The Wellness Centre Pilates

Had a 'taster' session booked for this evening which I was really looking forward too, despite being called by a member of the Centre at 8pm last night ( to make sure I was going). Unfortunately despite my best efforts, I arrived approx 4 minutes late for the session (kids/house etc) which I was unhappy about because I hate being late. In that 4 minutes, I received another phone call asking if I was attending the session - literally as I was walking through the door. So if I didn't already feel hassled, then I definitely was by now!

I was left to answer a questionnaire while the other two people booked on the session were given a tour of the Centre. The receptionist came back & directed me to the locker room (all with the air of it being a big deal). After fiddling with the lockers for 2 minutes, I then realised that they needed £1 deposit. I hadn't brought my purse as I didn't think I'd need it. As I came out of the locker room, the receptionist had quite obviously been speaking about me to her colleagues - she was standing with 2 other staff members who looked at me like I had two heads (or perhaps that is part of their charm). I was then directed to the room, where I was greeted by Neil, my instructor, who proceeded to talk at me rather than to me. He then read out my 'goals' from the questionnaire I'd answered in front of the other 2 people. The questionnaire had asked us to pick our goals from multiple choice - I picked 2, one of which was weight loss. I was then told by Neil that if I am looking to lose weight, then I've booked onto the wrong class, and I should be booked on the class on the other side of the hallway, all in a completely condescending tone. "This is all about toning" (thanks Neil). At that point, I'd decided that I'd seen enough of the Centre & was not going to be made to feel uncomfortable & out of place any longer & I decided to leave. I asked one staff member for a refund of my £5 - and I was told that it was non-refundable. It might have been nice if the staff had mentioned that while they were eagerly taking my booking in the middle of a shopping mall. I then saw a feedback form which I decided to complete while I was there - no pens for anyone to write with so I borrowed one from my friend the receptionist. I spotted 2 people who I assumed were members of staff. I decided to ask who the manager was - one guy replied that he was part-owner of the Centre. I told him how I'd been made to feel from the moment I walked in - and yes I got a bit tearful because I was so disappointed in the whole thing & also angry at how I'd been made to feel. I also accepted some responsibility & apologised for being 4 minutes late. Again, he looked at me like I had 2 heads, & said "Well, I've turned people away for being 2 minutes late" -Hello??? Talk about glossing over everything I had just said. Is this how management should talk to would-be customers? I admitted the lateness, but didn't realised that gave them the red flag to treat me like a second-class citizen. To sum up my whole 12 minute experience of the Centre - cold, clinical & unfriendly - and that was just the staff. I would definitely NOT recommend the Centre, which is a big shame as I had been telling everyone at work how much I was looking forward to it.

I have been a member of The Wellness Centre for over 3 years now and I would recommend it to anyone. It's expensive but for me worth every penny as it is convenient, enjoyable and I see visible results when I commit to going regularly. I save myself money I would usually be using on osteopath appointments because it prevents my neck and back from becoming tense. As per the review below it is ridiculous to rate somewhere 1 star because YOU were late for your appointment. The staff are amongst the friendliest people I've met and never fail
to remember your name even if you have only met them once.