re:AB Pilates

03/22/10

24-hour cancellation policy????

by goodnewyorker

I bought a mat package deal on half off depot. My friend and I were super excited to go because we'd never done Pilates. My friend does yoga on a regular basis and I am a pretty sedentary (sometimes go to yoga, generally walk, no gym). I tried to sign up online for a class but decided to call instead because I had a question about mats, etc. I ended up talking to a receptionist on the telephone who signed me up for two classes (a Sunday, then the next day Monday), and answered my questions about the class. She therefore clearly knew that I had never done Pilates, and that was it. I had a pretty crazy weekend and knew that I wasn't going to make it to the Sunday class but forgot to call and let them know-- I do this as a courtesy, but didn't sweat it because they never told me that I had to. I woke up with a sore throat on Monday and knew I wasn't going to make it, so I called and was told by reception that the cancellation was going to go against my package, and I was like, what does that mean? She told me because I hadn't called before 24 hours that it was going to be a no-show and count as a class. I told her I had never been told about the cancellation policy. I then spoke to the owner Brooke who had the most inane and insulting argument. I think she kind of believed me that I hadn't been told, but then went on to say that even if I hadn't been told on the phone that I should have known because "this is New York, and every Pilates and Yoga studio has a 24-hour cancellation policy". WOW- wrong on sooo many levels. First of all, couldn't one of your people screwed up, and not told me on the phone? Of course! She didn't protect herself by sending me anything in the mail, there's nothing on halfpricedepot about Re:AB's policies, and most importantly, I did NOT sign anything. If it's a she-said-she-said situation, you can't hold the client responsible. That's just bad business, especially if the client is (a) new to your specific business, and (b) has a ton of friends she's going to blab this to. Plus, it's really rude to assume things about people, like that your clients have been to pilates and yoga studios in the first place and know their policies-- first, it's not true that all yoga studios have 24-hour cancellation policies (the one near me in Hell's Kitchen does NOT), and second, the question I called to ask of them (do I need to bring any equipment) was pretty stupid, so you have to assume the average New Yorker doesn't really know much about what you, Brooke, does for "13 years" every single day. I definitely lost it with Brooke, but at the same time she was clearly ignoring the most important thing going in my favor: that I hadn't signed anything and that I had two no-shows because I had made both class appointments in ONE call. She was like, you have two no-shows and you want me to "eat this so you can continually call and make appointments and not show up." Uh, NO. I get the 24-hour cancellation policy now _because I've been told_. I didn't know it before, but NOW I do. Brooke, thank you for a delightful entree into Pilates World and making me feel welcome!

• Pros: didn't really even get my foot in the door....
• Cons: wasn't told of 24-hour cancellation policy

02/01/10

EASY to get in shape

by ilanaSAN

I have a friend who has been telling me about this place and how great their classes are. She said their instructors made the classes very enlightening. Educating her about the best ways to work out. So from what I hear it is a great place to do pilates. I also found a deal for three mat classes there. It is suppose to be $75, but online I found it for just $37.50! Go online to halfoffdepot and go to their new york section. Check it out....

• Pros: Great instructors

02/06/09

Can't review studio or trainers but have interacted with Front Desk

by mcc14

They were very helpful. Brooke reached out to help arrange sessions for my wfie. Thank you for be so accomodating

08/15/08

ABsolutely FABULOUS!

by AliceFranks

As a newcomer to the word of Pilates, and exercise in general, I am extremely pleased with my new addiction and have no plans for recovery! re:AB! The atmosphere at the studio is friendly and welcoming, fostered by a helpful staff. The equipment is well spaced so you are a comfortable distance from others. The instructors ask appropriate questions and proceed accordingly. They are motivating and innovative. You can try different instructors without missing a beat. They have a team approach and don't contradict each other. This is very helpful to a newbie! The continuity of care makes me a true believer in the Pilates method. Brooke is clearly at the top of her game! The results speak for themselves!

• Pros: Terrific staff, easy location, great instructors, friendly vibe.
• Cons: NONE!

08/05/08

Great studio with great energy, great environment, great teachers

by eloisel

Have been going to re:AB since its inception 11 years ago and have witnessed its growth in size, professionalism, and innovations. Have worked out with a varietry of instructors over the years and all have been dedicated, focused, attentive. I always enjoy my sessions,and feel energized when they are over. I have had only one complaint and that had to do with some plumbing that was faulty, but I do believe that got fixed now......I recommend a workout with Brooke Siler, the owner, if the opportunity arises. She is the best!

PS I started doing Pilates in 1969 after my second daughter was born. I am seventy years old. I bike, hike, ski and know my Pilates training has helped me in all these pursuits and in my everyday activities.

• Pros: Great studio, easy to even from the upper East side
• Cons: few or no instructors in the early afternoon.