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When incremental factors such as space, instruction and cost play a large
role in your organization’s fitness/wellness operations, it’s important to examine all your options before the
implementation stage
Research surveys report that there has been an increase in specialized fitness programming for older adults
over the past few years.1,2,3 As a result, more and more owners within the active-aging
community are choosing to incorporate pilates classes into their fitness and wellness programs and/or build
a studio.
Why pilates? 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 a kinder, gentler
exercise for the body with the benefits of strength and flexibility training.
“This method of exercise is versatile and can be modified to suit anyone’s
needs,” says Moira Merrithew, director of education for Toronto-based STOTT PILATES®
and a leading pilates educator. “Pilates is perfect for the older exerciser,” believes
Merrithew, “because it helps improve postural problems; increases core strength, stability and
peripheral mobility; helps prevent injuries; enhances functional fitness as a whole; improves balance,
coordination and circulation; heightens body awareness; and is low impact on the joints.”
Determining whether you can afford or even want to open a pilates studio is the first big question.
From a programming perspective, the answer seems quite obvious. But from an owners’ perspective, there
are more things to consider.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT STUDIOS
“Do I have the space?” is often the first thought that comes to mind. Don’t fret;
there are some simple solutions. The space you allot to your pilates studio can be relatively small if you choose
to have only one or two items of equipment. In fact, some owners opt for 200–300 sq. ft. for one-on-one
training or semi-private classes to start. For older exercisers, it isn’t recommended to offer equipment
or matwork programming to extremely large groups, as these clients require more attention and the instructor
will need to assist them more often.
To establish a designated pilates studio, you can use as little as 400–800 sq. ft. The 800-sq.-ft. space
is approximately the size of a racquetball court and can comfortably accommodate a fully equipped pilates studio,
which includes:
- four Reformers
- two Cadillac Trapeze Tables
- four Stability Chairs
- two Ladder Barrels
and other accessories. (See “Glossary of pilates equipment” on page 40 to learn about the
equipment listed above.)
A smaller 400-sq.-ft. studio can hold approximately four Reformers, so at the very least, you can offer
programming associated with this essential piece of pilates equipment.
It is also important to designate a space
that is located away from distracting
rooms—such as where group exercise
classes or other leisure activities may be
held. Pilates exercisers prefer a peaceful
environment that supports a mind-body
workout, and this atmosphere should be
established with the utmost care and
consideration.
Once you find the perfect space to
implement your pilates studio, you must
make sure to remain realistic about the
amount of equipment you can fit in that
area, and the type of use the equipment
will get. Choose equipment that is versatile
and offers maximum programming
options to keep your pilates program
fresh, challenging and adaptable to the
changing requests of your members or
residents.
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS ARE KEY
With a designated space in your facility,
staffing is the next key to expanding your
business. It is imperative to understand
that highly skilled instructors are important
for this age group, and that specialized
pilates-based equipment requires
proper training and programming
knowledge.
You now have the ability to offer pilates
career opportunities to your existing fitness
or wellness staff. If you recruit and
train your existing quality personal trainers
and group exercise instructors to be
pilates instructors, they can subsidize
their current client-base and group classes
with alternative training methods and
grow their clientele.
A studio designed for private, semi-private
and group training allows several
instructors to work together in the same
space while training clients. With a
pilates studio on your premises, you can
also offer non-staff instructors part-time
or full-time positions according to the
studio’s demand.
Instructors who are looking for a career
within this life-stage category require specialized
training. Although comprehensive
training is crucial, pilates education
doesn’t stop after certification. It is vital
to make sure that your instructors are
attending continuing education courses
and workshops. By offering training and
continuing education, you can show those dedicated individuals who are
already helping you increase membership
or resident participation that you care
about their professional growth—which,
in turn, means organizational growth.
Highly skilled instructors can bring a
plethora of exercise variety to your facility
and cater to those older adults who
may feel intimidated to try pilates.
Qualified instructors will also look out
for the safety of your members or residents,
which is pertinent to the owner
and exerciser, and take care of the needs
of older clients.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
There are some other things to consider
in setting up a pilates studio. These
include:
- Temperature. As with any fitness or
wellness facility, you will want to
implement a temperature that is comfortable
for exercise.
- Flooring. Carpet is recommended for
your pilates studio for comfort reasons
and going from machine to machine,
as pilates exercise is most often performed
without shoes.
