Has anyone had any experience with the Pilates Joe franchise opportunities? They have started in Scottsdale and are opening one near me in Long Beach, CA. I went to the website and it seems almost like a Curves for Pilates! There are spring walls instead of reformers and cadillacs, and everything is done in a group setting, which group you go to is based on the instructor's assessment of your abilities. They also seem to offer their own instructor training, if I read the site correctly. They do an orientation and then give the member a booklet to follow the exercises on their own. It's a monthly fee, $97 and you go as often as you like. I knew this would happen eventually, commercial Pilates, but this seems like a, dare I say, ridiculous, attempt at learning the method. Any feedback?

Despite PMA's inadequacies, such organizations could be helpful in distinguishing the "real thing" from "fast food" chains like this, so-to-speak. ??????

Many teachers/students, many clients, many levels, many applications, many motives, many intentions, many paths with "pilates." I take the attitude of “Isn’t that interesting?” because the truth is that it's all "real." The question is, what is mine to dream and do and how might I define it? If I build it, they will come; I stay the course and let not fear distract me.

Luann Klein, I'm of the persuasive mind of Ms. Carole...why are you so intimidated/irritated w/Pilates Joe of Long Beach?...don't be a 'bad-mouth' before they even get started good...you sound as if you haven't even tried this revisional & economically feasible method. I've talked w/the owner & her daughter, and they have honorable intentions & the blessing/authorization of Joseph's niece to use the "Pilates" name. It's naysayers like yourself that will continue to fuel the 'movement' to drive/keep 'the method' elitist. Individuals don't have to allow their respective practices to remain 'commercial'...and people from all walks of life should have access to Pilates education, however entry-level.

NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED FOR COURTESY PURPOSES BY THE MODERATOR

I like Carole's attitude on this one. The business world takes the attitude that no one will ever do a better job than the indivudual performing the job. No matter what you do for a living you are only capable of achieving what you are capable of achieving. It is the responsibility of each of us to set our own standards, stick to our values and try to do the best job we can.

Luann, everyone has different motives behind how they run their business. It might not be the way you or I would do it, but it doesn't make it wrong. Trust in the public. those seeking excellence will find you, those you are happy with status quo won't.

Nothing to add Louanne...DWS.

Let us all remember that Joe Pilates wanted his equipment and exercises in every home, school, hospital, and gym all over the world. He just wanted everyone to feel how great it feels to move and stretch and strengthen. So cheaper access Pilates Joe franchises, PilatesSticks, Malibu Chairs, etc. are all in the realm of the original intent to spread Contrology around. Have you seen the videos of Joe working the arm springs attached to a wall? Or of him teaching standing footwork and martial arts-like punching & blocking? Many of us (like myself) are lucky to work with very wealthy and particular private clients, but that is not most of the world. I would rather see people getting some instruction with springs at Pilates Joe than struggling through a bad dvd.