Peak Pilates

Peak Pilates Resources: Implementation Tools: Getting Started

  1. Getting StartedIdentify a 'champion' within your facility to head the program
  2. Make sure that all upper management and fitness directors are on board
  3. Define Business model and mission statement. Will your program be fee based or value added?
  • A typical return on investment for equipment and training is 1 year.
  • Fee-based Pilates programs should not be perceived as group exercise which is typically offered for free, they need to be run as a profit center.
  • Dedicated space vs. multi-use space, or both? Three scenarios:

Pilates Studio – a dedicated Pilates studio inside or outside a fitness facility.

  • A dedicated Pilates studio is ideal for private sessions and small group classes.
  • Has a variety of Pilates equipment (choose between portable or studio equipment).
  • Ideal for rehabilitation and special needs clients, or clients that desire one-on-one personal training.
  • Often a quieter, more private space.
  • Often requires more extensive training for staff (to more advanced levels and on more types of Pilates equipment).
  • There must be a demand to pay for private instruction.

Fitness Facility – Group Pilates programming with portable equipment used in a multi-use space.

  • Pilates programming is held in a multi-use space or group exercise room.
  • Programming can include mat classes on the floor or the use of portable  Pilates equipment, ideal for group Reformer and Tower classes.
  • Equipment must be portable and easy to store.
  • Pilates programming must be scheduled into desired times to create demand.
  • Less training for staff – can be class specific (i.e. Mat only instruction).
  • Classes are less expensive than private instruction.

Hybrid – Fitness Facility with group Pilates programming in a multi-use space and a dedicated Pilates studio.

  • A facility that offers both group Pilates programming in a multi-purpose area and a dedicated Pilates studio.
  • Offers group programming on the mat and/or portable Pilates equipment in the multi-space area, as well as private and semi-private sessions in the studio.
  • Group programming up-sells to private or semi-private Pilates sessions that command a higher fee.
  • Ideal for rehabilitation and special needs clients, or clients that desire one-on-one personal training.
  • Some staff must be trained comprehensively, while other staff can have more class specific training (i.e. Mat only).

Establish Operating Procedures

  • Sign-up Procedures
  • Rates
  • Cancellation policy
  • Client Forms
  • Accounting
  • Staff pay
  • Fee split for trainers  - typically 50/50 per session (can vary if club paid for training, for example 60/40)
  • Salary

Educate Your Staff

  • Many programs fail because the staff does not understand Pilates, therefore they ignore it
  • Staff training designed to create demand (Pilates Orientation)
  • Hold a one-day staff training course and allow employees to take free sessions
  • Include ALL staff within your facility
  • Personal Trainers/Group Exercise Instructors
  • Front Desk Staff
  • Sales
  • Cross-sell with other packages
  • Network within the community

W

hen we first asked Peak Pilates for an equipment quote, we were surprised to be asked questions about our training background and our style of teaching instead. Another time when I had to make a tight delivery dateline, the staff made the effort to meet it. And this is the one thing that sets Peak Pilates apart, genuine advice and concern for their customers' needs. Also our clients were very surprised to hear that Peak Pilates actually sent a representative to visit our studio, inspect the equipment and even help us with some assembling. It gave them confidence about the integrity of our studio and the equipment they were working out on.

Amy Tan
Pilates Zentrum
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia