JG
Judi Gilbert Guerrero
Jul 21, 2026
I joined this studio hoping to find a welcoming and supportive Pilates community after moving to the Charleston area. I also want to point out that I wasn’t new to Pilates. I already had two years of Pilates experience at a boutique studio in Miami and simply wanted to continue growing my practice.
Unfortunately, my experience here was anything but welcoming.
After a class, instead of receiving constructive feedback or encouragement, I received a text from the owner, Patty, that came across as dismissive and unkind. I was essentially told that I didn’t know what I was doing and that I should pay for private lessons, without any acknowledgment that this was not only a new studio for me, but new instructors and different types of movements. And I wasn’t entirely surprised by her contact because I could feel her eyes on me during the whole class. Rather than send a text, it would’ve been more appropriate to approach me after class and asked my feedback about the class, the movements, and the instructor. Whether this was a true attempt to help me at my practice, or an attempt to upsell me, the way it was communicated was unsavory at best. Since I’ve left, I have spoken to several people who had a very similar experience.
Pilates should be a place where people feel supported, regardless of whether they’re beginners or experienced practitioners. Instructors and owners have an opportunity to educate, encourage, and build confidence, not make clients feel judged or unwelcome with eye rolls and snarky texts.
As someone who was new to the Charleston area and looking for a fitness community, this experience was especially disappointing. Because of that experience, I chose not to renew my membership.
I hope this feedback encourages a more compassionate and supportive approach to clients in the future. Everyone deserves to feel respected, encouraged, and excited to return to class. And I won’t stop my search until I find it.