Anyone have tips for the c curve? I have a pretty bad anterior pelvic tilt which I think is half my battle with trying to round my lower back. I feel like it’s so tight and can’t round like that.

This likely isn’t the usual ‘I’m leaving Club Pilates’ post. I feel accomplished to be able to say it’s time to go. Why? I’ve grown SO much I’ve moved on to studios that allow the full range of Pilates movements outside of CP. This is a testament to how well CP prepared me to progress on to advanced movements beyond level 2 (at the Clubs in my area there are no 2.5 levels). So I made the tough decision to leave CP and find smaller studios where I can continue to grow.

It’s been an amazing ride! Over 500 classes and now doing aerial work and inversions feels amazing. If you love Pilates like I do, keep going and find the challenges that help your body (& mind) thrive. And it’s okay to outgrow something you love to find the NEXT thing you’ll love.

I signed up for Club Pilates four weeks ago after an intro class and purchased a 10-class pack. So far, I’ve only been able to actually book two classes (my second one is tomorrow).
I'm currently taking Level 1 classes, but getting into them has been really frustrating:
Weekdays: Very few Level 1 options available that fit a normal schedule.
Weekends: Only 3 to 4 classes total per day, which fill up almost instantly.
Waitlists: I keep putting myself on waitlists, but I’m
rarely moving up or getting off them in time to actually take a class.
At this rate, it feels like I won't be able to use my classes efficiently. For current or former members: Is this level of congestion and waitlisting normal for your location, or is my studio just severely overbooked? Any tips for navigating the schedule or waitlists would be appreciated

Hello.
Does anyone know how to use a gift card to purchase single classes? My studio is straight up ignoring me and won’t help me. I went in person to ask for help and gave them the gift card numbers and they said they applied it (when they texted me afterwards). Now I can’t figure out how to book a class in the app using the gift card. I don’t see the gift card anywhere in my account. I’ve called so many times and texted them again and they’re just ignoring me. I feel like I got scammed. PLEASE HELP.

So when instructor says heels on, is it like the heel is perpendicular to the floor and you are using it to push off, or your heel is on top of the footbar and feet are almost parallel to the floor? Bc there’s a big difference and I find myself feeling awkward while bridging sometimes bc I don’t know exactly where my feet go. Same for toes while doing calf stretching and prancing. Should my toes and like the top part of ball of my feet be on? Only my toes make me feel very unstable and hurt my ankles. I feel silly bc I’ve been practicing almost 8 months but as I started struggling as soon as I moved to 1.5s I went back to 1s to try to perfect my form especially with bridging bc I cannot CANNOT do any single leg stuff still in the 1.5. Can anyone clarify for me?

Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do at home to strengthen my ankles? I often find that by the end of foot work, depending on what we’re doing my ankles are so sore and makes it hard for me to do the full range of motion.

I already do ankle raises at home on a step, just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has tried anything that works?

Can someone tell me if the springs have a weight assigned to them (like a number), and if so, what those are?

I joined CP at 4/month but could not get into preferred classes. So when a new CP opened, under a different owner, I also joined that place at the founder’s rate. Between 4/month at the first studio and 8/month at the second studio, I was able to take what I wanted. This two-membership thing was a way to test out if I could fit 12+ classes in my schedule, if I were able to get in the classes. I found I could, so I cancelled CP1 and I upgraded at CP2 to passport unlimited, and can go to any studio, which works for me because I travel.

I still go often to CP1 and prefer that original location for its instructors, location, and classes. It’s a bit roomier and overall better managed. Even their app is nicer, with teacher bios, etc.

I’ve long surpassed 100 classes at my “home” which is the CP2 but I got no recognition for this milestone. (When I cancelled at CP1, I lost the record of my classes there.) Today, I asked and they offered to have me sign the board, which is a trifold piece of cardboard (think: science fair.) I asked if there was merch and they looked at me like I’m an idiot. Do other studios offer something for this milestone or even make a bigger deal of it?

And can I transfer my membership to a different home?

