Florida woman attends Pilates session. Then the instructor shames her in front of the class: ‘Pilates is too expensive to be yelled at like that’
Pilates can be intimidating, especially in front of a class of other participants who seem to be able to contort themselves exactly right while you’re still figuring out the last movement. That’s why it’s so important to have a supportive instructor. However, one woman shares the shocking moment an instructor calls her out on camera for doing a pose incorrectly.
In a video with over 10.2 million views, TikToker Aubrielle Smith (@aubriellesmithh) films herself attending a pilates class at YOGITHOT Studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the caption, she says she attended a class, naming the instructor.
What did the pilates instructor say to her?
The pilates instructor tells the participants to stack their legs and point their toes to the back of the mat as they lay of their backs. Smith lifts her legs over her head as her shoulders and arms stay on the mat.
“We’re not in a shoulder stance,” the instructor says. Then, she tells everyone to stop what they’re doing and come out of the pose by bringing their legs to their chests and rocking into a seated position. Smith misses the cue and stays in the position on her shoulders.
“Listen. We’re not in a shoulder stance. Can we come out of this? Again, there’s directions,” the instructor says. “When I say, ‘Don’t lift your legs up,’ don’t lift them. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
Smith glances over at her friend in disbelief as the instructor continues to explain the move.
In the caption, Smith writes, “Do not go to yogithot studio and take a class from [this instructor]. It was horrible she and was honestly rude. I’m sad I really liked how cute it was and she ruined the vibes.”
Smith posts another video of the interaction, as the instructor continues to explain why they did the pose wrong.
“We’re not doing this. If you start to do things I’m not offering and you get hurt, that’s on you. Do you realize that?” the instructor says. “I say that with a lot of love, don’t take it personally.”
Do viewers agree with the TikToker?
In the comments, many viewers disagree with the instructor’s approach and suggest that better cues for the Pilates moves could have prevented the situation.
“Her delivery was awful. As an instructor she should know how to talk to people in a more productive and kinder way. No need to call out in front of everyone,” one suggests.
Another jokes, “That tone in a Pilates class is CRAZY. this isn’t 5th grade PE.”
“Pilates is too expensive to be yelled at like that,” a third adds in a comment liked by Smith.
However, some viewers come to the pilates instructor’s defense.
“Sorry, not sorry—it just keeps getting worse. Everyone is offended by everything. Welcome to 2026, where people attend instructor-led classes and then struggle with… being instructed. Wild,” a viewer remarks.
Other Pilates instructors offer ideas on how she should have handled the situation better.
One comments, “It’s just never that serious. If my class is confused I stop them, laugh it off, and say ‘my bad guys I’m being unclear, let’s just try again.'”
A second writes, “certified instructor here: you never callout people individually and you never use negative language. the way she did that was inappropriate and mean.”
Did the Pilates studio respond?
In a follow-up video, Smith shares that the owner of YOGITHOT Studio reached out after seeing her viral video to apologize. However, she did not share details of what the manager told her.
At the time of publication, YOGITHOT Studio’s social media accounts have been made private.
@aubriellesmithh Do not go to yogithot studio and take a class from Erica Nunez. It was horrible she and was honestly rude. I’m sad I really liked how cute it was and she ruined the vibes. @yogithotstudio ♬ original sound – Aubrielle Smith
One commenter suggested that the instructor reach out personally to apologize. Smith liked the comment.
In the caption, Smith encourages commenters to remain kind while weighing in on the situation.
The Mary Sue reached out to YOGITHOT Studio via email and to Smith via Instagram and TikTok direct message for further comment.
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