Battle of the Blackberries

Many studios have cellphone policies, but in some mat classes, particularly in gyms and health clubs, Blackberries are making an unwelcome mat-side appearance. Recently we received this question from Jewel Elizabeth Partridge, a Pilates Academy International and Spencer Pilates certified instructor who teaches at branches of David Barton Gyms and Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City:

I have two regular students in two separate classes who leave their blackberries at arm’s length and check them 4 or 5 times each class. It’s irritating and I find it a little offensive. What’s the best way to deal with this?

Readers, how would you handle this situation? Does it come up in your classes often? Please share your thoughts below.

Posted on Friday, August 24, 2007 at 12:24PM by

Jessica Cassity in Business Ideas |

5 Comments

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Reader Comments (5)

This is a distraction for everyone in the class (not just you)! I have a funny, true story, first. In a mat class of about 16, I was starting to teach hip circles, aka Can-can, when someone's cell phone started ringing--the ringtone was the can-can--we all laughed. Seriously, I'd speak with the clients in a pleasant way, and say that you and clients are distracted by it. I'd post a small cheerful sign somewhere prominent--When you're here, Be Here, please leave cells and pda's out of class. So much of Pilates is training the mind...

October 3, 2007 |

J Connolly

The distraction of cell phones during class is not only offensive to the teacher; but it is distracting to the class as a whole. We all strive to create an environment conducive to focus and it is very irritating to the other students to hear phones beeping and vibrating while we are taking time out away from that world to work on our bodies and minds. Didn't Joseph Pilates have a concern about ringing phones in the home in his chapter on how "Civilization impairs physical fitness?" Perhaps printing and hanging up a his quote about the ringing phones in the home would be a good hint. It would also be a little "tongue in cheek". If you have a sense of humor about these things rather than an authoritarian rule in your studio, people may be more open to the suggestion. In fact they may appreciate the relaxation they get from an hour away from their phone and thank you!

October 3, 2007 |

Teresa

I have many clients who "can't" turn off their cell phones, blackberry or else... The rule I have in the studio is:
Turn it off OR ANSWER IT. And if one answers, you take the call "outside". ! It works fairly well. An adequate solution to a difficult problem! Annie

October 3, 2007 |

Annie Waite Gilmer

I find cell phones and blackberries are completely rude to others in the class. We are becoming a society that is "all about me". The concentration level required to perform well in a Pilates class should not be interrupted by the above mentioned items.

If a client does have to have the phone for whatever reason they could put it on vibrate and leave class to answer it.

October 3, 2007 |

Jan cochrane

Mobile phones, etc. are OFF with the shoes except if an emergency is underway and the client has explained this to me, in which case the call is taken outside when it comes. This has only occurred a couple of times over the course of many years. Most realize it's rude and disruptive to be 'on call'. I'm strict with policy while remaining fair (24-hr cancellation, no pets, etc.) My attitude is if something else is more important than this one hour, please go do it - having you distracted or thinking about something else cheats both of us.

October 8, 2007 |

Donna Stevenson

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