Scaling Your Pilates Business: A Journey of Growth and Expansion
As a Pilates instructor with a degree in Kinesiology from the University ofColorado, I’ve had the privilege of watching both my practice and the Pilatesindustry evolve. What started as a job in an athletic club in 1998 grew into aPilates studio, and eventually into an online business. Through hard work,continued education, and a passion for the practice, I’ve scaled my business tomeet the demands of today’s fitness world. Here’s what I’ve learned, and howyou can apply these strategies to grow your own practice.
1. Start with a Strong Foundation
When I first began teaching Pilates, I charged $45/hour at an athletic club.It wasn’t much, but it was enough to build the skills I needed. To scale yourbusiness, focus on becoming an expert in your field. Continuously improve yourteaching, refine your anatomy knowledge, and earn comprehensive Pilatescertifications. The more versatile you are—able to teach on all equipment andlevels—the more clients you can attract.
2. Offer More Value with Group Classes
As I gained experience, I saw the value of offering group classes. They’rean efficient way to scale your business. Group sessions allow you to reach moreclients in less time, increasing revenue without sacrificing the quality ofinstruction. Offering different levels and types of classes—such as beginner,intermediate, reformer, and mat—can help you serve a wider range of clients.When I opened my studio in 2019, I used group classes to maximize income whilestill offering private lessons for those willing to pay a premium.
3. Choose Your Clients Wisely
As your business grows, it’s essential to choose clients who respect yourtime and expertise. Avoid clients who frequently cancel, haggle over pricing,or push your boundaries. Be selective to protect your energy and businessgrowth. Focus on clients who are committed to their practice. Set clearexpectations regarding scheduling, payments, and policies, which helps youmaintain a professional environment.
4. Maintain Professionalism
Being professional in every aspect of your business—whether incommunications, handling payments, or managing your schedule—builds trust andlong-term client relationships. A professional reputation will help you retainclients and encourage them to refer others. Showing up on time, respectingboundaries, being prepared, and enforcing clear policies around cancellationsor late fees all contribute to your success. The more professional you are, themore likely clients will stay loyal and continue their practice with you.
5. Build a Strong Pricing Structure
When I first started, I was bound by the pricing structure of my employer.But when I opened my own studio, I set my own rates, which gave me more controlover my income. Start by offering competitive rates for private lessons, thendiversify with packages, memberships, or class passes. This creates steadyrevenue streams while also providing clients with different options. Tailoryour pricing to your experience and expertise while offering flexibility forvarious budgets.
6. Go Digital: Launch Online Pilates Workouts
A game-changer in scaling my business was launching online Pilates workouts.In 2023, I started offering a mix of equipment-based sessions, mat work, andsmall props, allowing me to reach clients beyond my local area. Going digitalnot only expanded my reach but also increased my income. You can offer liveZoom classes or pre-recorded sessions, both of which allow you to scale byreaching a wider audience. A subscription model for your online content canprovide steady income, so you don’t rely solely on in-person clients.
My Instagram, with over 250K followers, has also been crucial for growing myonline business. It drives traffic to my website and helps expand my brand’sreach. Social media is a powerful tool for building trust, engaging with youraudience, and establishing a robust business.
7. Host Master Classes and Workshops
In addition to regular classes, I host monthly 1.5-hour master classes.These events bring in extra revenue while showcasing my expertise. Hostingworkshops with well-known instructors is another way to stay relevant andvisible in the Pilates world. Workshops offer clients the opportunity to deepentheir practice and help you reinforce your position as a leader in the Pilatescommunity. These events also act as marketing tools, drawing in new clients andkeeping your business top-of-mind.
8. Keep Learning and Evolving
Continuing education has been essential for my success. I prioritizeattending workshops and courses, traveling to meet other teachers, andexpanding my knowledge in Pilates. In addition to in-person courses, I takebi-weekly Pilates lessons via Zoom, which helps me stay connected to myclients’ experiences and informs my teaching.
Staying current in your field ensures that you can offer fresh, valuableinsights to your clients. It also opens up new opportunities for businessgrowth. By investing in your education, you ensure that both your skills andyour business continue to evolve.
9. Delegate and Build a Team
As your business grows, you’ll reach a point where you can’t do everythingyourself. Whether it's hiring additional instructors, support staff, ormarketing help, delegating tasks is key to scaling. I eventually needed helpmanaging day-to-day operations, and building a team has allowed me to focus ongrowing my brand and serving my clients more effectively.
Final Thoughts: Stay Passionate and Committed
The most important factor in scaling your Pilates business is maintainingyour passion for the practice. Continuing education has kept me excited aboutmy work, and every new course, client, and opportunity has allowed me to growboth personally and professionally. Scaling your Pilates business won’t happenovernight, but with dedication, professionalism, and the right strategies, it’sabsolutely achievable. Your commitment to learning and offering value toclients will be the driving force behind your success.
