Why don't I allow class drop-ins?

I get this request frequently, and my answer is always no.

But why?

Well, there are many reasons.

First of all, it is unsafe to let any student into a group setting where the teacher is unaware of the student’s ability. You might be able to do back flips, or you might not even be able to sit up off the mat. You may not even be aware of your abilities, and that is how injury can occur. I need to know your limitations, areas of opportunity, and ways you excel before letting you loose in class.

Secondly, people learn Pilates from all over the place, and not all of it is actually Pilates. Unfortunately, there are many businesses out there peddling exercises branded as Pilates, but they don’t teach any of the the basic principles Pilates is founded on. I don’t expect my students to know the difference, but I have to make sure I teach them the correct way, and not just assume they know.

Third, Pilates is all about learning and memory, and repeating the fundamentals and principles within yourself as you exercise… all while keeping up with the class. If you’re brand new to Pilates (or even if you just haven’t done it for a while), and you try to cold-turkey your way into a class, your going to slow the class down to a near halt. You’re probably not going to know how to properly breathe, or engage muscles, or even understand the basic wording I will use to quickly move through exercises.

Fourth, and most importantly is injury, injury, injury! Drop-in group classes are the number one way people hurt themselves. I frequently hear from new students that they had injured themselves in the past because they dropped in on a group class without knowing any better. Why is it so common? Because the teacher is busy watching lots of students, and doesn’t have time to correct them all in the few reps Pilates entails. Students might be told they can modify, but most of them are unaware if they should or how to do it properly. On top of that, many students are competitive, and will work outside their ability to keep up with someone else who is more advanced, even if they are in agony doing it.

It’s always hard denying new students into classes, however once they get through the required private sessions, they understand why that one-on-one time is so important. You really need to learn the basics, the cues, how your body works, and how it all should work together. And I need to learn how your body responds so I can be aware of how you will work in a class.