8 Strategies for Pilates Studio Owners to Stay Present this Holiday Season

How can you stay present as a Pilates studio owner this holiday season? 

1. Have a positive outlook

The holiday season can be a stressful time for Pilates studio owners. Client schedules get disrupted, people get sick, and things generally feel more hectic. 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 this holiday season 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 optional holiday parties and 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. Your clients rely on you to walk the walk regarding stellar self-care habits year-round, but especially during stress-ridden holidays—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 this holiday season to stay centered. Schedule a seasonal massage every 4-6 weeks to melt tension from carrying holiday stress in your neck and shoulders. Try a few acupuncture sessions to help alleviate pain, balance moods, improve sleep, and boost immunity during cold weather and flu season. 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. Get creative in the kitchen by baking holiday cookies, making signature sugar scrubs or bath bombs as little acts of self-love, or DIY some personalized holiday cards for your closest people. 

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—amidst holiday mania, 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 during the holiday hustle. Ask openly how they feel about managing seasonal stressors like disrupted family dynamics, travel plans, financial pressures, or loneliness and grief that the holidays amplify. 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 holiday hygge by scheduling seasonal activities at your studio, making clients feel connected and comforted. Organize a cookie exchange where people trade their family recipe favorites paired with sharing stories and laughter. Lead a craft night by making personalized holiday cards, decorations, candles, or gifts conveying thoughtfulness. Host an inclusive holiday gathering with healthy treats and sacred rituals like burning rosemary for purification, setting intentions, and exchanging blessings or gratitude. Building a community helps alleviate the loneliness many experience this time of year. Creative connection fosters joy and belonging.

5. Take time to reflect

The holiday season offers a natural opportunity to reflect on the past year and start looking ahead to goals for the new year. Set aside quiet time for yourself to contemplate what worked well and what didn't in your Pilates business over the last year. What do you hope to accomplish in 2023? 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 in January. 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 during stressful times is to step outside your comfort zone and try something entirely new. Use this holiday season to 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

The holiday season brings unique opportunities for your Pilates business. Many people commit to health and fitness goals in the new year, so December is a prime time to attract new clients. Offer holiday sales and deals to fill classes in January. Remind existing clients to buy packages as gifts for friends and family. Host a bring-a-friend week after the holidays to introduce new people to Pilates. An influx of post-holiday interest in health and wellness exists—ensure your studio takes full advantage! Staying proactive and creative now will pay off in the cooler months ahead.

8. Celebrate the season

Remember to enjoy the holiday season amidst all the hustle and bustle! Celebrate the successes and milestones from the past year. 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 in December. 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 holiday spirit.

The holiday season can feel extra busy and disorienting for Pilates studio owners. 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 the season. Implementing even a few of these strategies will help you feel more grounded, present, and purposeful at the end of the year.