Peak Pilates Resources: Implementation Tools: Programming

• Getting Started
• Instructor Education
• Programming
• Marketing Assistance

Creating Programming Options

Mat classes are an obvious feeder to group equipment classes and private Pilates training. The trend in health clubs is to include mat classes in the price of membership and charge an additional fee for equipment classes. We suggest offering an Introductory Level I Pilates Mat class every quarter. After the initial offering, add a Pilates Mat Level II on the schedule for your more experienced members. The Introductory class will continue to feed the Level II class and as the program grows, consider adding a Pilates Mat Level III. Mat classes with small props such as the Power Circle, small Barrel and Therabands will add a challenge and variety to the Mat offering. 

The programming options with equipment are far greater. You can offer personal training sessions and a variety of small group classes, both of which members will pay an additional fee for. When evaluating your equipment options, the Pilates Reformer is the most popular choice. With a spring-loaded carriage and adjustable rope or leather strap system, the Reformer works to develop balance and coordination while strengthening and stretching the entire body. Classically, there are over 500 movements created for the Reformer, each dependent and built upon the other. Another popular choice is the Cadillac, or Pole System. The Cadillac works your arms, legs, trunk and the entire body against the various spring tensions and positions the equipment affords.

Some popular class formats and typical fees for the Reformer and Cadillac include:

• Duets: A semi-private session with 2 participants @ $45 each. Instructor costs at 50% for a net profit of $45 per session. 
• Private Sessions - $70. Instructor cost at 50% for a net profit of $35 per person.
• Group Reformer Class: A Level I, II or III Pilates Reformer class with 4 – 6 participants @ $25 each.
• Group Pole System (Cadillac) Class: A Level I, II or III Pilates Pole System class with 4 – 6 participants @ $25 each.
• Group Total Body Workout Class (integrated Mat Reformer and Cadillac): A Level I, II or III Pilates Total Body workout class with 4 – 6 participants @ $25 each.
• Open Gym Concept - After the purchase of an Introductory Package and Trainer approval, you can open your facility at specific hours for clients to work individually with minimal instructor supervision @ $15.00 per visit.

Offer diverse programs. 

Health clubs can significantly increase profitability through a diverse mix of program options such as mat classes, private sessions and small group classes. Offering ‘special population’ classes, such as those just for seniors or just for men, have proven to put members at ease and attract those who may not otherwise try Pilates. When developing your program, it’s important to remember Pilates is ideally suited for either personal training or small groups where one-to-one attention can yield optimum results. Simply put, keep your classes small enough to offer a quality experience, yet large enough to offer an affordable rate.

• The programming options with “combination” Pilates equipment or a variety of traditional apparatus provide limitless programming options.
• Introduce Introductory through Beginner-Intermediate classes first, and add in more advanced and situation specific classes as client base advances.
• Continue to offer group Mat classes included in membership fee to up-sell members to fee-based sessions
• Offer Introductory packages in which clients may sign up and pay for a series of classes or private sessions in advance.
• Require that clients take a private session before attending group equipment classes.
• Offer a free private session or group class to generate interest.

We strongly recommend offering an Introductory Package, in which participants pay for a set number of sessions in advance. With an introductory package, members can experience private sessions, teaching them how to operate the equipment and perform the basic exercises and thus preparing them for group classes. An example of an introductory package may be as follows:

• 10% reduction on personal training package of 6 sessions:
• 2 Private Sessions
• 2 Reformer Classes
• 2 Pole System Classes

As your program grows, you may consider adding in other Pilates equipment such as the Chairs and Barrels to expand your programming options even further. You can also add sports-specific classes such as Pilates for Golfers and Pilates for Athletes, or situation-specific such as Pilates for Pregnancy and Pilates for Seniors.

M

y instructors have a variety of different Pilates training backgrounds and have been teaching for a while. I wanted to create consistency within our Pilates program, knowing it’s a key to success. Initially, they were hesitant and thought they already knew everything! The Peak PilateSystem program delivered the 'missing information' and now they’re more confident teachers. I have been to many workshops and have worked with many “master trainers” and none of them compare to Peak!