Pilates Exchange

In this inspiring episode of The Pilates Exchange, host Hannah shares the pivotal moments in her journey of starting and scaling a Pilates and wellness studio from scratch. If you’re an entrepreneur in the wellness industry or dream of building a Pilates studio, this episode dives into practical tips for success, overcoming early challenges, and creating a unique and profitable wellness business.

Hannah’s experience demonstrates the importance of intuition, adaptability, and understanding your market as you grow your business. From learning Pilates in a second language to doubling her studio’s space, Hannah's story is full of insights for those looking to follow a similar path.

Key Takeaways

• Follow Your Intuition: Trust your instincts and make decisions based on your unique goals and values. Hannah’s initial decision to open her studio was rooted in intuition, and she trusted herself even without a formal business plan (at first).
• Treat Your Business Like a Business: Set clear business goals, track profitability, and understand your financials. Hannah emphasizes the importance of treating your Pilates studio as a serious business venture from day one, making sure it supports both her team and personal goals.
• Invest in Client Experience and Learning: Continuous learning, from mastering email marketing to honing client experience, has been crucial to Hannah's growth. She highlights the importance of staying curious and expanding your skills.
• Create a Niche and Build Community: Find your unique strengths and build a community around your wellness philosophy. Hannah has focused on client experience and creating a studio atmosphere that reflects her values, attracting a dedicated client base.
• Pricing Strategy and Business Setup: Rather than mirroring competitor pricing, Hannah recommends setting prices based on factors unique to your business, such as location, client demand, and overhead costs.
• Embrace Growth with Systems and Scaling: As her business grew, Hannah learned the value of strong systems for managing clients and improving efficiency. She discusses the benefits of investing in tools for online registration, email templates, and scheduling to save time and reduce stress.
• Hire and Expand Mindfully: Hannah shares her experience of bringing on additional instructors as the studio expanded, finding the right balance between business growth and team dynamics.

Next Steps for Aspiring Studio Owners

• Streamline Client Communication: Hannah plans to create FAQ templates and emails to improve client interactions and save time.
• Monitor Profitability Regularly: Reviewing and analyzing key financial metrics can ensure long-term success.
• Consider Borrowing to Expand: If you’re ready to grow, think about options like small loans or grants for initial investment in space and equipment.

This episode is a masterclass in running a wellness business, balancing personal vision with strategic growth, and building a sustainable Pilates studio. Perfect for wellness practitioners, Pilates instructors, or anyone interested in the business side of wellness!

Links:

• Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers: Free Creativity Challenge
• Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: 100 Pilates Class Themes
• Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: Top Teaching Tips
• Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop
• Read about Train the Trainers:

In this episode of The Pilates Exchange, Hannah sits down with Sandra Connery, former biomechanist turned tech founder and mindset coach, to explore the critical role of mindset in the wellness business world. Sandra, co-founder of Hey Marvelous software and host of the Wellness Creator Podcast, dives into her experiences coaching women in the wellness and fitness industry, unpacking the hidden challenges and fears they face.

Together, Sandy and Hannah shed light on how self-doubt, fear of judgment, and limiting beliefs can hold women back from reaching their true potential in business.

They discuss the power of having a selective, engaged audience over trying to please everyone, emphasizing that it’s okay—and even beneficial—to let go of clients who don’t value your work. The conversation also takes a practical turn as they tackle pricing fears, with Sandy offering advice on overcoming judgment and pricing assertively to align with the value provided.

Sandy and Hannah wrap up with reflections on the importance of embracing failure, cultivating community, and breaking through societal conditioning that discourages risk-taking. Listen in for valuable insights on building resilience, finding your niche, and staying true to your purpose in business.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset in Business: Recognize and challenge limiting beliefs to foster business growth.
• Selective Audience: Focusing on engaged clients rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
• Pricing Confidence: Embrace your worth and let go of pricing fears.
• Embracing Failure: See failure as a growth opportunity and lean into learning.
• Community Support: Cultivate a supportive network to navigate feedback and challenges.

