Club Pilates — Local services in New York

I recently attended a free introductory class here. Class was great, the instructor was knowledgeable, the space was clean, and everything seemed well-organized but overall experience was completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of who later I learned could be either the franchise owner/manager. I did not get her name but she was an older lady of light complexion and grey hair.

I briefly tried to record myself during the last 5 minute of class for my personal memory (Im not a content creator, so no tripod) ensuring no one else was in the frame but mid-exercise, she loudly confronted me in front of the entire class as if I were committing a crime and accused me of recording people, ironically interrupting the class herself. There were no visible signs about this rule, it was never mentioned before class and since we discovered this studio through numerous TikTok videos, I didn’t think it would be an issue.

After class, my friend and a complete stranger who was next to me even approached me, saying they didn’t like the way she spoke to me either, confirming that it was indeed inappropriate. I was planning on shrugging it off but after they approached me I wanted to address the situation calmly, but before I could, she aggressively approached me again while I was putting on my shoes, interrogating me about whether I’d post the video and demanding that I needed permission and had to tag the studio. At this point, my friend, who had also taken the class, stepped in and called out her inappropriate behavior. Instead of handling the situation professionally, the manager denied having spoken to me in any way and even went as far as saying I should be the one apologizing to her. She then told us to leave the store.

This entire interaction was uncomfortable and completely avoidable. Looking around, I couldn’t help but feel targeted, as I was the only one of darker complexion. If there’s a strict no-recording policy, it should be clearly posted or explained before class especially since we found this place through numerous TIKTOK videos.

Staff, especially management, should know how to communicate professionally and respectfully. My friend, who had been considering signing up, was so put off by the treatment that she changed her mind on the spot and company. I understand if I broke a rule, but speaking to a potential customer like a child instead of addressing things professionally is an unacceptable behavior.

Would not recommend, can’t support a business where customers are treated with such...

I attended my second pilates class at the UES east 89th street location today. My first experience was amazing, my second time not so much. I accidentally signed up for the next level up. I was told that I should do a couple of first level classes first . I said noted, it was not my intent to book the wrong level, I was never offered the opportunity to get a credit and then book into my right level class. Being a positive person who likes a challenge, I stayed for the 1hr session. I think I did amazing for entering the wrong tier. The instructor Lilianne was awesome. She took the time just to make simple tweaks for me but she also did that for the other experienced clients. I did not in anyway impede anyone in the class. She told me I did well. However, the receptionist and general manager who were also taking the class, went out of their way to keep reiterating over and over again that I took the wrong class at the end because they didn’t want anyone to dislike the class. I explicitly expressed that I had a great time. Their unprofessionalism in front of other members made me so uncomfortable I will not be returning. It was so notably uncalled for that another member came outside to smooth the awkward encounter over. It made the situation worst. Never make your paying clients feel so unwelcome that they do not want to go back. I believe in wealth of the body, mind and soul so I will take continue my journey elsewhere where my dollar is valued at a business that cares about...

I took my second class at Club Pilates today. Yesterday I had taken an intro class with Blythe K. The class was amazing and she was really helpful with my form. At the end of class she told me to try different levels of classes to see which level fit me best. Based on that feedback, I decided to take a 1.5 level class today with Leeza B. I was so disappointed the entire class, especially since my first class at Club Pilates was amazing. Leeza did not walk around the class to help students with their form, and when people were struggling with how to perform the exercise, she did nothing about it. Specifically with me, I was having a hard time putting the TRX bands on my feet, and when I asked for help she simply said to put my feet inside the band, and did nothing else about it. The comments seemed snarky and obvious and it made me leave the class not feeling good and very disappointed with Club Pilates. Unfortunately this experience in the 1.5 level class made me rethink if I want to go back and take more...