Running a Pilates studio in time of Covid
How is running a Pilates studio in the time of Covid different than how it was running a Pilates studio before Covid? What is it truly like running a boutique Pilates studio in the time of Covid? If you had asked me in early 2020 my answer may have been different than it is today, 2 years after the Pandemic hit the world. Back in 2020 we really didn’t know what the world was dealing with or even understand the coronavirus. Many Pilates studios did not survive 2020 and some Pilates teachers left to do other things or follow another path and leave the Pilates teaching world completely. I admit for a moment I worried that 2020 would be the end of my Pilates studio and Pilates teacher training program as we were literally shut down for a year.
Now, as we enter 2022 and we have new variants popping up how has it changed the running of a Pilates studio? I have some things I have learned not only in the 16 years of owning a studio but, also in the 2 years of this pandemic and the ups and downs that happened.
When everything shut down in March of 2020 I closed my Pilates studio doors thinking it would be for 3 weeks. My Pilates clients and those in my Pilates Teacher Training Program also figured we would be in our homes for that 3 weeks and back to normal life after that. Looking back now seems a very naive thought but it was what Los Angeles was saying so the Pilates clients, Pilates Teacher Training students and I decided to do some virtual and ride it out at home. Little did we know it would be a year. There was a month during the summer that we opened back up but, that ended and we all shut down again.
During that time I wrote a blog on why a boutique Pilates studio in the age of Covid that you can READ HERE.
Now, as we start into 2022 the pandemic is still continuing and changing. Business is open and there are still moments of uncertainty and the unknown but, running a studio in the time of Covid and going on 2 years it is a still changing world and environment.
Lately, with the new Omicron variant, it feels a bit like we are back at the beginning of 2020 but, now I can see that the clients understand and we know what to do. In Los Angeles, we have not had the mask mandate go away and you are required to be vaccinated to enter any business such as gyms, studios, etc. So that gives a lot of peace of mind for many.
So what does it take to run a Pilates studio in this time of Covid? A few of the things many Pilates studios had already been doing long before this Pandemic hit the world.
Here are some things I believe are more important than ever to keep your Pilates studio running and clients feeling safe and challenged in your space.
Clean and tidy is the word! - This is one that has always been a key thing in running my studio. Keeping the space clutter-free, everything in its place, and not a lot of props, jackets, shoes hanging around the studio. Clients have a place to sit and store their belongings.
Check-in the day before!- I have always texted my clients the morning before their session. I ask how they are feeling for their session and if they owe for a package I let them know at that point. Now during Covid, it is a time to see if they have any symptoms or had any exposure etc. It gives the teacher, studio, and client peace of mind knowing this step is happening before each session.
Make your guidelines for your studio clear from the start- Pilates studios have always made the 24 hr cancellation policy and payment policies clear but, now it is important to make it known what guidelines your studio is following in terms of Covid. Do you require a mask for the teacher and client, proof of vaccination, do you need any travel information if they have been out of the city, state, or country?
Virtual sessions- One thing that took off during 2020 was the Zoom, Facetime, and virtual teaching aspect of Pilates and session. Give this option to your Pilates clients if coming to the studio becomes not in their comfort zone or if they have to quarantine and can’t get in. This way they can continue their practice and stay safe and comfortable.
In 2020 when things shut down I could not have seen the place we are now but, I had hoped we would get there. Entering into 2022 we are still dealing with this virus but, now we have tools, understanding, and experience to navigate running a Pilates studio in this time of Covid. All the while keeping our Pilates clients and ourselves feeling safe and comfortable in our space.