Join us for an inspiring episode packed with actionable insights for movement teachers and wellness professionals ready to break barriers and thrive.

Links:

• Website: heymarvelous.com
• YouTube: Hey Marvelous
• Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: 100 Pilates Class Themes
• Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: Top Teaching Tips
• Free Creativity Masterclass: Creativity Mini-Workshop
• Read about Train the Trainers: Train the Trainers - Performance Fit Pilates - Hannah Teutscher
• Connect with us at: [email protected]
• Performance Fit Pilates: https://www.pilates-studio-nuernberg.com
• Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: Instagram (@performance_fit_pilates)
• Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: Performance Fit Pilates
• Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher/

Today’s guest, Dr. Laura Williams, firmly believes in never telling her patients “no” because she doesn’t want them to develop any type of fear of movement. Dr. Williams joins us to discuss pelvic floor health, maternal well-being, body changes for moms, pregnancy, and Pilates. All the essentials! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, and the founder of Hearth Healing, Dr. Williams provides fully virtual pre- and postnatal pelvic health coaching. Through Hearth Healing, she helps women manage issues like leakage, pain, and weakness throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, with customized at-home workouts—no childcare required! Laura is passionate about empowering women with labour and delivery preparation, birthing agency, and immediate postpartum recovery strategies. Tune in to hear Dr. Williams talk about her business, debunk pregnancy and movement myths, offer advice for emotional support postnatally, and share valuable insights for women’s health. Don’t miss this conversation filled with advice and inspiration!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hannah gives a short bio on Dr. Williams and the topic of today’s episode.
• Dr. Williams gives listeners a personal and professional background.
• More about her business Hearth Healing.
• We do some pregnancy-related women’s health myth-busting.
• What research tells us about pregnancy and movement.
• We examine the gaps in information accessibility for women. 
• Why Dr. Williams strives to never tell her patients “no.”
• The benefits of giving out hand-tailored programs to each individual patient.
• Dr. William breaks down her thoughts on the concept of training and cueing the pelvic floor.
• Her approach and perspective on when postnatal women are ready to start “working their core.”
• Tips for better supporting women emotionally in their postnatal season. 
• The value of tuning into the subtle signals our bodies send as women. 
• Knowing the boundaries of our abilities to help someone in that instance.
• Last words of advice to movement coaches and teachers regarding Pilates, movement, and pregnancy.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Laura Williams on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/yourhearthhealing/ 

Dr. Laura Williams on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-williams-57b06b264/    

Dr. Laura Williams Email — [email protected] 

Hearth Healing — https://www.yourhearthhealing.com/ 

Exercise to Address Leakage, Pain, and a Weak Core — https://www.loom.com/share/803ef42b559841c283e0e846e01f821b  

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance F

From every corner of the globe, bodies of all shapes and sizes are embracing Pilates. And just as diverse bodies practice it, diverse bodies should be teaching it, too. That’s the real superpower! This episode is dedicated to anyone considering whether or not to do a Pilates teacher training. Join Hannah as she debunks various reasons for not becoming a Pilates teacher and inspires listeners to pursue their passion for movement. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• The topic of conversation for today’s episode!
• Hannah answers the question: Should I, or could I, become a Pilates teacher?
• She debunks some of the factors hindering people from becoming a Pilates teacher.
• Great teachers are made, not born!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

