8 Strategies for Pilates Studio Owners to Stay Present

How can you stay present as a Pilates studio owner when it's slow—and extra busy? Here are our top tips for studio owners who use Walla:

1. Have a positive outlook

It's essential to maintain a positive outlook despite the chaos. Focus on what you can control in your studio—keeping classes running smoothly, communicating proactively with clients about schedule changes, and taking time for yourself. Getting bogged down in negativity will only compound your stress. Try to find the bright side, even when things feel messy. Your positive energy will radiate out to your clients and team.

2. Prioritize your health and wellness

As a Pilates instructor and studio owner, you likely preach health, wellness, and self-care daily. Make sure you walk the walk by prioritizing your self-care regimen. Make time each morning to get movement in—even if it's just 15 minutes of sun salutations, a short barre video, or a brisk neighborhood walk to get your blood pumping. Try meal prepping on your day off to prepare healthy snacks and nutrient-dense meals when hunger strikes amidst your hectic schedule. Focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night, avoiding the temptation to burn the midnight oil. Say no to social engagements if you feel overwhelmed and need downtime. Listen to your body and give yourself permission to take a full personal day when you feel on the verge of burnout. Staying on top of small wellness habits day-to-day will keep your tank full and allow you to steer clear of illness during cold and flu season. Be the example by putting your well-being first!

3. Invest in self-care practices

In addition to consistent wellness habits like exercise, clean eating, and restful sleep, explore supplementary forms of self-care to stay centered. Schedule a seasonal massage every 4-6 weeks to melt tension in your neck and shoulders. Try a few acupuncture sessions to help alleviate pain, balance moods, improve sleep, and boost immunity. Carve out time once a week to journal about everything swirling around in your mind and process any anxiety, frustration, sadness, or grief that creeps up. Turn off your phone and computer entirely for 24 hours on a digital detox day to disconnect from constant pings and notifications pulling you from the present moment.

Disconnecting from digital sources of information consumption to engage your hands, heart, and intuition through slow, methodical activities expands self-awareness. The more you nourish your whole self—mind, body, and spirit—the more grounded, luminous, and purposeful you'll feel. Your studio clients will notice and appreciate you modeling thorough self-care, too!

4. Connect with your clients

Make an effort to intimately check in with your studio clients. See if they need extra accountability from you while away visiting relatives to stick with their Pilates practice consistency. Offer empathy, validation, and encouragement if they confide feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, sadness, or loss of motivation from life feeling turned upside down. Having compassion and extending emotional support will strengthen your professional relationships exponentially. Also, cultivate hygge by scheduling seasonal activities at your studio, making clients feel connected and comforted. Creative connection fosters joy and belonging.

5. Take time to reflect

Set aside quiet time for yourself to contemplate what worked well and what didn't in your Pilates business over the last month, quarter, year. What do you hope to accomplish? Think smaller goals versus daunting to-do's. Are there business practices you'd like to fine-tune or new offerings you'd like to roll out? Jot down some notes so you have clarity of mind when things get busier. Reflection and strategic planning now will serve your business well in the months ahead.

6. Try something new

One of the best ways to stay present is to step outside your comfort zone and try something entirely new. Push your boundaries. Teach a new class format you've never tried, like barre or yoga. Learn a new skill like web design or social media marketing. Start an at-home workout program to improve your strength and stamina. Sign up for a weekend retreat to experience a new wellness modality. When you put yourself in unfamiliar territory, it forces you to be present and in the moment. New challenges keep your energy and focus sharp.

7. Take advantage of opportunities

Seasonality brings up unique opportunities for your Pilates business. Many people commit to health and fitness goals in the new year, so February is a prime time to nurture those new clients, for example. Offer specials to fill classes during notoriously slow times. Remind existing clients to buy packages as gifts for friends and family. Host a bring-a-friend week to introduce new people to Pilates. An influx of interest in health and wellness consistently exists—ensure your studio takes full advantage!

8. Celebrate the now

Remember to celebrate the successes and milestones (even little wins) with your staff. Toast to your awesome clients and team members who help make your studio successful. Give yourself credit for building a thriving business that allows you to do work you love. Host a gratitude circle at the beginning or end of classes. Share food, cheer, and good times with loved ones. Find ways to have fun and infuse joy wherever possible—you deserve it! Don't let the stress dampen your spirit.

Stay centered by keeping a positive mindset, taking excellent care of yourself, connecting with your people, reflecting on the past and future, challenging your comfort zone, taking advantage of opportunities, and celebrating the essence of all seasons. Implementing even a few of these strategies will help you feel more grounded, present, and purposeful all year long.