I've been exercising my whole life and I've participated in every kind of class from the original high-impact group aerobics, to spin classes, a variety of different forms of yoga, and whatever form of cardio or cardio-combo happened to be in style. After injuring my back my surgeon strongly encouraged me to use pilates as my primary form of exercise.
I signed up for an unlimited 3 mon membership and spent the month of November participating in as many classes at Club Pilates as I could including CP Reformer, 1, 1.5 and 2, CP Control and CP Cardio-Sculpt. Some days I did 2 classes back to back.
I chose this studio because Pilates is an outrageously expensive activity and at $217 a month Club Pilates was the least expensive I could find! Now remember, I said I signed a three month contract, or so I thought.
The studio is very nice, clean, and bright with all new equipment. They are meticulous about cleanliness requiring participants to thoroughly wipe down their equipment after use. The instructors are all nice though some were brand new to teaching Pilates and so there wasn't much variety in their styles of instruction.
Over all Pilates just didn't do it for me. I was disappointed in the lack of variety in the classes, in the lack of individualization in the classes and the poor cardio work-out I got. I quickly went from Level 1 to Level 1.5 to Level 2 to find an intensity level that would match my fitness level with a bit of challenge for improvement. True there are Level 2 and 2.5 classes everyday. Unfortunately there weren't enough afternoon classes for me to participate often enough to feel like I was making the most of my $217 a month fee.
All of the classes are strictly directed by the instructors. They choose the amount of weight that is used on the reformers and the entire class uses the same weight. The instructors also count out the rhythm while using the reformers so you aren't encouraged to challenge yourself. I used the same weight and rhythm that the obese, middle-aged lady next to me used. In other words I never broke a sweat in the Flow classes. The Cardio-sculpt classes were more cardio oriented but there was little sustained cardio level activity so not much benefit there either. There was one exception when we had a sub-instructor who said she'd been teaching Pilates for 10 years and you could really tell the difference. The whole group was pumped up after her class and we all told her we wish she'd come back but alas she was going to the Collierville location. I'm really sorry I can't remember her name because she really deserves the recognition as an exceptional instructor.
Off the Reformer things are more individualized because of the spring weighted equipment. You can pull as hard or as light as your muscles or your mood allow for that day.
Now, about your financial investment in Club Pilates. BUYER BEWARE and read the fine print! The first contract you sign is a 6 page contract that you only see on the 12 inch laptop at the sign-in desk! Yea, seriously. Talk about the fine print. You will get the signed contract emailed to you and you have 3 days to review and cancel the contract. Do not delay. READ THE CONTRACT.
They will tell you that you can purchase a variety of class packages. For instance I purchased a 3 month, unlimited package. Well that is BS because on that contract you signed there is no built in or automatic expiration date. Instead watch for the EVERGREEN clause that allows Club Pilates to charge you every month FOREVER until you come back into the club and sign their little laptop to cancel your membership. So when you sign that contract on their 12 inch laptop you've essentially purchased a lifetime membership.
Also BEWARE THE $10 DOLLAR CLASS CANCELLATION FEE. You must cancel at least 12 hours prior to the class or you'll be charged. I was enthusiastic about participating so I signed up in advance for my classes. So life happens and at noon you find you can't make your 6pm class. If you can't stop what you're doing to cancel (in my case it could require walking away from a patient) then you get dinged $10. So of course you're told the reason for this fee is to make sure a class spot isn't held open and someone else misses out. Again I say BS. I've been to spin classes at the "Y", French Riviera, and Inside-Out just to name a few. If I'm 10 minutes late the bike goes to whoever is waiting. No foul. No fee. So Club Pilates please don't treat me like a fool. It's not the 10 dollars. I can afford it or I wouldn't have signed up. I know you've got to pay off that expensive equipment. Too bad you have to take unfair advantage of your members to do it.
In my opinion Club Pilates is good if you're new to exercise or you have an injury that only allows limited activity, and if you can afford it. Just remember to READ THE FINE PRINT! read more
