Interest in Pilates is surging and Mariana Tek is helping studios grow, differentiate and provide personalized experiences

Pilates, once considered a niche workout, is making a comeback. The Pilates and yoga industries are forecasted to grow at a rate of 11.4% as far out as 2028, which means that in the next decade, this market is projected to more than double – and Pilates studios are preparing.

“Pilates has been a growing methodology since it was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s,” says Andrea Speir, founder of Speir Pilates.

“Those who discover it tend to stick with it throughout the course of their lives,” she says. “The days of pushing to the limits for quick gains have gone away. Overly strenuous physical activity is no longer seen as ‘the way to work out.’ That mentality has been replaced with a focus on fitness methods that improve the entire body, physically and through mind-body connection, and thus, Pilates reigns supreme.”

Monica Marder, CEO and founder of FORM50, echoes this sentiment. 

“I have always loved Pilates for the way it was kind to my body and left me feeling energized after working hard. With high-intensity Pilates coming onto the scene, it felt like the right time to start FORM50.”

Pilates studio owners and operators are in a position to thrive if they have the right support. They face unique challenges that require contemporary solutions. Pilates is back, smarter and stronger. 

Speir Pilates co-founders Liz Polk and Andrea Speir (credit: Speir Pilates)

Enhancing Client Experience With Mariana Tek

As interest in Pilates intensifies, Marder, Speir and other studios are faced with the challenge of providing personalized and efficient client experiences while managing myriad operational complexities.

During the pandemic, people renewed their focus on wellness. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly drawn to Pilates for its holistic benefits, emphasis on core strength, and ability to improve flexibility without the risk of injury associated with high-impact workouts. This demographic also expects an integrated experience. 

For Pilates studios, providing a superior client experience is paramount. Xplor Mariana Tek from Xplor Technologies, a brand-forward management platform for boutique studios, enhances this experience through its engaging consumer experience.

“The app and booking system are very user-friendly and easy to understand,” says Marder. “The ‘Year in Review’ feature is a nice touch, and we love that our clients can be self-sufficient in their bookings. It significantly enhances the overall client experience.”

At Speir, personalization features are highly valued. 

“The client’s experience begins with the ability to select their favorite reformer prior to class and purchase water, socks, or a towel before walking in the door. Everything is ready upon arrival,” notes Speir.

Speir points out that efficiency is an “overlooked element of luxury” that is low cost and high value, and she attributes the “optimal experience” her clients get to Mariana Tek. 

Part of that optimal experience involves offering a solution to a challenge unique to Pilates studios – capacity issues. The pick-a-spot function allows clients to choose their favorite mat or reformer, and it helps drive early sign-ups, allows instructors to put faces to names, and drives urgency to book. 

FORM50 Fitness Founder and CEO Monica Marder (credit: FORM50)

Boosting Revenue 

Revenue growth is critical for any business, and Pilates studios are no exception. 

“Marketing is the key driver of revenue growth for any business,” says Marder. “While word of mouth remains the most powerful form of organic growth, our in-house marketing team, coupled with insights from industry marketing consultants, has proven to be a successful strategy for acquiring and retaining clients.”

Speir says she relies on metrics to help her run her studio, and she appreciates the lack of friction at point of sale.

“Through insights and analytics, we get a holistic view of the business and can identify granular sticking points that need attention,” she says. “The simplicity of the booking system is also a major revenue booster. Clients often arrive at the studio with just keys and a phone, so the ability to purchase items like water and socks when booking the class eliminates another moment to require a card or take time for a transaction.”

The app’s ability to run banner advertisements on the home screen also promotes virtual studios, new offerings, and retail products, driving awareness and sales.

Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Efficiency

Operational efficiency is crucial for Pilates studios, particularly those managing multiple locations. 

“Making admin tasks easier simplifies training for our team and makes it seamless for new clients to buy and reserve classes,” explains Marder. “We love that the dashboard shows important data like sales and key metrics.”

Speir adds, “Clients can easily toggle between locations, the filters are easy and intuitive. Inviting a friend, booking your spot and seeing your stats is very easy through the booking app.”

As Pilates studios expand, maintaining consistent client experiences becomes increasingly challenging. Mariana Tek supports studio growth and scalability by offering tools that facilitate management across locations.

“Operating four locations in two different states and introducing our new wellness offerings requires a high level of organizational needs,” says Marder.

Speir, which has expanded from a single studio in Santa Monica to multiple locations in California, mentions that she migrated to Mariana Tek to provide her clients with a more personalized Pilates experience. 

“The platform’s features allow us to maintain a high-quality experience across all our locations,” says Speir, who launched her brick-and-mortar boutique Pilates business in early 2016. 

“Our driving mission is creating high quality, accessible group reformer classes that are community-driven, athletic and functionally formatted,” Speir continues. “Within 2 years, we opened a second studio that offered individualized training, as well as our teacher education program. Since then, we have opened studios in West Hollywood and Venice Beach, and have more studios in development.” 

Thriving in Wellness & Business

FORM50 and Speir exemplify how Pilates studios can thrive with the right support. Marder attributes much of their success to creating a strong community and culture of service, supported by efficient management tools.

 “Creating a strong culture of service and a positive work environment is one of our most important missions,” says Marder. “We credit much of our success to frequently measuring client feedback, usage, occupancy and retention to measure how our studios are performing.”

As studios like FORM50 and Speir demonstrate, the integration of advanced technology is key to thriving in the modern Pilates industry, ensuring that the quality and integrity of Pilates are maintained as the practice continues to grow in popularity.

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