Some Pilates studios grow because of strategy. Others grow because of community. Angela Walker has built her studio through both.

This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to grow a thriving, award winning Pilates studio outside of a big city.

Angela, the owner of Align Pilates near Glasgow, shares the real story behind building a community led, wellness focused space.

Angela opens up about so many important topics such as studio growth, dealing with burnout, setting boundaries with your teachers, teacher training, the pressure of social media and why community matters just as much as good teaching!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Angela Walker

02:09 How Angela grew from teaching on one reformer at home to a full community studio

04:02 Building a wellness centred space that clients feel connected to

08:05 The realities of growth and the challenges facing modern Pilates studios

11:45 Creating a supportive, balanced team culture

17:34 Keeping clients engaged with classes

25:01 Why Angela moved into teacher training and how she develops new instructors

27:38 The community spirit behind Align

29:24 Angela’s take on the state of Pilates today

32:54 Social media pressures for studio owners

37:16 Balancing profit and quality while running a boutique studio

41:04 Being named Best Pilates Studio

43:26 The future of Align and the broader Pilates industry

48:04 Quick fire questions

If you loved this conversation, follow or subscribe to Beyond the Reformer so you never miss an episode. It really helps the show reach more teachers, studio owners and Pilates lovers around the world.

We will be back on the 29th of December with a new episode! Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you as always for the support on the podcast.

Connect with Nic:

• Beyond the Reformer Instagram
• Soul Pilates Instagram
• Soul Pilates Education
• Nic’s Instagram
• Join Soul at Home
• Book a Pilates Class

Connect with Angela

• Align Pilates Instagram
• Align Pilates Website

Thinking about investing in Pilates equipment? Balanced Body are offering our listeners a special discount! Simply fill in the form here and mention Soul Pilates when you order.

To receive 10% off SPINEFITTER by SISSEL, click this link and use the code BEYOND at checkout. As an affiliate, I’ll receive a small commission which helps support the podcast.

If you’re a pilates studio owner looking for a mastermind to help you scale, systemise, and grow your business, check out Studio Grow here.