FAQs
What should I wear?
We require grip socks for safety and sanitation. There are no exceptions to this rule. You can bring your own or we have affordable options onsite for purchase (starting at $5 and up.) Other than that, we just ask that your private parts are covered. There will be times that you will be lying on your back with your legs elevated--so make sure your groin is covered. We also have a no shoes on the group fitness floor rule for our members. (Instructors wear clean shoes for work.)
Where can I park?
We have plenty of free onsite parking-- a rarity these days in Nashville. The closest door to our suite is at the rear of the Ellwood building. Here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EGQae9p2NqE
I like to film my workouts. Can I set up my camera?
You are welcome to take photos before or after class so long as you do not include any other members or have their explicit permission. We love that you want to share your experience; however, out of respect and for the safety our entire community, we do not allow photography or filming during class without explicit permission 24 hours prior to your class start time. Please email us to discuss permission to film.
I have an injury. Can I come?
You are required to be cleared by your doctor for exercise.
Depending on the severity and type of injury, our instructors can offer modifications to most exercises. However, if you have a major injury or very limited mobility, we ask that contact us for a complimentary assessment to talk about your best options.
Some class formats will be more appropriate than others depending on your specific needs. As long as you are cleared for exercise, it ultimately your decision on whether or not you feel comfortable participating in group fitness classes.
Group classes do require members to be able to get up and down from the floor to equipment and are able to lift up to 20 lbs on their own. Please contact us to discuss reasonable accommodations as needed.
I am pregnant. Can I come?
You are required to be cleared by your doctor for exercise.
Our instructors can offer modifications as need for pregnant clients for most exercises.
Group classes do require members to be able to get up and down from the floor to equipment and are able to lift up to 20 lbs on their own. Please contact us to discuss reasonable accommodations as needed.
If you have limited mobility or special needs (but cleared for exercise), we ask you to to choose Private Training for your safety. If you are in doubt, please contact us directly to discuss.
I have a disability. Can I come?
If you have a disability and are in need of reasonable accommodations, please contact us directly by emailing help@graduatepilates.com before signing up for a class so we can engage in an interactive process to ensure we can keep you safe in a group fitness class setting.
Group classes require the ability to follow verbal cues, get up and down on your own, including from the floor to the equipment. Group classes also require participants to be able to adjust parts of their equipment on their own, including lifting and placing on their own sitting box which is 20 lbs.
We will set up a complimentary 30 minute meeting with you so that you can acclimate yourself with the equipment, discuss which class format will be the safest for you to join, and determine what modifications (if any) are required for your needs.
What is your late cancellation policy?
For clients who book directly with Graduate Pilates, we require 6 hours notice of your class start time for group classes in order to avoid penalties-- one of the most flexible when compared to most Pilates studios.
For clients who book through Class Pass, they require 12 hours notice. We do not have any control over late cancellation penalties and policies when booking through Class Pass. We are not able to reverse any late cancellation penalties when booking is through Class Pass.
If you schedule a Private session at customized time, we require 12 hours notice to cancel without penalty. Please review your membership or class credit type for specific penalties associated with late cancellations.
Do not attend class if you are sick with symptoms that could be contagious, even if you are signed up for a class that starts in less than 6 hours. We care about your health, as well as the health of our community and instructors. If you booked directly with us, get sick, and are at risk of penalty, please contact us directly for reduced late penalty options due to illness.
Can I try a full class for free before joining?
We offer Free Intro Class from time to time. This is a 50 minute introduction, where we will give you a tour of the space, introduce you to the equipment, and guide you through a 30 minute workout.
We do not require that you take this intro to before joining a paid full class, but because there are so many different types of Pilates, we highly encourage it so you can learn about our equipment and approach to the Pilates method to ensure it meets your expectations.
Why is Reformer Pilates more expensive than Mat Pilates or Yoga?
Less people per class, expensive equipment, and highly educated instructors are a few reasons why equipment Pilates costs more, overall. For more information, check out this article linked here.
