What it really takes to grow a values-led Pilates studio with Leah Hart

Welcome to Beyond the Reformer

Introduction to the Podcast

• Host Nick Lenny introduces "Beyond the Reformer," a podcast focused on Pilates, community connection, and inspiring stories.

• The aim is to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the Pilates community.

Guest Introduction: Leah Hart

Background of Leah Hart

• Leah Hart is introduced as the founder of Glow Pilates in Limmerch, Ireland.

• Discussion includes her experiences opening her first studio and recently a second one amidst challenges like COVID-19 and motherhood.

Leah's Early Life and Introduction to Pilates

Dance Background

• Leah shares her early life starting as a ballerina at age four, engaging in various dance forms including ballet, tap, and jazz.

• Her introduction to Pilates came through MAP classes during her time in a dance team, where she appreciated its structure and control compared to traditional dance.

Transition from Hobby to Teaching

• Initially drawn to Pilates for its balance benefits that complemented her rigorous dance training; it became more than just a hobby over time.

• She began teaching after encouragement from a teacher who suggested pursuing Matt training as an enjoyable hobby. This led her into teaching classes in community halls and gyms.

Career Path Before Opening a Studio

Academic Background

• Leah discusses her academic journey with degrees in English literature (Masters & PhD), which did not lead to fulfilling career opportunities outside academia.

Shift Towards Entrepreneurship

• Despite initially viewing Pilates as a side interest or "Plan B," she felt compelled by personal circumstances and client nudges towards opening her own studio after working for others for some time.

Starting a Pilates Studio: Insights and Challenges

The Leap into Entrepreneurship

• The speaker reflects on their teaching philosophy, which differed from previous experiences, prompting them to pursue their own vision in the Pilates industry.

• They describe a "blissfully unaware" naivety about business ownership that fueled their motivation to create a fulfilling Pilates practice.

• Practical challenges included finding a location, securing funding, and understanding the logistics of starting a business, such as registering a company and creating a website.

• Acknowledges the importance of planning while also recognizing that some level of naivety is necessary to overcome fears associated with risk-taking in entrepreneurship.

• Emphasizes the need for belief in one's path and having access to resources or expertise when venturing into business.

Market Conditions for Pilates

• Discusses the learning curve involved in opening a studio and how market conditions influenced their decision-making process regarding client acquisition.

• Compares experiences with other cities; notes that fewer studios can be advantageous as it allows for easier client engagement without overwhelming competition.

• Shares that there was only one other studio at the time of opening, which helped attract clients who followed them after leaving their previous job.

• Highlights initial misconceptions about reformer Pilates versus mat classes among potential clients, indicating an educational gap in understanding different types of Pilates practices.

• Reflecting on past trends where mat classes were more recognized than reformer classes; emphasizes ongoing education about various equipment's roles within Pilates.

Early Challenges Faced

• Notes that many clients were unfamiliar with reformer equipment upon entering the studio, necessitating extensive explanation during early days of operation.

• Points out that while fitness aspects are emphasized in many studios today, there's an overarching philosophy behind Pilates that's often overlooked by both practitioners and studios alike.

• Discusses personal challenges faced during recruitment due to limited availability of qualified teachers at the time they opened their studio.

• Mentions working alone initially before considering hiring additional staff; highlights financial constraints impacting staffing decisions.

Challenges of Running a Fitness Studio

Initial Financial Planning and Challenges

• The speaker faced significant challenges in the early stages of running their fitness studio, particularly with financial planning. They calculated that they could meet minimum expenses by conducting around 15 classes a week and offering private sessions.

• Initially, the speaker did not pay themselves to keep the business afloat, relying on organic growth as client interest increased over time.

Impact of the Pandemic

• The pandemic caused a sudden halt in operations, leading to staffing issues since there was no need for teachers when the studio couldn't operate.

• Managing client needs during this period was challenging due to an influx of new clients unfamiliar with the studio's offerings.

Decision-Making and Leadership

• The speaker struggled with stepping into a leadership role without a partner or mentor initially, which made decision-making difficult.

• They emphasized the importance of having someone to bounce ideas off and later sought mentorship that significantly changed their business direction.

Understanding Business Viability

• The speaker advised new entrepreneurs to determine their bare minimum financial needs before starting out, emphasizing realistic expectations about profitability in boutique fitness studios.

• A statistic mentioned indicates that 90% of boutique fitness studios are not profitable, highlighting common struggles among owners who may appear successful but do not take salaries.

Timetable Flexibility and Client Needs

• Adjusting class schedules based on client attendance is crucial; however, it poses risks when trying to accommodate consistent clients while attracting more participants.

• Ongoing adjustments are necessary even after opening multiple locations; understanding what works best for different demographics remains an evolving challenge.

