The uprise in franchise reformer class studios has created a shift in the perception of Pilates in the marketplace. The range in price and quality of instruction has changed Pilates maybe for good, maybe not. Clients that attend reformer franchise studios might be led to believe that Pilates begins and ends on the reformer. Small full-service studios are left pinched by the low prices these high-volume studios can offer. These issues can be challenging to small studios' egos as they try to take their rightful place in the marketplace and compete for new clients.

Becoming a Pilates studio owner is a calling, so if you saw the light, then half your battle is over. You have a passion, and that is what sells in this business.

Passion in the Pilates biz runs two-fold inside and outside the studio. In-house, don't worry about selling Pilates 10 sessions will do that. The integrity of how you treat your clients and run your business are the cornerstones of your success. Keeping your studio spotless and teaching until your voice is dust and you fall in a heap at the end of the day helps a ton too.

Outside your studio is where the other kind of passion comes into play. The world needs to know who you are and what you offer. Okay, maybe the world is too big, but a two to a five-mile radius around your studio you can handle.

It is so important to get out and meet people in your area. Meeting owners and managers of local businesses and the people who live and work near you is an easy way to start letting the world know about you and how passionate you are about your business. Meeting other business owners who are also passionate about what they do is inspiring, and when you meet like-minded people, their passion transforms you.

You build your business one person at a time by sharing who you are and your passion for your Pilates business. When you share yourself with your community and your love for your work with your clients, there is no competition. Although competing studios may be larger and offer cheaper rates, they don't have YOU.

There is only one of you, and you are a rare commodity that cannot be found anywhere else.

Tracy Fitzpatrick, Aline Studios