I run my Pilates Studio from my house, which means that between life and work I spend a lot of time at home! I am also alone a lot, with my kids and husband gone to school or work. So between my Pilates classes, I would find reasons to get out and socialize; my running group, taking classes at the gym or meeting friends. Connecting with people is not only fun for me, but it’s motivating and I learn so much through others.
And then, 2020 happened. Change is constant, but last year really blasted us with it. It seemed that one day everything was fine, and then BAM! All my communities – including my Pilates community – were gone.
Bringing Pilates Classes Online
While the world scrambled to adjust to online-everything, I took a few days to gather myself. I knew a lot of fitness classes were going to switch to online instead of in-person classes, but I couldn’t fathom spending hours a day teaching to a screen. Instead, I came up with the idea of offering a single Zoom Mat Pilates class at 9 am every day.
And then something very cool happened.
I knew I would have clients show up. But I wasn’t expecting to see friends from my dancing days, high school friends, clients’ neighbors and relatives, past clients who moved away, and people who I had once taught aerobics and spin classes to. They all showed up! Not everyone was there every day, but that’s not the point. I had found a way to bring people together despite each of us “being alone” in lockdown.
The daily class gave all of us a routine when we didn’t know what to expect next, and when we felt the most alone. We always left a bit of time to chat after the class. One client told me that she hadn’t realized how much she missed talking to people; her husband was in isolation in the basement, and her son just hibernated in his room. Another joined each day during her fourteen-day quarantine upon returning to Canada from Mexico.
I loved the reason to get up every morning, get dressed, and set up my studio. I also got better at mat Pilates than ever. I got strong! Plus, it was always a fun surprise to see who would show up each day. I was overwhelmed with the gratitude and thank you messages I received for doing those classes. Yet I was equally as thankful for them showing up and helping me.
Growing My Business
I had clients that were unable to show up for the daily Zoom sessions, but who still wanted to keep up with their Pilates classes. Thank goodness I already had an app for my business! With the app, I could steer clients to at-home workouts.
The app and hosting only one daily class gave me time to focus on growing my business in new ways. I adapted my app to match what my clients need and want in their lives, and added an option for those new to Pilates. I collaborated with teachers around the world, and have taken part in courses and classes to better my business and my own Pilates practice.
This past year, I discovered a whole new meaning to “community.” I never could have dreamed that my in-person Pilates business could evolve so quickly and in so many ways. While it was hard at times, I’m grateful for how my Pilates community has shifted into something different and wonderful.
