Earning from Pilates
Programs that aim to generate financial profits must be based on top-notch instructors and solid marketing strategies.
As physical therapy treatments are increasingly less frequently reimbursed, therapists must seek new sources of income. Many therapists generate good income from paid exercise programs for individual and group patients. Light Pilates exercises for improving flexibility, agility, and strengthening the spine have long been used in rehabilitation. However, it was not until the late 1990s that Pilates transformed into a trendy form of recreational exercise in the United States and Canada. From 2001 to 2003, the number of people practicing recreational Pilates increased from 2.1 to 9.4 million according to data from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.
Physical therapist Brent Anderson recognized this trend very early on. In 1992, he founded Polestar Education – an organization focused on training and certifying Pilates instructors.
At the same time, he initiated the Polestar Pilates Center – an institute for rehabilitation, recreation, and training, currently based in Miami, Florida. Polestar Pilates Center offers profitable Pilates courses on mats and the Allegro Reformer program. The institute trains an average of 140 people daily. Brent Anderson plans to develop the Pilates training department for rehabilitation and a practical program during which physical therapists and doctors will be able to comprehensively learn how to use Pilates in therapy. Highly qualified instructors are essential.
“To succeed, you must have outstanding instructors”
says Anderson.
“At the institute, we charge tuition upfront, and it is important for us that our students achieve excellent results; otherwise, they will not be interested in our other training products”
Physical therapist Martha Williams also believes that the instructors from the institute have greatly contributed to the growth of her business in Vacaville, California. Since 1992, her company Sports Rehab Physical Therapy has expanded from just under 250 square meters of occupied space to nearly 1900. Pilates appeared in Martha Williams’ offerings as early as 2002, but it only took off seriously last year when she lowered prices and hired an instructor with a marketing sense. Currently, Martha Williams’ office has 7 group sessions scheduled daily, three days a week, plus individual classes.
Denise Montagne, owner of Dynamic Movement Physical Therapy based in Reno, Nevada, initially had trouble advertising her Pilates exercise offerings. However, through radio advertisements and actions showcasing the benefits of the program at the local physical therapy association forum, Denise Montagne received many referrals from physical therapists not specializing in spinal stabilization therapy. Today, her offerings include mat Pilates and individual sessions.
Although the above methods differ in intensity and scope of specialization, they yield good financial results and, in the long term, a good return on investment. With rising insurance costs and decreasing coverage, patients are increasingly seeking high-quality private training offers. Many are willing to pay well for results. Pilates offers patients body strengthening, greater flexibility, and improved posture, while providing physical therapists with increasing and reliable profits.
Dave Littman – Director of Development at Balanced Body based in Sacramento, California.
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.