Pilates at Studio 8 — Local services in Chapel Hill

My husband and I started Pilates for the very first time ~18 months ago. Not a class goes by that we don’t note how lucky we are to have fallen into classes with instructor Penelope Barrow.

Penelope is incredibly intelligent and highly trained. Her understanding of anatomy and physiology as well as her years of performing professional ballet and doing Pilates leave her uniquely tuned to the needs of the human body. At the beginning of every class, Penelope always asks her students what body parts are bothering them, then incorporates exercises into that class to address those needs. As a result, every class is different, and Pilates never becomes boring.

Penelope always has the best interests of her students in mind, working hard to ensure each of us does each exercise with proper form to prevent injury and produce maximum benefit. With professionalism and good humor, she regularly critiques each of us – both verbally and with hands-on physical correction – when our movements are incorrect. Penelope knows her students’ limits, taking a brisk pace and encouraging us to give our best effort, yet pulling back when it’s clear we’ve maxed out that effort. Class is very satisfying because she works us hard. Talk about bang for your buck!

On several occasions, I have had the opportunity to take classes with other instructors at different studios. Without exception, not a single teacher could hold a flame to Penelope with regard to expertise and the ability to convey key detailed instructions to make various exercises safe and effective to do. Since starting Pilates with Penelope, my core and overall strength, as well as my balance, have increased dramatically! I’m thrilled!

Kudos to Pilates at Studio 8 for having a true master Pilates instructor – Penelope...

My Pilates class with instructor Penelope this morning left me feeling discouraged. She made me feel humiliated and uncomfortable in her class. She singled me out several times in front of everyone, implying I was “in the wrong class” because I wasn't going at her pace. Her arrogant attitude was not what I expected, especially since I made an effort to be there and signed up to have a relaxing and positive experience/environment. Unfortunately, the experience left me feeling disheartened. This confirms what others had warned me about this instructor in particular. While I understand the importance of proper form to avoid injury, her tone was critical, unnecessary and made me feel singled out in front of everyone else.

There are certainly better ways that a good instructor can use to address a student who might need modifications. I could have been offered modifications or given individual guidance without making rude comments. I don’t think I was in the wrong class, but certainly with the wrong staff. I left the class 10 minutes after it started, feeling defeated rather than motivated. I regret purchasing a 10-class package. If you're looking for a friendly Pilates class with a welcoming atmosphere, this instructor is not what you deserve. Nothing justifies the rude treatment...

I purchased a pack of class credits for one specific class I was interested in prior to the pandemic. This class is not returning now that the studio has reopened. I requested to have my money returned for the credits I did not use but the owner refuses to refund unused credits even though this class is no longer returning because the number of people she would have to refund if they requested it, she feels, is too inconvenient and too much money to have to refund. She should be taking better care of those who have patronized her business in the past if she hopes to continue to have repeat business. I will not be returning here for any classes, nor will I recommend this unfair...