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Adding extra value to classes and teaming up with charitable causes can elevate your Pilates program to the next level.

A great group fitness program plays an important role in the financial growth of most fitness centers. Classes can bring large amounts of people into one area of the facility, which frees up equipment. Pilates is a specialty class with the reputation of being therapeutic and corrective in nature, which makes it a natural draw to a wide population of members. Unfortunately, many managers and group fitness directors are not using Pilates to its profit potential. A Pilates program can make money in the short- and long-term, when implemented correctly.

Although Pilates originated as an individual training session, it has been successfully adapted for group fitness. What was once an expensive and elite method of body conditioning requiring a large investment in equipment has moved into the mainstream with Pilates mat classes. And, there are many ways for facilities to make money from it.

Fee-based training

When new programs surface, management's first impulse may be to charge members an extra fee to participate. The cost involved in purchasing equipment for a new type of class is deflected, and the owner may even turn a profit from the new program. Remember when group cycling was first introduced? Members were often charged to participate, and the extra revenue made the large investment in this yet-unproven program palatable to management.

Financial investment in Pilates varies based on equipment. Mat classes can be added to the group fitness schedule at zero cost, if members bring their own mats or you already have them. Facilities may also purchase reformers and chairs to offer members advanced lessons. In these circumstances, add-on fees would be applicable.

Many fitness centers are successful with add-on fees because they are charging for services that go above and beyond the typical membership. If Pilates instruction is private or semi-private, uses equipment that cannot be found in a typical class setting and is taught by professionals who are experts in their field, then add-on charges are appropriate.

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