everyone around me started talking about SculptHouse; they either had gone and loved it, or knew an instructor personally. After stalking SH on Instagram, I decided to give it a try with a friend whose interest was also piqued. I figured I couldn't lose just by trying!
Well, in the last 3 months, I've lost a lot...all 25 pounds, both pant sizes, and more. The best part is that I didn't even realize that I how much healthier, stronger, or happier I am because I was having so much fun enjoying the process.
A bit shy by nature, joining a new gym felt really daunting to me, but the classes are so fast paced, so positive, and the staff / students are so lovely, that I was always looking forward to my next class. The combination of the treds / megaformers is unbeatable, and you leave every class feeling better about yourself than when you walked in the door. Every workout is different, every Instructor's style is different, but the general principles and techniques remain the same to help you reach the next level and accomplish whatever goal you have in mind.
General disclaimer- your first class can be super overwhelming, even with patient students and Instructors. Take advantage of the 3-pack to really give it the ol' college try. You won't regret it!
SculptHouse has done more for me than just getting me back on track with a healthy lifestyle. It's given me an outlet, a way to train my mind and body, new friends, and the cutest, best quality athleisure around (no longer a Lululemon-head!).
While my bridal package special is almost up, I have ever intent to renew through different membership options. Giving up SculptHouse just isn't an option for me and I know anyone that tries it will feel...
Read more