Club Pilates — Local services in Houston

Update: Upon further reflection, I’ve decided to update my review to be four stars instead of five. The reason being that I took a control 1.5 class with Claire. This was not my first control 1.5 class, I took several at the Bellaire location with Ashley before. When I signed up for the class, I obviously knew what I was signing up for. During the class, Claire kept making comments about how some of us probably signed up for this class by accident and thought that it was center and balance instead which is a “much easier class.” She kept saying it… but I didn’t think anything of it.

It wasn’t until the end of class when I commented that I enjoyed the class that she said to my face that It’s a lot different than center and balance, and that’s when I realize she was talking to me. For context, I am a plus-size black woman.

At the time, I didn’t sit with the comment as much, and I even went back the next week.. but when I think about it months later… I realized that this was the reason I stopped going to Club Pilates. This is the third location that I have gone to where I’ve been treated like an “other” (Tanglewood and rice military, I’m looking at you).

It’s severely patronizing to presume that an adult doesn’t know what class they signed up for, like I could only be in a control 1.5 class by accident. To me, I equate that with a micro aggression. I can’t even begin to describe how that makes me feel, and I didn’t really process it until now, but I don’t appreciate that comment or assumption at all.

I remembered the comment because I was about to book a class here and I was trying to remember why I stopped going… That’s why. Even though I think she’s a great instructor, comments like this really ruined the experience for me. I switched fully to solidcore and pure barre where I’m never treated like I signed up by accident.

Besides that, Ben is amazing. I came here after trying Center and Balance (yes, Claire, I actually do know what that class is…) at another location (Rice military) and it was a very discouraging experience. However with Ben it’s the complete opposite. The lights were low, the music was calm, and he was very supportive and even helped me deep in my stretch within my ankles which is a growth area for me. he is the embodiment of excellence and more instructors should be like him. He seemed to just be happy that we showed up for ourselves and that is very encouraging.

I hope that Claire and this location can reflect on my experience and learn from this. It’s very bold to call people out my name but it’s also very bold to presume that I don’t know when I’m signing up forWhen I never said or implied...

Pilates at Club Pilates West U has become part of my fitness / lifestyle routine. 50 mins to "come into the room" and be cued, challenged and stretched. The instructors are all amazing! How do I choose? They all bring something different and special which makes my unlimited membership GREAT since I can come 5 times a week and have a unique session every time. Amelia: Best, clearest cues -- although I still mess up -- and the most gentle "correction"; Arva: new kid on the block, love her routines; Ben: Ben at 4:30 on a Friday -- you are getting your weekend kicked off!; Brittany: Get your week started girl with her cardio-sculpt, bringing the energy; Claire: our resident ballerina!; Daisy: we don't have her often, but when we do, ok, it's on! Lizzie: so encouraging; Nancy: get ready to burn, in the best way; Sally Jo: my heart, it's not just Pilates, its a positive mental moment. And I have had Bobbie once and scheduled for the new Intro to CP Circuit with her coming up. So how would I choose the "best" instructor --- put it this way: which part of this watch can you do without? None! We...

I have been attending classes at this location since July 2021. I started with the 4 classes/month package and recently upgraded to unlimited.

My nature is un-bendy, uncoordinated, and generally miserable with exercise. That being said, pilates is amazing. I'm stronger, more balanced, and very pleased with my results. Each class is challenging and yet totally do able. I have progressed to the next level class and I continue to learn.

When Club Pilates says 'pilates is for every body,' they aren't kidding. The instructors are great and are always helpful with modifications to help each class participant.

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