Citizen Pilates — Local services in Houston

If you’re in the waitlist for a 5am or 5:30am chances are good you’ll get in. I was waitlisted 3 times this week and got in because I just showed up to the studio and there were a bunch of no shows.

On Tuesday, I showed up and got in right away and was able to start class on time. On Thursday however, I was told there was a 15 minute grace period for people to show up late to class. And that many “regulars” were on the list so I had to wait. It was close to 5:10am and FOUR of the machines were still empty and I was just sitting in the corner waiting. FOUR MACHINES. Note - classes are 45 minutes long, so that’s nearly 30% of the class I missed. Which if you’re familiar with how Pilates classes are structures that’s a big chunk bc half your muscles are uneven because you missed the warm up and one side of lunges, etc.

So needless to say, I started my day a bit unbalanced and frustrated. Not the best way to kick off the morning.

Furthermore, no where on their website does it mention the 15 minute grace period policy. In the emails it says you have 10 minutes. And most other studios in town have stricter policies of 5-7 minutes. This 15 minutes for “regulars” seems arbitrary and special treatment. Also at 5am the only reason you’re late is if you sleep through your alarm. There’s no traffic...

Update 2: (for promotion) Still going strong in 2023. I have been taking Laura and Lauren K's classes. I am unable to do straight arm planks due to a wrist issue, and both have been incredibly accommodating with adjustments to keep me in class! They are always challenging classes, but always have ways to step up or down the intensity based on fitness level. Update: (for promotion) I've been taking classes for a few years now, and have not found a place in the area that matches the experience at Citizen! Through injuries/recoveries the instructors have been kind in identifying modifications and making adjustments. Nicole's classes lately have been challenging and super rewarding! I have been going to Citizen Pilates for about a year now and I absolutely love it! The classes are small. instructors are knowledgeable. The exercises in class are challenging yet manageable I've enjoyed my time and the team makes you feel valued...

I have been a proud member of the Citizen Pilates family since 2016. I'd never found a workout that I was genuinely excited for and that I was able to stick with for longer than a few months until I came to Citizen. I typically attend a LOT of classes (usually 4-5 per week) and really credit the inclusive environment, the inventive, knowledgeable, and caring instructors, and the clean, minimalist studios for keeping my attention. My personal favorites are Nicole, Joey, Jodie, and Rebecca, but every instructor is different, so you're sure to find someone that helps you achieve your personal fitness goals. Also, I would HIGHLY encourage a 101 class with Amy if you've never done pilates and ESPECIALLY if you've never used a reformer. Otherwise, beginners are always super welcome!! I love love LOVE this place, and genuinely hope you give it a try and fall in love like I did. If you need pointers, I'm the one with the...