Philosophy Behind Studio Operations

• The speaker aims to create a professional environment where instructors feel respected and fulfilled while maintaining lightness in their work culture.

• They advocate for autonomy among instructors regarding scheduling and pay, promoting professionalism within the industry.

Wellness in Business: Balancing Client Needs and Self-Care

The Importance of Wellness for Both Clients and Practitioners

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of maintaining wellness for both clients and themselves, highlighting that their work is beneficial but also a business, not a charity.

• Initially, the focus was on balancing personal needs as a teacher/owner with those of clients to avoid being overwhelmed by client demands.

Studio Ethos: Move Well, Be Well

• The studio's philosophy revolves around "move well, be well," which encompasses both broad and specific interpretations of wellness in movement practices.

• A holistic approach to movement is discussed, aiming to help individuals feel good physically and mentally through mindful practices.

Individualized Movement Practices

• Different clients have varying preferences; some thrive on intense workouts while others prefer gentler approaches like Pilates that promote relaxation without burnout.

• The speaker shares personal experiences with Pilates, noting its calming effects compared to traditional workouts that can lead to exhaustion.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

• Long-term clients tend to resonate more with the studio's approach, feeling uplifted rather than depleted after sessions.

• Classes are designed to be conscious and client-centered, allowing participants to make choices about their movements based on their individual needs.

Fostering Ownership in Practice

• Instructors act as facilitators who guide students in making decisions about their practice rather than dictating actions.

• Encouraging clients to take ownership fosters empowerment; they learn to listen to their bodies instead of seeking external validation or permission.

Reflection on Life's Structure

• The discussion touches upon how societal structures impose strict rules from an early age, contrasting this with the freedom offered in movement practices.

• This shift towards autonomy within classes allows for personal growth and fulfillment among practitioners.

Exploring Freedom in Movement Classes

The Importance of Self-Exploration

• Movement classes should provide individuals with the freedom to explore their own bodies and feelings, which is often restricted in daily life.

• This exploration goes beyond physical exercise; it taps into essential human needs that structured life often overlooks.

• Participants frequently seek direction, indicating a need for guidance while also desiring autonomy in their movement choices.

Teaching Approaches and Frameworks

• Beginners may require more structured frameworks to feel secure, while intermediate and advanced movers benefit from exploratory questions about their movements.

• The challenge of recruiting teachers who align with a studio's ethos is significant; internal training and mentoring are crucial for cohesion among instructors.

Building a Cohesive Teaching Team

• Successful recruitment has come from long-term clients transitioning into teaching roles, fostering an inherent understanding of the studio's movement philosophy.

• Traditional recruitment methods have not yielded ideal candidates due to differing approaches to movement language and philosophy.

Understanding Movement Language

• A shared background among teachers enhances communication about movement concepts, leading to better alignment within the team.

• Encouraging curiosity in teacher trainees about the "why" behind practices fosters deeper understanding and adaptability in teaching styles.

Shifting Perspectives on Exercise

• Emphasizing lightness and softness in exercises contrasts with conventional fitness narratives focused on intensity ("feel the burn").

• Educating teachers on nuanced language around muscle engagement can transform their approach, though some may resist changing established beliefs.

Challenges of Unlearning Established Practices

• Teachers accustomed to traditional methods may struggle with new philosophies that prioritize client comfort over intensity, creating potential conflicts within teaching dynamics.

Opening a Second Studio Location: Challenges and Insights

Decision to Open a Second Location

• The decision to open a second studio location stemmed from the original studio's success since its opening in 2019, despite initial hesitations about expansion.

• The new location is situated within a large warehouse gym that also houses a physiotherapy clinic and hot yoga studio, highlighting the importance of synergy between businesses.

Synergy and Growth

• The owner of the gym recognized the potential for collaboration, emphasizing "synergy" between their approach to fitness and the studio's brand.

• The original studio was experiencing high demand with limited space, prompting consideration of hiring newly trained staff from recent teacher training programs.

Differences Between Locations

• The new studio offers a different atmosphere and demographic compared to the first one, located in a more vibrant area with younger clientele.

• Leadership dynamics changed significantly; while previously hands-on at the first location, managing two studios required adapting communication styles and availability.

Leadership Challenges

• Transitioning into leadership roles has been challenging; regular team meetings became necessary as staff numbers doubled, altering management approaches.

• A business coach specializing in Pilates has been instrumental in navigating these changes, helping set boundaries and develop plans for effective leadership.

Personal Growth as a Leader

• The speaker expresses discomfort with their leadership role but acknowledges that they must embrace it for the sake of business growth.