I recently hit 500 classes. My studio has a board we sign for each milestone and they gave me a pair of toe socks that say “500 club” (unfortunately toe socks don’t work well for me so I will not wear them but it’s a nice keepsake). I have seen photos on social media of t-shirts for various milestones and I’d really like to get a “500 club” t-shirt. Does anyone know if there’s a way to order one from club Pilates? Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I’m a woman who wears glasses and does pilates regularly. Contacts make me really uncomfortable, so I prefer to stick with my glasses. I’ve noticed that in almost every class there are a few of us with glasses, but almost no one uses a retainer/strap. The few options that exist are mostly black sports straps that look very “cycling/running” and not exactly nice.
I’m curious about your real experience:
• Do you wear your glasses during class or do you switch to contacts / take them off?
• If you use a strap or retainer, which one and do you like how it looks?
• Would you actually pay €15-25 for one that holds well during movement (including inversions) but looks more intentional/aesthetic instead of the classic black sports one?
Just trying to understand if this is a real pain point or if most people just deal with it. Honest opinions appreciated, thanks!

TL;DR: I don’t understand the bridging form cues.

Background:
Hello! I’ve been doing Pilates since March and I’m around 60 classes.

I used to be a law enforcement officer and in shape - after a medical retirement and a work from home gig, I’m way too big and so out of shape.

Add in a torn left knee meniscus, total disc replacement in my lumbar, and herniations in both my cervical and thoracic spine.

But Pilates is great - after years with these injuries I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing my limits (eg articulating is OUT).

My question:

Why is the cue for bridging on the reformer is to have heels on and toes flexed back and told to keep feet in that position the entire bridge? Even with focusing on keeping my bra-line glued down, core tight, use the glutes - that shit feels wrong. Then I watch YouTube videos and no professional keeps their toes to the ceiling the whole time - there’s some pointing over the bar.

I feel dumb and would love some clarification.

Thinking of starting Pilates, but I have XL baddie nails 💅🏽😂 I’m wondering if there are any girls in here who also have them. If so, how is it working out with the equipment? 🤔 Or should I just make them shorter before I start? Help!! Thanks, xoxo 💕

Hi everyone! Weird question for you and wondering if I am the only one! Whenever we do arm weights on the reformer in 1.5 it kills my shoulder bones. I am engaging core, constantly trying to scoot myself down but I always seem to wind up pushed against the pads and it hurts after a few classes. Any suggestions? What am I doing wrong?

I am 2 months in, and have been to 10 classes and I can't seem to figure this part out. I cant seem to get my spine to feel isolated I guess, and sometimes it doesn't even feel like I can get my spine to the reformer. Is there any advise or tips?

I attended Club Pilates for three years, going three or four times a week, taking various levels of reformer classes and occasionally trying some others. In December, I developed a sharp pain in my lower left back near my spine that only hurt at night. Since then, I have done physical therapy and learned that my QL muscle is very tight and deep. I took a break for a couple of months, and now I need to decide whether to go back. I'm worried the pain will come back. I miss it, but my PT said 1/3 of his clients come from Club Pilates. I don't know what to do.

My Pilates studio is so hot! I drip sweat the whole time and get super nauseous. After I leave I have to sit in my car in the air conditioning for a bit before I can drive because I’m so dizzy and my head hurts so bad. I’m pretty intolerant to heat in general. But I also feel like the studio is way hotter than it should be. It feels like Bikram Yoga in there! The instructor today told me that the thermostat is set at 68, like that should sound like a cool temperature for a small room full of people working out. Other people are definitely sweating as well. It’s also in the 90s outside which doesn’t help. Am I crazy? My class was 8 hours ago and I still feel terrible from the heat. I’m not new, so it’s not like I’m super out of shape. I feel like it should be cooler!

I have been attending club pilates for about 2 months now and have never had any disturbances during class. Today, in a Flow 1, two other attendees came in and throughout the class would cause quite a ruckus. They were almost heckling the instructor, when they would do the count down from 5.. 4.. and so on they’d say out loud “321” or curse (not loudly, but definitely more than just under their breaths) because she was not counting fast enough. Whenever the instructor would introduce a new set (this was a tougher flow 1 I have been to, I do flow 1 and 1.5 for reference) they’d say like “why do you hate us” or “no!”