Today on the Pilates Exchange, we take a closer look at the so-called 'Pilates body,' a concept we've touched on before but are diving deeper into today. While this discussion may resonate more with our students than our teachers, it's an important topic worth exploring! Join Hannah as she talks listeners through why the “Pilates body” may not be an attainable physical goal for all body types, and explores what this ideal body shape might look like. She unpacks the different range of factors that lead to certain dancer/athletic body types, and why she strives to measure the success of Pilates based on other factors beyond the mythical unicorn that is the “Pilates body.” Something close to Hannah’s heart is for listeners and students to have a healthy, happy body and to truly appreciate the skin they’re in. For them to embrace their body and the movement it's capable of, focusing on their own experiences rather than an unrealistic shape being promoted, which may not even be achievable for the diverse range of body types. Let’s shift the focus inward and celebrate our unique physical abilities. Thanks for tuning in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hannah introduces today’s topic of conversation.
• Why the “Pilates body” that has been sold might not be a physical possibility.
• She explores what this body might look like. 
• The dance, or athletic, body and the factors that lead to the physicality of it.
• Measuring the success of the Pilates method based on a wide range of factors beyond the “arbitrary look.”
• Shifting the focus: strength takes time and consistent effort over a long period of time. 
• How moving now will improve your life now and in the future. 
• The good news: you already have the body and the tools to move your body. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

It's well-known that the worlds of Pilates and dance frequently overlap, with many Pilates instructors having a background as dancers. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we discuss the common fears Pilates teachers have and remind you that you don’t need to have a dance or movement background to teach Pilates. Tuning in, you’ll hear about why some Pilates teachers feel intimidated by their colleagues with dance backgrounds, why your certifications aren’t what define you as a good teacher, and what really counts when it comes to instructing your clients. We delve into some questions to ask yourself to dive deeper into your insecurities before discussing the importance of authenticity. You’ll be reminded that dancers also have to learn how to teach Pilates! Finally, we stress the importance of letting your love for teaching soar! Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why teachers with dance backgrounds can be intimidating to other Pilates teachers. 
• What truly matters for Pilates teachers: the connection between you and your students. 
• Why the number of certifications you have is not as important as you think it is. 
• Digging deeper into your potential insecurity and questions to ask yourself. 
• The importance of authenticity and a reminder that dancers still have to learn how to teach.
• What to focus on when teaching: cueing your students and continuing to love what you do.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

There is a Pilates method for every type of body — regardless of shape, size, age, or ability. Do all the exercises mirror those originally created by Joseph Pilates? Probably not. But is it still Pilates? Absolutely! In today’s episode, we dive into the conversation surrounding the bullying that persists in our industry around classical versus contemporary Pilates. Join Hannah as she delves into why she feels this is an important conversation to have (again), why thoughtful debate and discussion are indeed important especially when done together, and why she’s more concerned about how knowledge is being transmitted. She also provides insights into disarming the urge to bully, the importance of referring out as a core studio value of theirs, and explores a more meaningful discussion that should be happening in the Pilates world. For all this and more, don’t miss this insightful episode of The Pilates Exchange!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Hannah feels this conversation is a necessary one to have (again).
• Her thoughts on where the bullying stems from.
• Why thoughtful discussion and debate are important.
• What students care about (and it’s not a competition between classical and contemporary).
• Why Hannah is more concerned with how you are transmitting the knowledge you’ve gained.
• Injury and Pilates — what does the research really say? 
• She delves into a discussion on the appalling need for people to police each other. 
• The importance of coming together, lifting each other up, and supporting each other in this industry. 
• There should be Pilates for any of the special populations. 
• Hannah shares questions instructors should ask themselves about the method of Pilates they want to teach.
• Referring out and why it’s a key value of Hannah’s Pilates studio.
• The strange basis of Pilates-purist bullying. 
• Only “original equipment” versus having a wide range of manufactured equipment.
• The issue with large reformer classes: doing and teaching what suits your skillset and business model.
• She unpacks how the teacher can make a difference if you fall in love with a method.
• Hannah breaks down a car analogy for choosing your preferred method of Pilates.
• She looks at a more worthwhile discussion we should be having around the standardization of Pilates.
• Having conversations around taking steps to create better business models and safer, more effective environments. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

