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Pilates Beyond the Studio

Sometimes we all need a change of scenery.  Getting out of the studio and offering Pilates in non-traditional venues will give you the opportunity to tap into possible new clientele, introduce Pilates to those who might otherwise never try it, and give back to your community.  This article will help you step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Pilates in the Park Many Pilates in the Park events are held on Pilates day each year.  Why not make it a regular class?  There are groups that meet in public parks in New York, LA and Chicago on a weekly schedule during the summer, sometimes drawing hundreds of people!  If you’ve ever had a hard time going to your studio because you wanted to be outside…this could... Continue ...

Balancing Pilates with your Commitments

Amanda and her family I am one of the many, many Pilates Instructors who teach because I love the Method, not because it earns me a living.  To do that, I have a full-time job.  In addition, I have two children under the age of two.  Because teaching Pilates is such a personal choice, not often looked at as a “job,” Pilates Instructors must constantly search for ways to better balance their many commitments. Here are some tips that I, and other teachers I know who wear multiple hats, have found to work: Organization: Whether you have a paper planner or you use an electronic system, you MUST know where you are supposed to be and when, and with whom. I use an iPhone and have all of my classes and private lessons... Continue ...

Pilates Transformation Package

Introducing the Transformation Package . . . sell more sessions, make it affordable for clients. Where there is struggle, there is also opportunity.  Today’s economic climate leaves many studio owners struggling with their businesses and many clients and potential clients struggling with their fitness programs. Unique challenges call for unique strategies yet we can seize the moment! Here’s a new idea that may turn your world upside down. Have you ever considered offering all of your different classes for one price?  For example, a reformer class would be the same price as a mat, same price as a chair or tower class.  What about tying this class idea into a program that offers a complete solution to clients struggling... Continue ...

Never Ask Clients To Buy Another Package Again

Easier said than done, right?  Not exactly, and I’ll tell you why.  When I first decided to open my studio in 2004, I was so pumped up and excited the last thing I was thinking about was the business side of it – I thought it would just fall into place.  It didn’t quite happen that way. Let me explain. I believed everyone charged clients according to Joseph Pilates’ quote of 10…20…30…sessions.  You know the one. I firmly stand behind this quote which is why I originally used the same pricing guidelines that many Pilates studios used, I charged by packages of sessions. However, it was stressful every time clients’ packages were due. This created other issues too. I wasn’t sure if they were committed... Continue ...

Pilates and the Economy

The talk of the slow economy isn’t leaving anytime soon.  The news has covered it for over a year and we now know it is going to take a lot more time to recover.  It is hard to be positive with the news surrounding businesses these days, but what do you do?  In order for your business to hang on through this long downturn, you have to be hopeful.  You can’t let the worry consume your energy.  It will get better…it will take time…so right now you have to get out there and control what you can. A recent article in the April 2009 issue of Entrepreneur magazine explains that you have to take personal control to feel in charge of your destiny.  During these uncertain times, your perspective on what is going on in... Continue ...

Pilates Resources from the Comfort of your Home

In today’s busy world, everyone is looking for convenient and accessible ways to educate themselves and provide training aids and resources for their clients. As Pilates instructors, we long for more and more information to feed ourselves and enhance our clients’ exercise experience. Most of us would attend every conference possible, but of course we are limited by money, time and logistics. To retain our clients, we use every means available to keep them motivated and consistent. Resources that keep them moving and make their goals easier to attain are beneficial to us as trainers as well. After researching, we found that many organizations are developing programs to help us learn using technology from the comfort of... Continue ...

Year in Review: 2008 and the Future

Happy New Year to the entire Pilates Digest community!  We are looking forward to an exciting year at Pilates Digest.  Since our launch in 2008, we have had an unbelievable response from our subscribers and contributors. Popular Pilates Articles from 2008 If you are just joining us and you missed 2008, here are some of the most popular articles from last year: Pilates Equipment Foam Roller Fun Pilates and Running Three Simple Exercises for a Better Golf Game Principles of Pilates Pilates for Power in your Golf Game Looking Forward to 2009 We want to hear from you this year.  What was your favorite conference of 2008 and why?  Did you find a workshop that was unbelievable?  Post either events for free in our new Conference... Continue ...

Starting a New Business? Try Creating a Partnership Program

Starting your own business can be daunting. The time demands, planning, strategizing and worrying about cash flow are all part of the “Start Up” process. In today’s real estate market, many small business owners are surprised at how expensive retail, medical, or office space can be. An alternate option to high rents is to develop a partnership program within an existing facility, like a gym or wellness studio, a chiropractor or physical therapy office. There are many upsides to choosing this route over the traditional model of office/ retail space with a long term lease and added expenses. To find the perfect space for your partnership program, it’s good to develop relationships with existing gyms and wellness facilities.... Continue ...

Going Loco Over Google Local

If you are a small business owner you must list your business with Google Local. Period. Google Local is an insanely easy way to promote your business to the people in your area and it’s FREE! If you are a local business owner, most of your potential business comes from local customers in your area. Local customers are already searching for the products and services you offer on the Web using a search engine like Google. Why take the time to rifle through a phone book when it’s much easier to use Google. Also, the number of people using the Web to find products and services in their area has been increasing exponentially every year. This fact alone makes it imperative that your business is listed with Google Local. What... Continue ...

Pilates In Paradise?

I have what many people would consider to be an ideal job. I do what I love (teaching Pilates, of course) on a small luxurious private island resort in the Caribbean. My husband also works here, and they provide us and our dog with housing, meals at the staff canteen, and periodic parties, drinks, and intra-mural sports. We also have access to the beach and, when available, water sport equipment (kiteboards, kayaks, etc). I work with guests from all over the world, including royalty, socialites, captains of industry, and even the occasional celebrity. I love my job. I am well compensated, work fewer hours overall than when I owned my own studio in the US, and see an interesting mix of clients in both complementary group classes... Continue ...

Does your Business Give Back?

In our industry, there are many ways to give back to your community. Many times we want to become involved in our communities, but are unsure where to turn or which organization we should support. Your heart can steer you to help a special group in need. Groups needing help include single parents, children, animals, the homeless, abused women, the less fortunate or the elderly. Some online resources that can help you find a local charity are Volunteer Match and Charity Navigator. In our business we can offer a gift of fitness and health that is great for helping charities raise money. People love fitness, especially Pilates, and would love to give to a charity and get fitness in return. We also have passionate people in... Continue ...

Why do Retail in your Pilates Studio?

Spring has definitely sprung, and it is the perfect time to add a little zest into your studio. With all of the freshness and passion for life that spring inspires, one great way to enliven your business is with the addition of retail. Fun, sporty fashion lines representing Pilates are making their way into fitness centers across the country, with most being small companies willing to work with lower purchase minimums and smaller studios. The reasons to include retail in your studio are countless and varied, although many studio owners fear that incorporating retail may interfere with the running of their business. To the contrary, retail can bolster your business and give owners the financial push they need in order to take... Continue ...

Is Your Website Search Engine Friendly?

Have any of you created a brand new site, waited several weeks, then tried to find it using a search engine? I’m willing to bet many of you were disappointed to realize your site was no where to be found. Don’t fret, you’re not alone. A “build it and they will come” approach may work in the movies, but it definitely doesn’t work for web sites. Many people don’t understand how search engines work and become frustrated when trying to find their site and aren’t able to do so. Fortunately, I’m going to give a brief overview on how search engines “find” web sites and how to make your site search engine friendly so the next time you search for it you’ll hopefully... Continue ...

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