• They reflect on how newer team members only know them as leaders rather than colleagues or friends, necessitating an adjustment in self-perception regarding authority.

Understanding the Role of Leadership in Business

The Importance of Compassionate Leadership

• Emphasizes the need for compassion in leadership, acknowledging its complexity and challenges.

• Highlights that leaders must adopt a responsible role for their team, as they rely on guidance and support from their leader.

Decision-Making and Policy Implementation

• Discusses the necessity of taking responsibility for various tasks, from minor (cleaning supplies) to significant (tax returns).

• Introduces the concept of having established policies to streamline decision-making processes, reducing personal burden on leaders.

• Notes that even with a small team, having clear policies can alleviate pressure by providing pre-determined guidelines.

Transitioning from Teaching to Business Ownership

• Stresses that being an effective teacher does not automatically translate into being a successful studio owner; different skills are required.

• Expresses enthusiasm for learning about business management, which is often overlooked in traditional teaching training programs.

Balancing Work and Family Life

• Raises questions about managing dual responsibilities as a studio owner while caring for a young family.

• Shares gratitude for the flexibility of owning a business, allowing prioritization of family needs when necessary.

Self-Care Amidst Professional Responsibilities

• Acknowledges the challenges faced when balancing work commitments with personal health and well-being.

• Describes the juggling act between professional duties and family obligations during early motherhood years.

• Reflects on losing personal identity amidst new motherhood and business ownership but emphasizes the importance of self-awareness.

The Necessity of Scheduling Self-Care

• Advocates for scheduling time for self-care activities like exercise or relaxation to maintain mental health.

• Warns against distractions such as social media that can consume valuable time meant for self-care practices.

Addressing Feelings of Guilt in Motherhood

• Discusses feelings of guilt experienced by mothers who prioritize others over themselves, particularly relevant in business contexts.

• Recognizes this struggle is common among mothers across professions but highlights its intensity within entrepreneurial roles.

Wellness and Burnout in the Pilates Community

The Importance of Self-Care

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of self-care, noting that even wellness professionals can experience burnout despite giving advice to others.

• Acknowledges that many individuals drawn to Pilates may be prone to burnout, highlighting a common issue within the wellness community.

Podcast Origins and Goals

• The podcast was initiated by Katherine Brown, who encouraged collaboration despite initial hesitations from the speaker.

• They set a goal of producing 20 episodes per season, with plans for their fourth season already underway.

• The podcast aims to discuss topics related to movement and Pilates while also addressing broader health themes.

Engaging with Clients Through Podcasting

• The podcast serves as a conversation starter among clients, allowing them to engage more deeply with class content based on discussions from episodes.

• Although unsure about audience size, there is evidence of listener engagement when clients reference podcast topics during classes.

Addressing Holistic Health Perspectives

• Discusses how Pilates attracts individuals who are often perfectionists and may struggle with burnout; it offers a scientific yet approachable entry into holistic health.

• Mentions "Why the Woo Woo Works," suggesting that integrating holistic practices can enhance overall well-being beyond just physical exercise.

Future Aspirations and Stability

• Both speakers express a desire for stability after experiencing significant changes since opening their business six years ago, including pandemic-related challenges.

• They reflect on personal growth through conversations in their podcast, which helps clarify their thoughts on various topics while engaging listeners.

Opening a New Studio and Team Dynamics

Challenges of Expansion

• The speaker discusses the challenges associated with opening a new studio, emphasizing the need for time to allow changes to settle within a larger team.

• There are plans for smaller events within the studio, but no major expansions are currently in place; however, the speaker remains open to future opportunities.

Embracing Change

• The importance of being open to guidance and allowing things to unfold naturally is highlighted as essential for growth and decision-making.

Influential Advice and Personal Growth

Key Advice Received

• A local businessman advised the speaker: "You should just try it and if it doesn't work, move on," which has become a guiding principle in their life.

• This advice resonates particularly with individuals who tend to overthink decisions, encouraging them to take risks without fear of failure.

Business Structure Insights

• The speaker mentions structuring their business model conservatively by avoiding large loans, ensuring they can pivot easily if necessary.

Mentorship Impact

Influential Figures

• Diane Nam from Polestar is recognized as a significant mentor who transformed the speaker's understanding of movement and Pilates.

• The shift in perspective regarding effort in Pilates—moving from pushing harder to embracing ease—has had profound implications on both personal life and professional practice.

Advice for Younger Self

Trusting Intuition

• If given the chance, the speaker would advise their younger self to trust their instincts sooner, highlighting that listening to oneself is a crucial skill often overlooked due to societal conditioning.

Gifts from Pilates Practice

Connection with Self

• Pilates has provided tools for self-discovery and connection, enabling better understanding of physical needs and fostering self-trust.