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.