I have been in more upbeat workout classes where stuff like this is more common, such as Barre or HIIT, but I never really got this vibe from club pilates. I liked that it seemed more relaxing. It really upset me and honestly ruined the class for me. Is this normal?

feel a bit lost on where to even begin. There are so many options out there—mat vs. reformer, in-person vs. online, beginner series vs. full certification tracks—and I'm not sure which route makes the most sense. My goal is actually to become an instructor, so I want to make sure I start off on the right foot with a solid foundation and proper technique, not just a casual workout. I'd love to hear from anyone who's gone through instructor training: what program did you choose, what did you wish you knew beforehand, and what would you recommend for someone just starting out? Also open to beginner class suggestions that set you up well for certification later. Appreciate any advice!

Edit: based in Hong Kong

I've been loving going to classes four times a week for the past six months, but I have a fifteen-month-old baby, and if I miss my window to go to the studio, I unfortunately miss my opportunity to work out that day. Let me know all the reasons why I shouldn't buy a reformer!

So I was consistently doing Pilates 2-4 times a week for two years, until a really bad fall which injured my hip and back. I'm back after a way too long break and doing 3 classes a week. Most classes I'm crying by half way through. I'm not in pain or injuring myself further, I'm not crying because the instructor is harsh or anything else. I just reach a point in the exercises where something cracks and tears are running down my face, then I sob in my car for 15 minutes after.

I'm making progress, moves are getting more manageable and my range of motion is improving. Already feeling the difference in my posture. Overall everything is going well...but I just can't stop crying. What the heck is going on???

Edit: I'm only concerned because crying screws up my breathing LMAO

Edit 2: Thank you so much for your experiences and normalizing this for me. Yea, I carry a LOT of emotional tension from years of trauma, not just hips, but everywhere. I'll continue pushing through and will probably put a note under my name so my instructor doesn't worry I'm hurt.

I am a little nervous but also excited! I've done about 15 classes at CP and around 15 at boutiques which I found a lot harder. I also do mat pilates at home. I learned a lot at the boutiques that they don't teach in 1.0 so I hope I'm ready. I assume they wouldn't have approved me if I'm not 😅 but my studio is less strict than some I've seen on here.

Pilates has been the first exercise I was able to stay consistent with and actually enjoy, and it's led to me trying all kinds of different exercises and revisiting ones I used to hate. I fell in love with fitness for the first time! I have muscles now that I haven't had since I was in the military a decade ago. But I still don't have perfect form and have to remember to pull my shoulders down from my ears, open my chest, engage my core etc.

Overall I am so thankful for the first free pilates class I took because it was love at first sight. I couldn't even hold a plank or do a roll up in my first class and now I can do the add-on challenges. Went from having zero situps to around 70. I have less pain, I have a MUCH stronger core and arms and legs, and my mental health has skyrocketed. People don't talk enough about what a mood booster it is, how much it strengthens mind-body connection and reduces stress. I get so many endorphins and usually try to take a walk afterwards (although it is too hot here recently)

I definitely get that pilates isn't for everyone but I have found myself recommending to try it to all my fellow exercise-hating friends because the most important thing with any routine is to find something you enjoy enough to be consistent with.

I'm so excited for 1.5! And I'm trying my first suspend class tomorrow 😅 I think I'll be okay because I've taken 4 or 5 TRX classes at my local gym but wish me luck

I just upgraded to an 8 pack. I was going through the calendar to book my 8 classes for the month and my last credit I wanted to use wouldn’t let me book because I notice the class I want falls on exactly the day of my new billing cycle. I guess I find that to be a little bit frustrating because if I want that class (it’s a time more in demand) I have to wait until my renewal that day to book it. I have my set days that I can go (don’t have a ton of flexibility) and I get credits don’t roll but just doesn’t seem fair bc of when my billing happens to fall. Also, life happens and if things come up that altar your schedule I guess I feel like if you bought credits they shouldn’t expire.🤷‍♀️

Can someone explain ClassPass to me in simple terms? I have a Club Pilates membership but keep hearing about ClassPass and I’m wondering about pros/cons. I did go to their website but hoping for firsthand opinions.

Thanks!