Running a Pilates studio – Reflection on a decade of succes and lessons learn

I am immensely grateful to have reached this remarkable milestone: 10 years!

There’s a question my husband always asks me: “Given the challenges of running a small business, would you make the same decision if you could go back ten years?” My resounding answer remains “yes,” and here’s precisely why.

I embarked on establishing my studio with a desire to delve deeper into Classical Pilates, both as a teacher and a learner. After teaching for several years across various studios following my Classical Pilates Diploma, the necessity to go on my own became evident. If I aimed to educate newcomers about the Classical Method and instill mastery over their movement and body, creating a dedicated space with consistent standards was essential. The confusion among beginners, experiencing different methods, was palpable; nothing seemed to anchor in their bodies or minds. That was my very first lesson in the world of Pilates business.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, demanding an unwavering commitment to my beliefs regardless of external circumstances. This becomes doubly intricate when managing a solo business venture. Years ago, our mentor, @amyalpers from @thepilatescenter, imparted a crucial lesson: establishing a mission statement. My mission became my guiding light through the highs and lows. Remaining true to Joseph Pilates’s vision not only propelled me forward but also established a benchmark for my studio, classes, and community. Witnessing students’ positive feedback, their eagerness to learn more, and their enrollment in teacher training programs reaffirm that I’m aligned with the right course. The Pilates method doesn’t belong to us but to Joseph Pilates himself. Therefore, if we aim to teach under the name ‘Pilates,’ it’s our responsibility to honour the creator’s vision and comprehend the intended achievements of his method, as articulated in ‘Return to Life through Contrology.’
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