How to Build an Inclusive Pilates Practice
Is inclusivity a part of your Pilates studio and classes? The fitness industry as a whole is making inclusivity a larger priority, and it’s crucial for Pilates studios and teachers to adapt. Creating an inclusive Pilates practice is also a smart financial move that can help you build a loyal client base and increase profitability.
So, let’s discover what it means to create an inclusive Pilates environment where every student feels supported and valued.
Inclusivity in fitness and Pilates
Inclusivity is important in the fitness industry overall and in Pilates in particular. Creating an inclusive environment allows all people to feel seen, accepted, and valued regardless of their level of fitness, biological abilities, and physical appearance.
An inclusive environment is positive and motivating, which helps people develop an active lifestyle and enjoy all the benefits of physical fitness. When your studio is inclusive, it encourages students to commit to their fitness and overall well-being.
Inclusivity also benefits Pilates instructors and staff members. Building an inclusive studio allows you to reach a broader range of potential clients, making it easier to consistently fill classes. It can also enhance your brand’s reputation and ensure that your instructors become known for their compassion and their ability to support all types of clients.
Instructors who serve a diverse range of clients also deepen their own understanding of fitness, Pilates, and body mechanics. They gain new perspectives on movement and various aspects of physical and mental health.
Signs your Pilates studio isn’t inclusive
How do you know if your Pilates studio or practice is inclusive? It starts by understanding some of the common barriers to inclusivity. Once you know what they are, you can evaluate your studio to see whether your current setup creates challenges for instructors or students.
Physical accessibility: Students with disabilities or physical restrictions may find traditional Pilates classes and equipment (such as a reformer) unapproachable, especially if there are no alternatives offered.
Cultural representation: Pilates is often marketed toward a narrow demographic, which may make people outside of that group feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.
Cost: Pilates can be an expensive form of exercise, especially if a studio only offers expensive classes or requires students to invest in high-priced clothing or equipment.
Body image: Historically, most corners of the fitness industry have promoted a singular size and body composition as “ideal.” If your studio only uses imagery and messaging that promotes thin, flexible, toned bodies, people with different body types may feel unwelcome or judged.
Communication style: Every fitness niche has its own unique vocabulary, and Pilates is no different. If your instructors only use technical jargon or advanced cueing without incorporating simpler instructions, new students may feel lost and intimidated.
If you recognize any of these elements in your Pilates studio and classes, you can make a plan to change things.
How to create an inclusive Pilates environment
The idea of revamping your Pilates business from the ground up may sound overwhelming. But in most cases, inclusivity doesn’t require comprehensive change. Rather, it’s about making simple upgrades and altering your overall message to welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Request feedback
One of the best ways to figure out how to improve inclusivity is to ask the people who understand your existing environment: students and teachers! Requesting feedback from your customers and staff is beneficial in many ways:
They may identify issues that you were unaware of.
You can understand what’s most important to your clients and team members.
You position yourself and your business as one that cares about everyone’s experience.
You don’t have to ask for feedback specifically about inclusivity. It may be better to leave questions open-ended so that respondents can identify the issues that matter most to them.
Once you have feedback from your clients and instructors, you can decide which changes you want to make and develop a plan to implement them.
Educate instructors
Your instructors play a significant role in how inclusive your Pilates studio feels. And if you want them to be able to coach students of different abilities and modify classes to accommodate those with physical restrictions, you need to give them a chance to hone those skills:
Educational materials: Find and recommend reliable books and resources that your instructors can use to broaden their knowledge. Perhaps allocate a certain amount of paid time each month they can use for professional development.
Workshops: There are many continuing education opportunities open to Pilates instructors. Classes covering modifications, mindfulness, working with injuries, choreography modification, and physical restrictions can give your instructors the knowledge and practical skills to ensure their classes serve clients of all types.
Encouraging your instructors to learn more also positions you and your studio as one that values excellence.
Improve accessibility
When you consider accessibility for your studio and classes, it’s important to think about tangible and intangible aspects. For example, you can start by looking at the physical structure of your studio.
Do you have ramps at all the staircases? Are doorways wide enough to accommodate mobility aids? Do you have accessible restroom facilities? Do you offer access to props that make challenging movements easier? If the answer is no, start there.
Once you’ve verified physical accessibility, focus on the broader picture:
Culture: Develop a positive, welcoming culture that centers on kindness and respect. Encourage open communication and continue to solicit feedback so you can learn how to serve your team and customers even better.
Messaging: Re-evaluate your marketing materials. Is the overall message positive and inclusive? If all of your language centers on losing weight or an “all or nothing” mindset, you might want to make some adjustments to support additional goals, like longevity and overall well-being.
Visuals: Likewise, consider the visuals of your marketing and studio environment. Do your brand visuals feature people of diverse backgrounds, sizes, and genders? If you carry merch, do you stock a wide range of sizes and styles?
Language: Consider the language your staff and instructors use. Is it welcoming and positive? Do you inspire your clients without resorting to shame-based language? Think about in-class cues, too. If your instructors use technical terms, make sure they include explanations, even in advanced classes.
Cost: It may not be possible to lower your prices to the point that everyone can afford them. After all, you need to make enough revenue to maintain your business and pay your people. But you may be able to offer some alternatives, like a discounted membership or a scholarship program for those with financial need.
Ready to prioritize inclusivity in your Pilates studio?
Building an inclusive Pilates practice requires intentionality. Start by evaluating your existing studio and class schedule. Once you know what you want to improve, take action.
Update your messaging to be more inclusive. Make sure your studio has accessibility accommodations. And ensure that your staff and clients have the opportunity to continue providing feedback and suggestions.
Finally, give yourself and your staff the knowledge and skills to serve diverse clients better. Here at Pilates in the Grove, we offer several continuing education workshops for current and aspiring Pilates instructors.
Our workshops are held in our Miami Pilates studio and available online. Throughout the year, we offer several different workshops, including Pilates for Injuries and Special Populations and Advanced Choreography. Each one is taught by expert instructors who are passionate about improving the Pilates experience for instructors and students. Find out more about our Pilates workshops today!