The results are in and there’s no mistaking it: Pilates participation continues to grow at a dramatic pace throughout the U.S.
The latest, “2007 Topline Report” from the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association concludes that 10,672,000 people did Pilates during 2006. This number is up from 9,049,000 in the previous year – a remarkable increase of 17.9%. In addition, overall Pilates participation grew an astounding 602.3% from 2000 to 2006. None of the other 113 sports and activities featured in the report come close to the six-year increase in participation that Pilates has experienced. And, almost half of those who did Pilates in 2006 (43%) were either frequent or regular participants (over 50 times a year).
That’s phenomenal growth – accompanied by potential hurdles. In particular, the number of Pilates participants has greatly surpassed that of qualified Pilates instructors. In the past, when talking with club owners and instructors who wanted to launch or expand a Pilates program, the questions I fielded were usually centered around planning challenges, equipment investments, floor space issues or marketing the program to members. Now the question I get all the time is: “Where do I find instructors?”
The importance of having a qualified instructor is critical. As with all of your club’s instructors, your Pilates instructor represents your club and is charged with helping members attain their wellness goals. However, the intricate nuances of Pilates exercises require a qualified instructor who is adequately trained to apply and modify these subtleties for a variety of different body types during one session. Those who can’t do this successfully are going to cause member dissatisfaction, or possibly an injury. Obviously, that’s the last thing you want in your center.
Although clubs may currently be experiencing a shortage of qualified instructors, your club can successfully recruit and train qualified Pilates instructors. Your best choice will depend on your club’s specific goals. In particular, I think you’ll now find that Pilates equipment manufacturers are making it easier than ever before for clubs to find the people they need.
Look Externally
For clubs that want to get a program moving right away, hiring from the outside is probably the best scenario. Where to look? One tip: Call local Pilates studios. Many studio instructors also teach at clubs – or they may know an instructor looking for work. Another resource: Check with Pilates equipment manufacturers – some have online educator or instructor locators which are searchable by region or city. Also, check job boards that can reach this targeted audience of Pilates instructors.
Do keep in mind that an external hire needs to be a good fit for your club. Make it part of your interview process to ensure that candidates are in sync with your club’s corporate philosophy, and that they are a good personality match with your members. Previous group exercise experience is also a plus. As mentioned before, your instructors will be dealing with different body dynamics, and they will need to know how to modify the exercise to best meet the needs of each class participant.
Train your Existing Staff
This is often the ideal scenario for clubs. Your existing staff already knows your club membership and philosophy better than an outsider. You are already familiar with their work habits, their personality, and their group exercise fitness background, which is critical. In fact, it is probably better to hire someone with group exercise experience and then train them on Pilates than it is to hire someone with a Pilates background, but shaky group exercise experience.
How do you find training for your staff? One source, again, is to turn to Pilates studios in your area. Ask where their instructors were trained and/or certified, and you may find other educators nearby who can provide training.
In addition, some manufacturers now offer turnkey solutions for commercial fitness facilities that are ready to launch a Pilates program. Training and equipment packages can combine instructor education and Pilates equipment for one, low cost per instructor. These packages can include onsite training for your staff who can begin teaching classes in as little as one weekend of training; while continuing their education, as needed.
Perhaps the biggest benefit that clubs get from these training and equipment packages is the ability to launch a program and turn a profit quickly, with minimal overhead expenses. Call your equipment manufacturer and ask about their training packages.
Whether hiring internally or externally, remember that your Pilates instructor is an investment. While they may be able to start quickly, it is imperative that they continue their education in order to keep the program fresh and the members interested. The payoff to your members – and to your club’s profits – can be huge.
Educational Resources
Need on-site Pilates training for your staff? Here is a partial list of organizations you can contact regarding Pilates training and certification:
Balanced Body University
www.pilates.com
Peak Pilates
www.peakpilates.com
STOTT PILATES®
www.stottpilates.com
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)
www.pilatesmethodalliance.com
Ken Endelman is the Founder and CEO of Balanced Body Inc. For more information, please visit www.pilates.com.
