Independent Contractor Instructors' Manual

CDM Pilates Contractor' Handbook

Welcome to CDM Pilates

At CDM Pilates, we strive to create a welcoming, safe, and inspiring environment for our clients and team members. This handbook outlines the essential policies, procedures, and expectations to ensure our studio runs smoothly and delivers the highest level of service to our community.

Table of Contents

1.   Mission Statement

2.   Independent Contractor Expectations.

3.   Studio Policies

4.   Daily Opening and Closing Procedures

5.   Client Relations

6.   Safety Guidelines

7.   Class Scheduling and Substitution Policy

8.   Contractor Compensation.

9.   Continuing Education and Growth Opportunities

10. Profitability and Studio Sustainability.

11.  Acknowledgment Form      

1. Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote health and wellness by providing expert Pilates instruction in a supportive and professional environment. We are committed to honoring the principles of Joseph Pilates and helping clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

2. Independent Contractor Expectations.

3. Arrive 15 minutes early for classes and private sessions.

4. Ensure the studio is clean, organized, and equipment is safe prior to class start.

5. Maintain a professional, friendly demeanor with clients and colleagues.

6. Follow all safety guidelines and ensure client safety during sessions.

7. Do not solicit clients to other studios.

8. Avoid posting CDM-related content alongside promotions of your schedule at other studios on social media.

9. Regularly promote classes on social media.

10. Encourage clients to book directly through MindBody rather than ClassPass.

11. Represent CDM Pilates with integrity and enthusiasm.

12. Promote memberships or class packs to clients.

13. Use only equipment you are professionally trained to operate.

3. Studio Policies

• Dress Code: Wear professional, movement-appropriate attire that allows for easy demonstration of exercises. 

• Refrain from wearing clothing with lettering. This excludes lettering from any of the major fitness brands (Some examples are Nike, Alo, Lulu Lemon, Addidas).

• Standards for appearance and hygiene. As professionals in the health and wellness industry we work closely with our clients, it’s important  that our appearance and hygiene meet a high standard. Your appearance not only a reflection of not only you but the CDM Team

• Phone Usage: Phones should be silenced and used only for studio-related matters during work hours.

• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding client information.

• Cancellation Policy: Adhere to the studio’s cancellation policy when scheduling or rescheduling classes or private sessions.

• Grip Socks: Encourage clients to wear grip socks for safety and hygiene. We have socks available in the studio.

ClassPass Clients:

• If only one ClassPass client is booked for class, you may contact the studio owner or manager to cancel the class.

Studio Practice:

• Instructors may use the studio for personal practice during non-scheduled times. Notify the group text chain to avoid conflicts.

• Instructors may not bring friends to practice sessions. Contact owner or manager for discounted private sessions for friends and family.

Taking Classes at the Studio:

• Instructors may take classes for free if there is an open spot, but paying members must be prioritized. This means if you want to jump into a class you have to wait 10 minutes before start time to see if there is an open spot before jumping in. Please do not add yourself into Mindbody just jump into the class

Family and Friends:

• Immediate family may take your classes for free if spots are open. This means if you want to have an immediate family member take your class, you have to wait 10 minutes before start time to see if there is an open spot before coming in. Do not sign them into the class on Mindbody. However, they must create an account on Mindbody and it is mandatory that they sign a liablility waiver before coming into the class.

• Friends can book at a discounted rate of $25 per class.

Parking Policy:

• The parking spot in the back is reserved for clients only.

4. Daily Opening and Closing Procedures

Opening Procedures

• Arrival: Arrive minimum15 minutes before the first session begins.

• Studio Setup:

  • Open the front and back gates (code: "GATE") back code =3232, front=GATE,  lockbox 0307

  • Turn on lights and sound systems.

  • Ensure reformers and other equipment are clean, organized, and safe.

  • Stock necessary items (towels, toilet paper, wipes).report if we are low.

  • Check the schedule and prepare for any client-specific needs.

  • Music- Please refrain from extreme explicit music. Notice the audience.

• Cleanliness:

  • Ensure bathrooms are stocked and clean.

  • Sweep or Swiffer floors if necessary.

  • Report if not clean.

Closing Procedures

• Session Wrap-Up:

  • Reset equipment (e.g., springs, straps, footbars, etc.).

  • Leave reformer with all springs on

  • Check out all clients on MindBody.

  • Ensure all clients have signed liability waivers.

  • Ensure all clients leave safely.

• Cleaning:

  • Wipe down equipment and return props to their place.

  • Empty trash bins if full.

  • Swiffer floors if needed.

• Lock Up:

  • Turn off lights and sound systems.

  • Lock all doors and windows.

  • Replace the key in the lockbox outside the front door. - Lockbox code is 0307

5. Client Relations

• Always greet clients by name to make them feel welcomed.

• Be proactive in addressing client concerns or special requests, understanding what their injuries and limitations are should be taken into class plan.

• Maintain a clean and inviting studio environment.

• Late Arrivals:

  • Allow clients arriving more than 15 minutes late to join class unless their spot has been filled.

• Single Participant Classes:

  • If only one client is signed up and they do not show within 15 minutes, you may leave after notifying management.

  • Class bookings close 1 hour prior to class. If you need to cancel a class with no participants, please let management know ASAP. If clients are signed up and late cancelled, we must leave the class on schedule to be paid and cannot cancel the class.

6. Safety Guidelines

• Always ensure at least one spring is engaged on the reformer to prevent accidents.

• Monitor clients for balance or coordination issues and assist as needed.

• Instructors must assemble and adjust equipment like jumpboards, Towers and footbars. When using the tower if you are making equipment adjustments or transitioning to the reformer ensure clients are moving and not just waiting. Use the Barre or back of the tower to keep them working while you change the settings

• Report any damaged equipment or incidents immediately.

• Ensure all clients have signed liability waivers.

7. Class Scheduling and Substitution Policy

• Confirm all classes and sessions using the scheduling system.

• If you need a sub and are unable to teach, notify the group text chain and find a substitute. If assistance is needed, contact the owner or manager at least 48 hours prior. 

• Sub requests need to be submitted as soon as possible with at least a 2 week notice. We understand emergencies happen.  After texting the chain when someone volunteers to cover for you, please update Mindbody as soon as possible. If no one volunteers, please send a text and an email to management with the information for the class or classes for which you need to get coverage.

• It is YOUR responsibility to get coverage for your shifts.

8.Contractor Compensation.

• Independent Contractor Instructors are paid bi-weekly via Zelle.

• Payment method subject to change   .   

• Payments will be made on the 15^th and the 1st  of each month .The payment on the 15^th  will be for the 1^st-14th , the payment on the 1st will be for the 15^th -end of the month.

• Pay rates are based on experience, certifications, and class/private session formats.

• Contractors are paid for no-show and late cancelled clients.

9. Continuing Education and Growth Opportunities

• CDM Pilates encourages employees to participate in workshops and certifications.

• Training opportunities may be offered at the studio.

10. Profitability and Studio Sustainability

• To keep CDM Pilates profitable, encourage full-paying clients to book regular-priced classes.

• Note that running classes with fewer than two paying clients may not cover operational costs and overhead.

• Promote memberships and class packs to ensure studio success.

Please sign that you acknowledge these policies on the log in Page!