Pilates Studio Etiquette

Facts & FAQs

Creating A Safe And Effective Pilates Space

 

Pilates is a mind-body connection, offering not just physical transformation, but a journey towards a holistic balance of strength, flexibility, and mental wellness. The right environment can make a significant difference in the quality of your workout and your overall experience. Let’s explore the key elements for ensuring your Pilates experience is the best it can be.

The Pilates Center team wants you to have a positive, rewarding experience in a safe, serene and supportive environment. In order for us to deliver a positive experience to all clients, we ask that you consider the etiquette for our space.

Please have respect for the space as well as those within it by reading over the the following:

Where to wait when you arrive

Please wait in the Pilates Center waiting area or on the landing outside of the group reformer studio until it is time for your session. Other classes may be in session, and we encourage all of our clients to be mindful of noise levels, including cell phone calls, e-mail and text notifications, to avoid disturbing ongoing lessons. Use this time to tuck your mobile device away on silent, and give yourself a break from the outside world while you’re with us.

Please do not start working out on any of the machines until there is an instructor present in the studio. This is a safety and liability reason.

Refrain from using the machines until an instructor arrives

Please do not start working out on any of the machines until there is an instructor present in the studio. This is a safety and liability reason.

Regardless of your experience level, a trained instructor can ensure you’re using the equipment correctly and performing exercises with good form, which is essential for maximizing benefits and preventing injuries.

Please put your phone away - turn off your cell phone or put on silent

Thank you for not bringing cell phones to your workout. You may leave your phone on silent in your bag in a nearby locker so that you and other clients may have the full enjoyment of the workout. This includes using your phone to take photos of other clients while in the Pilates Studio.

Conversations during classes and comments to and about other clients

Refrain from making comments that could be perceived as critical or personal, especially towards other clients. This includes commenting on another client’s body. While compliments can be well-intentioned, focusing on someone’s body, even with positive intent, is not appropriate.

During a Pilates session, please avoid disruptive or judgmental comments that may be on topics where there are a difference of opinions.

Please focus instead on listening to the instructor, maintaining a positive attitude, and respecting the space and other clients.

Bringing children to Ballet Austin when you have Pilates

We love kids, but we do not provide child care.

Please do not bring your little ones to the Pilates studio as we cannot be liable for them. This is your time and we would like for you to enjoy your time with us. If your child is older and can quietly amuse him/herself and wait while you work out, we will permit them to do so in the Pilates waiting area or one of our lounge areas. Please always check with us if you have questions.

Refrain from wearing scented lotions and perfumes

Scented body lotions or perfumes may be irritating to some clients and affect breathing.

 

 

How do I book a private Pilates session?

Private and duet reformer sessions may be booked by emailing the Pilates Center or book your next session directly with your Pilates instructor at the end of a session.

NOTE: Please allow at least 24 hours notice to book your private session. In addition, Pilates appointments requested through email will be responded to Mondays through Fridays between 6:00am and 5:00pm

Group Pilates Reformer classes may be booked online or you may call 512.501.8704.

How do I book a Group Pilates Reformer class

Group Pilates Reformer classes may be booked online by signing into your Ballet Austin MINDBODY account and selecting your preferred class, day and time.

Most group reformer classes at the downtown location require previous reformer experience. If you have experience elsewhere please email us and we can waive the prerequisite.

You may also call 512.501.8704.

How do I cancel a session and what is the Cancellation Policy?

At least 12 hours advance notice is required for cancelled appointments and group classes. If this cancellation does not occur within our early cancellation window, your account will be deducted for the appointment/classes as if you had attended. If you have a current Unlimited group reformer package for group classes, canceling after the 12-hour early cancellation window will incur a $20 late cancellation fee.

Private/Duet clients: if you do not have a current series, your credit/debit card on file will be charged for a single appointment.

To cancel a private or duet Pilates session call 512.501.8704 or email pilates@balletaustin.org. Be sure and leave a message with your name and day/time of the appointment you wish to cancel. To cancel a private or duet session you may also email the Pilates Center.

Group Pilates classes may be self-cancelled online.

Canceling a group class (or no show) with the unlimited package after the 12-hour early cancellation window will incur a $20 late cancellation fee.

Thank you for your courtesy, and for allowing us to serve all our clients.

Where do I park?

Ballet Austin’s Pilates Center is located in the Butler Dance Education Center at 501 W. 3rd St. 78701.

