KY
Katie Young
Mar 12, 2026
I came in today for an introductory class with Karleen, having no prior experience with Pilates. I had done a little bit of research beforehand and was a bit hesitant at first as I had heard things about Pilates often being exclusionary and having a sort of clique-like culture. However, I decided to go in to it with an open mind as I have some friends who enjoy their classes and I know that not all instructors and studios are going to be the same.
We had a small introductory class of four people. After being told the basic terminology of the equipment, we began to place hands on the equipment. The instructor initially made several comments pointing out the participants hesitations and apparent anxiety surrounding using the machines, and instead of providing reassurance or further explanation, seemed to be annoyed with our unfamiliarity with the equipment. This was met by comments such as, “I can’t do it for you,” when it seemed as though participants just may have not been clear on what she wanted them to do in the first place and further explanation would have sufficed.
Throughout the duration of the introductory class, we were verbally instructed to perform several exercises, however minimal to no explanation of the movements or physical demonstration was provided. When instructions were unclear, the instructor often repeated herself louder and in a condescending tone rather than explaining what she meant by her instructions.
In one instance, we were instructed to “articulate the spine,” and having never heard this before, I had improper form. As I am in a class, I am expecting and open to receiving critique and feedback on my form so that I can learn and improve. What I am not expecting is the teacher to exaggerate and mock my movements to tell me I’m doing it wrong, and provide no further explanation on how to do it right. Following her exaggerated demonstration of me arching my back too much, I simply replied with, “Right,” in acknowledgement, and the instructor turned around and stated that “we should not become annoyed with instructors in a group class.”
Regardless of the environment, it is always important to treat people with respect, kindness, and patience. Client education is a huge part of my role in my own job, and I make it a point to make sure everyone always feels welcome, comfortable, and respected. Although I am often asked questions that feel like general knowledge to me, I take into consideration that majority of people do not have experience in my role, and so are going to need a foundation laid out and basic questions answered without judgement. It is imperative to me that everyone feels comfortable asking questions, and adapting to the different styles in which people receive information best. Even if this is not your specific approach, it takes no extra time to meet people with kindness and understanding, especially when they have never done something before.
I would expect in an introductory class you are trained to anticipate meeting people with different knowledge bases, athletic experience, etc. I can’t fathom being condescending to someone in any instance let alone when it is their first time trying something new.
I felt as though I had voluntarily transported myself back to a horrible time in high school, and I have no desire to subject myself to that or try to attain status and reach a point where I’m liked and not treated poorly by the instructor.
The only positive thing I can say is that the introductory class was free, and there was no dedicated push to sign on. Other than that, the experience made me all the more cognizant of how I want to always treat others with kindness and never make someone inferior for not knowing something.