Looking for your first Pilates teaching job? It might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stand out from the crowd! In this episode, host Hannah Teutscher shares valuable insights on how to make a lasting impression on studio owners, from attending classes to researching the studio’s culture. Discover why personalising your emails, demonstrating your values, and being prepared with detailed information can help to set you apart. Whether you’re a new or experienced teacher, tune in to learn tips to position yourself as the perfect fit for a Pilates studio and make your job hunt smoother and more successful!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reasons to attend classes at a studio before applying for a teaching role there.
• What small studio owners are looking for and the importance of doing prior research.
• Reasons not to limit yourself to Pilates studios when applying for jobs.
• How personalising your emails can help make a strong first impression.
• The benefits of researching a studio’s culture and aligning your teaching style.
• Why including detailed information in your email saves time for studio owners.
• How offering to demo classes or be on a sub-list shows flexibility and commitment.
• Why following up after no response can keep you on the studio owner’s radar.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers: https://my.marvelouspages.com/performance-fit-online/free-creativity-challenge

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

Pilates has been put in the social media spotlight recently and that has led to a lot of people wanting to try it out. While this is wonderful, these newbies may have been misled by the glamours of social media and are potentially seeking the same aesthetics they see online. Today on The Pilates Exchange, we are discussing why Pilates is not a performance and sharing some tips for teachers to educate their students on what really matters in their classes. In this conversation, you’ll hear all about where the true performance comes in Pilates, how you, as a teacher, can support an environment focused on how your body feels and not how it looks and so much more! We even do a comparison between dance and Pilates and see how they differ in performance. Finally, Hannah shares why her focus at her studio is not on aesthetics and performance. To hear all this and learn about fostering an environment that prioritizes results over aesthetics, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why there is such a large influx of younger people wanting to do Pilates. 
• Their false impression of what Pilates is – performance. 
• Where the true performance comes in Pilates: your life. 
• How to create an environment that isn’t based on performance as a teacher. 
• Considering whether your cues are aesthetic-based ones. 
• A comparison between dance and Pilates and how the ‘performance’ goals differ. 
• Why Hannah’s focus at her studio is not based on aesthetics. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-Pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/Pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_Pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher

If you’re feeling stuck as a Pilates teacher, you might be tempted to invest in an expensive new course. But what if you didn’t need to? What if, instead, you could tap into your creativity to keep your teaching fresh and adapt to the unique needs of your students? In today’s episode, we explore how a creative mindset can elevate your teaching. We examine why creativity isn’t about overhauling traditional Pilates methods but about broadening your perspective to better meet clients’ needs, and how using movement creativity tools in the moment allows you to tailor exercises to the individual in front of you. You’ll also hear about the Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers, a five-day event designed to boost your creativity and teaching skills. Tune in to discover how you can revitalise your practice and approach each session with fresh, innovative insights!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Creativity as a mindset; why it can help so many different aspects of your teaching.
• How creativity empowers you to be a more flexible teacher.
• Adapting existing exercises for the body that is in front of you.
• Using movement creativity tools and applying them in the moment.
• Why you don’t need to take an expensive course to keep your Pilates fresh.
• What it means to have a creative mindset as a Pilates teacher.
• Expanding your perspective beyond traditional Pilates dogma.
• What to expect from our Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Free Creativity Challenge for Pilates Teachers – https://my.marvelouspages.com/performance-fit-online/free-creativity-challenge

Free Ebook – 100 Pilates Class Themes: performance-fit-online.com/100-pilates-class-themes

Free Ebook – Top Teaching Tips: performance-fit-online.com/top-teaching-tips

Free Creativity Masterclass: mailchi.mp/pilates-studio-nuernberg/creativity-masterclass

Train the Trainers: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com/train-the-trainers

Connect with Us: [email protected] 

Performance Fit Pilates: pilates-studio-nuernberg.com 

Performance Fit Pilates on Instagram: @performance_fit_pilates

Performance Fit Pilates on YouTube: @PerformanceFitPilates 

Hannah Teutscher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hannah-teutscher