- Change rooms. It is highly recommended
that you designate specific
change rooms for pilates participants
away from the regular exercise change
rooms—simply because pilates, or any
type of mind-body fitness, creates a
relaxed atmosphere not to be interrupted
by the banging of weights, and
the like.
- Water. Have water available within
the pilates studio. Proper hydration is
crucial, and easy access will encourage
drinking before, during and after
workouts.
A specific room is always desirable for
pilates, depending on your facility layout
or affordability of space allotment. Use
warm tones on the walls and focus on
the mind-body “feeling” throughout your
area. Finally, avoid distracting lighting or
loud music. |
HOW DO I START?
Every organization’s needs are unique. In
addition, not all facilities are created
equal and common obstacles—such as
limited resources, space or budget—can
seem like barriers to organizations that
want to participate in mind-body fitness
programs, including pilates. It is important
to seek out experts in the pilates
industry who can help outline your
choices and make your decisions easier.
Consultants can provide one-on-one
expert advice on everything from staffing
and strategic marketing to equipment
and studio layout scenarios—all of which
will help you on the road to success in
no time.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SET UP SHOP
- 1. The right space. Small pilates studios
can start anywhere 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, while a fully
equipped pilates studio will require
approximately 800 sq. ft. of space.
- 2. Basic pilates mat 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, for
example, resistance bands and stability
balls.
- 3. Qualified instructors. Staff your
studio with instructors who are
properly trained in pilates, and in
particular, in dealing with older
clients with potential movement
and/or mobility issues.
- 4. Equipment pilates. Even though
pilates equipment may look intimidating
at first, there are several
benefits to incorporating it into
your pilates program. The equipment
supports and assists the
client while the person learns
the intricacies of this practice.
Equipment-based pilates also
includes more full-body work than
mat pilates, which can place more
focus on the arms and legs as
well as the core musculature.
Equipment recommendations for
first-time pilates owners include
Reformers and Stability Chairs.
- 5. Advice. Contact someone from the
pilates 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 a reputable business consultant within the industry
for the best advice to make
your venture a success.
GLOSSARY OF PILATES EQUIPMENT
Cadillac Trapeze Tables: A variety of
spring lengths, tensions and multiple
attachment sites allow arms and legs to
be worked independently to ensure
muscle balance and control, and allow
more three-dimensional movements in
all planes of motion.
Ladder Barrels: Designed to aid in
aligning and mobilizing the spine,
improving posture and developing balance
and control, the Ladder Barrel
supports exercises for beginners or
fully conditioned exercisers.
Reformers: The most widely used
piece of pilates equipment, the
Reformer utilizes spring resistance and
a smooth gliding carriage to perform
hundreds of exercises, which can be
adapted to any fitness level.
Stability Chairs: Ideal for those who
need to stay in a seated or upright
position, the Stability Chair helps
rebalance muscles while still providing
a full-body workout and is perfect to
fit in small spaces.
ACTIVE FOR LIFE WORKSHOPS
STOTT PILATES continues to expand its
continuing education offerings with the
recent introduction of its new Active for
Life Program. Through this “specialty
track” program, facility owners and fitness/
wellness instructors can implement or
enhance a pilates program geared towards
the active-aging population. The Active
for Life Program includes workshops that
provide instruction in pilates essentials, as
well as those designed particularly for an
older audience. Some workshops include
the use of light equipment and are
designed to address the specific needs and
concerns of different age and health categories.
For more information, email
fullsolutions@stottpilates.com.
REFERENCES
1. Thompson, W. R. (2008). Worldwide Survey
Reveals Fitness Trends for 2009. ACSM’s Health
and Fitness Journal, 12(6), 1–8, November-
December. Retrieved from http://www.acsm.org/
AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&Templ
ate=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=11
531.
2. American Council on Exercise. (2008,
December 9). Press release: ACE Says Budget-
Friendly and Boot Camp-Style Workouts
Among Most Popular Fitness Trends in 2009.
Retrieved from http://www.acefitness.org/
media/media_display.aspx?itemid=2543.
3. American Sports Data. (2005, April 12). Press
release: Older Americans are transforming landscape
of physical fitness. (Findings from the 18th
Annual SUPERSTUDY® of Sports Participation.)
Retrieved from http://www.american
sportsdata.com/pr-olderamericanstransform
physfitness.asp. |
