STOTT PILATES



Pilates is growing within the Active Aging Community as one of the most popular exercise programs of choice for many reasons. Pilates allows exercisers to move within their limitations and can be adapted to enhance anyone’s current training routine. It is a form of exercise for all ages and stages and is a kinder, gentler exercise for the body with all of the benefits of strength and flexibility training. As a result, more and more facility owners within the active aging community are choosing to incorporate Pilates classes into their fitness programs and/or build a studio on their premises.

The STOTT PILATES Active for Life Program was designed to assist facility owners and fitness instructors implement or enhance a Pilates program geared towards the active aging population. This specialty track program includes workshops that provide instruction in Pilates essentials as well as those designed particularly for an older audience.  

Five Tips for Starting a Successful Pilates Program for the Active Aging at Your Facility

  1. Determine the space. Small Pilates studios can start from 200-300 sq ft. for private training or semi-private classes. Small group Reformer training will require at least 400 sq ft. to house four Reformers. A Pilates Matwork program can be offered in any group fitness studio.
  1. Consider a Basic Matwork Program. Mats are easy to store and maneuver – and may be useful for other fitness classes as well. Matwork can be done with a variety of light equipment or props including the Flex-Band®, Stability Balls, the Mini Flex-Ball™ and Toning Balls all of which provide the additional benefits of assisting with balance, strength and flexibility while still being easy on the joints, an important consideration for any active aging exercise program. Consider the STOTT PILATES Active for Life Program for your facility, which includes innovative programming for the active aging.
  1. Choose qualified instructors that are properly trained in Pilates, and in particular, in dealing with older clients with potential movement and/or mobility issues. If you already have qualified fitness staff at your facility, you can host a STOTT PILATES certification course or workshop at your facility to bring their skills up-to-speed. Otherwise, you can locate instructors by using the STOTT PILATES Instructor Finder in your area or post the teaching position on the STOTT PILATES Job Board.
  1. Invest in Pilates equipment. Even though Pilates equipment may look intimidating at first, there are several benefits to incorporating into your Pilates program. The equipment supports and assists the client while learning the intricacies of Pilates. Equipment-based Pilates also includes more full-body work than Pilates Matwork which can place more focus on the arms and legs as well as the core musculature. Equipment recommendations for first-time Pilates owners include: Rehab Reformers (they are higher off the ground for for those with mobility issues ); the innovative V2 Max Plus™ Rehab Reformer (which offers a plethora of programming options and versatile exercises) or Spilt-Pedal Stability Chairs.
  1. Contact someone from the industry who knows how to build a successful Pilates business.
    If you are unfamiliar with Pilates in general, or if you want to expand your current mind-body space, speak to our STOTT PILATES Full Solutions™ business consultants for the best advice possible to make your venture a success. Our Full Solutions team, a group of seasoned fitness industry professionals, work with countless facilities big and small to help implement and run strong, profitable Pilates programs. They provide a customized ROI analysis and one-on-one expert advice on everything from staffing, programming options and strategic marketing to equipment and studio layout scenarios.

For more information on how to build a successful Pilates business at your facility, to host Pilates classes or courses, or to find out about STOTT PILATES’ new Active For Life Program, email fullsolutions@stottpilates.com