Why don't you offer Unlimited Group classes like other studios.
We made the decision to not offer a fully Unlimited memberships for a few reasons.
Most Unlimited Membership at other studios are deceptive and actually have a limit to them. We prefer transparent marketing. No need to worry about expensive late cancel and no show fees. With our membership options, the price you pay is the price you pay.
Furthermore, we find that even the most active members don't come every single day and we believe that your body needs a break and variety. Our recommendation is to do Pilates 2 - 4x per week depending on your goals. Chat with us to learn more about your sweet spot.
And if you truly love the idea of unlimited, reach out to us about the best way to get as many classes as your heart desires for the best price.
Why do some group classes cost 1 credit and others cost more?
We developed a mix of formats and class durations to meet different needs. We also allow our members the flexibility to stack different classes in the same day to meet different needs. Some classes are 30 minutes and others are 50 minutes long, some require less technical instruction while others require more technical instruction and some classes are smaller in size, allowing for more individualized attention.
Do you offer discounted memberships?
We offer promotions from time to time -- check our app for offers or email help@graduatepilates.com
We do believe that Pilates should be accessible for all income levels which is why we offer Scholarships for a limited percentage of total memberships to those with an annual household income of $55,000 or less and those experiencing hardships from employer layoffs or furloughs. If you are interested in learning more about availability, terms and conditions, and the application process, please email us at help@graduatepilates.com.
How often should I do Pilates?
This will depend on your overall health and wellness goals. We are happy to schedule a complimentary 15 meeting to talk about it. Feel free to email help@graduatepilates.com to schedule.
As a general guide, it is important to practice Pilates to progress at it. We find that 2x per week, on average, is a good cadence for many individuals looking to get the most out of what it has to offer, regardless of if you are participating other physical fitness activities. 3-4 times per week may be more appropriate for those who want to get better, faster, or to dedicate a deeper understanding to the method.
If you have specific fitness goals, like building muscle or losing weight, we recommend scheduling a meeting to discuss it with us so we can guide you to which formats will best meet your needs and refer you out to others to supplement your goals on a case by case basis.
Are you REAL Pilates?
This is a question that comes up from time to time with the boom in Pilates popularity and the answer to this questions is pretty complex. The word 'Pilates' is not rigidly defined, so there are many different types of Pilates out there now. At Graduate Pilates, we offer Contemporary approach to the Pilates method that is rooted in core Pilates principles, without confusing complexities. Our approach is clear, consistent, and effective. We pair authentic Pilates exercises, with functional contemporary exercises. We will offer exercises on the Mat, Reformer, Chairs, Trapeze Table/Cadillac, and Ladder Barrel. We offer a limited number of props intentionally, to enhance form or muscle activation.
I am in Pilates Teacher Training through another program. Can I use my credits to complete my hours?
You may use your credits to self-practice during our self-practice hours. There are no fees to observe classes as a Teacher in Training. Please reach out for more details on completing your observation hours at Graduate Pilates. Please reach out directly for more details.
Can I bring my child to the studio and/or to take class?
If your child is 14 or older, and can meet the requirements for group classes, they can take group classes with parental consent and additional liability waiver for minors. If your child is under 16, an authorized adult must be present onsite. If your child is over the age of 16, they can take class independently. We do not let anyone under the age of 18 take Pilates 301.
If your child is under the age of 14 and wants to do Pilates, we require Private Lessons to ensure safety.
If you are just in need to bring your child with you, but they are not taking class, if they are non-disruptive, they are allowed to sit in our lobby area while you finish your workout. We do not want motherhood or fatherhood to be a roadblock from exercise. We do not have staff to ensure that children remain safe while you are in class, so we ask you use your best judgement on whether or not they can remain safe and non-disruptive independently. Please reach out to use at help@graduatepilates.com to discuss. If they are disruptive or we believe there is safety concern, we will reach out to discuss options.
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3250 Dickerson Pike Ste 003
Nashville, TN 37207