Gina Axelson, Founder of ThePilatesBiz.com
Hi, my name is Gina Axelson and I am a certified pilates instructor and former studio owner. ThePilatesBiz.com was created as a resource for other pilates instructors providing pilates business advice and proven methods for succeeding in the pilates industry.
I’ve been in the pilates industry for 12 years and a lot of times I found myself frustrated with the lack of resources available on how to grow my. There was always an overwhelming amount of opportunities for me to become a better teacher, and I have continually done that, but really very little information shared on how to be a successful instructor or studio owner. For a time I even believed that if I just kept improving my pilates knowledge business would improve, but now I know this isn’t true at all and is one of the big myths perpetuated in the pilates industry! (More on this subject in my upcoming book!)
My First Studio!
Twelve years ago I had completed my first pilates certification and jumped right in working full time almost immediately. I didn’t know how to attract and retain the right clients, how to promote myself and my studio or even what was the best way to “give back” to clients I had grown to care about. I felt overwhelmed, like I was spinning my wheels, and even though I was making “ok” money (charging only $45 for a private lesson if you’d believe that!) I was unfulfilled teaching day in and day out and just getting burned out. I knew there had to be a better way and for years I just kept working harder and harder thinking eventually all my efforts would come to fruition and life would get easier once all the pieces fell in to place. Well, guess what, it never happened. Kind of like the old joke about the rat race is no matter how fast you run you are still a rat.
Taking time off with my son
It wasn’t until six years ago after completing my second pilates certification, opening an additional, much larger studio, and having my first child only 5 months later (talk about overwhelm!), that I was absolutely forced to make some changes. If I didn’t change and learn some business skills fast I risked my new business failing, filing bankruptcy and the stress and shame that would undoubtedly affect my infant son and marriage.
With a new studio and baby the need for proven business strategies was even greater than before and yet my “to do” list seemed longer than ever. Only through years and years of study along with hiring the best consultants available to me, have I have been able to uncover incredible and surprisingly easy tools to help me grow my pilates studio – if you do them consistently and know what they are.
My Former Studio
From the moment I decided 6 years ago what I had been doing was not working, and shifted towards learning and implementing the best business strategies, life has been so much better! I was able to build a pilates studio with several instructors teaching there where I could teach as much or as little as I wanted. That income generated allowed me more time for my family, to start another business and take better care of myself. It brought me more confidence and I’m excited about the future.
In 2010 after coaching dozens of pilates instructors and helping them get results in their business I finally wrote a draft of my first book about The Pilates Biz and created this web site. Now you can have easy access to my proven methods and have a place to go when you need just a little business tune-up or a full body makeover on your business. You can get proven tips, blueprints for success and have a place to collaborate and share ideas.
If you are ready for more freedom in your life and looking for something to do right away, I encourage you to sign up for the 9 FREE Strategies That Every Pilates Instructor Needs to Know and take action on at least one suggestion to grow your business and change your life. Once you do that, you’ll be added to my weekly email newsletter to get even more ways to grow your business.
Have comments or questions? Connect with Gina on ThePilatesBiz Facebook page
Want to learn how to become a Pilates Instructor? Check out thePilatesbiz.com.
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Testimonials
"I have been a member of Profit with Pilates for only 2 or 3 months, and feel I have already gotten my money’s worth and more!The last 3 months (since joining Profit With Pilates) have been my most profitable months ever… I have almost doubled my usual sales. I feel like I can breathe again. It is invaluable to have Gina’s coaching and the forum to communicate with. Being a part of this group has changed my mindset. It has given me new ideas, and given me the motivation to act on ideas I have had. I can’t thank you enough. Joining The Pilates Biz and Profit With Pilates has been a turning point for my business.""
- Meghan, pilates studio owner
"I was in search of taking my business to the next level but I wasn’t exactly sure how that was going to look. But after The Pilates Biz I felt that my confidence was restored along with a very clear guideline of what to do next to boost my business. It was the “A-AH moment” that I needed! Thank you!" - Kate, pilates instructor
"I recommend The Pilates Biz to other pilates professionals because it changes lives! I had no real idea how thorough and complete this experience was going to be until I joined! Before Gina & The Pilates Biz, my pilates business was feeling a bit stale and stagnant. I believe this program will help every business owner or instructor realize their true potential, thank you!" - Lynne, pilates studio owner
"Learning from Gina has made all the difference to me in being a good instructor who could pay the bills to becoming a great instructor who had a successful and fulfilling career! She has been both a mentor and friend." - Valerie, pilates instructor