Please visit our parking page for parking location options available when taking a class.

In addition, we do offer an EXCLUSIVE parking option for Pilates Clients only when our lot is full:

  • 2nd Street Parking Garage just for you:
    o Exclusive parking for Pilates clients coming to Pilates reformer sessions M-F, 8am to 4pm
    o Complimentary parking in the AMLI 2nd Street Parking Garage directly across San Antonio St. to the east of Ballet Austin. (enter from San Antonio St.)
    o This garage is available to you (Pilates clients only) between 8:00am and 4:00pm weekdays
    o Proceed to the roof of the AMLI garage (4 floors)
    o Bring your parking ticket to the front desk at Ballet Austin when you check in for Pilates.
    o Receive a sticker for your parking ticket that gives you 2 hours of free parking, and the validation that allows you to exit without paying.

Where do I enter the building and check in for my Pilates class?

Please enter the building through the main doors on the east end of the building when your appointment is during business hours. You will stop at the front desk to check in.

When the front doors are locked (outside of regular business hours or on a holiday) you may proceed to the 3rd St. door on the west end of the building and ring the doorbell.

  • Your Pilates instructor will confirm you are there for Pilates and buzz you in.
  • You may then proceed to the stairs or elevator in the lobby and go the the Pilates Center on the 2nd floor.
  • Check-in will take place with your instructor.

Other classes may be in session, and we encourage all of our clients to be mindful of noise levels, including cell phone calls, e-mail and text notifications, to avoid disturbing ongoing lessons. Tuck your mobile device away on silent, and give yourself a break from the outside world while you’re with us.

We also ask you only bring water into the Pilates studios.

NEW CLIENTS:
If you are attending your first Pilates session, please arrive 15 minutes early to allow ample time to complete check in and become familiar with our facility.

Are lockers available?

Yes, lockers are available inside the Pilates studios where you can secure all of your personal belongings.

What do I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment, including socks if you’ll be working on the apparatus.  We encourage you to avoid baggy apparel that could hinder your instructor’s ability to monitor your body positions and ensure you have proper alignment while you’re exercising.

Can I bring a water bottle?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own water bottle to your appointment, and there is a water cooler in the Pilates Center waiting area for your convenience. Please do not bring any other food or beverage into the studios.

Is a Pilates Reformer Workout eligible to be purchased with HSA & FSA savings accounts?

In order to pay for Pilates Reformer you need a Letter of Medical Necessity. You first need to consult with your medical provider who will determine if a Pilates Reformer workout is medically necessary to address a specific health condition.

The doctor will then provide a letter of medical necessity to your HAS or FSA. Note…according to FSA and HAS Note that this isn’t about general fitness or well-being — there needs to be a direct connection between the workout and the treatment or prevention of a specific medical condition. But Pilates is usually covered if there is a need.

There are two ways to use your HSA or FSA to pay for qualified medical expenses:

Typically, HSAs and FSAs come with a debit card that allows you to pay for products and services at the point-of-sale. Like a standard debit card, transactions are limited to your current balance. We can take this form of payment.

However, sometimes you need to pay out of pocket first. In this case, you need to submit a claim for reimbursement from your HSA or FSA administrator. We can provide receipts and a letter of participation

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

Ballet Austin’s Butler Pilates Center will hold all classes and private/duet sessions as scheduled, rain or shine. Client cancellation policy applies (12-hour window).

If an official determination is made to cancel a class due to severe inclement weather, we will notify those pre-signed for the date.  You can also find updates on our website or by following us on our social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • All purchases for Pilates are final, non-refundable, non-transferable, and may not be extended beyond the expiration date.
  • Everyone must sign-up for classes either online before arriving, or at the front desk upon arrival.
  • Everyone must check in at the front desk to confirm sign-up and studio location.
  • Pilates classes and Pilates appointments cannot be shared between individuals.
  • Expiration dates are one year from date of purchase except for intro offers, or monthly purchases.
    • All Classes, regardless of expiration, are null and void one year from purchase date (no extensions for any reason after this date.)
    • Please note date of expiration for classes and Pilates appointments when making your purchase.
  • Classes and instructors are subject to change. There will be no refunds when there are changes unless it is a late change made by Ballet Austin.
  • Pilates clients cancelling an appointment will be charged for the appointment if at least 12-hour notice of cancelation is not given.
Back To Top