Nosy, that’s me. I’m nosy when it comes to being aware of what’s happening in our Pilates community. We are such a vibrant, motivated crew of individuals. You all are constantly coming up with new ways to market your studios, work with your clients, and celebrate movement. And I want to know about them all. That’s why I signed up for Google’s Pilates alerts. Notices are emailed to me whenever an article or press release or the like pops up on the internet.
I certainly expected my fair share of “This star and that star does Pilates”. I even knowingly signed up for the obligatory “What is Pilates?” and “Getting a flatter tummy with Pilates!” alerts. It’s easy enough to delete those without reading them. Don’t get me wrong, getting 16 alerts a day basically saying the same thing really is annoying. But then again, if they spread the good Pilates word, I really shouldn’t complain. However, what I didn’t expect was the astounding number of classes being offered that can barely be recognized as Pilates. Classes like Pilates Pump that incorporates heavily weighted barbells with Pilates are a direct contradiction. Another example I saw was a cycling class that actually did Pilates on the bike.
My studio is in a health club. So if there’s anyone open to being creative with class ideas, it’s me. (Pilates for Triathletes, Pilates for Tennis Players, Bikini Blast Pilates anyone?) We have to use all sorts of tactics to get the “gym rats” to come into the studio. But no matter what we teach, it’s always Pilates. Just Pilates. Not on a bike. Not with 50 lb. dumbells. Not in a house or with a mouse.
I want to know your thoughts. Do you agree with me? And I’m open – help me see a different way of looking at our business. Kerrie Ann