As we take this Soulful Sunday to reflect on the week, let’s turn that reflection inward for a moment, specifically, to our own value as Pilates teachers. What are you charging for your services? How does your pricing reflect your worth, your expertise, and the reality of today’s economy?
Having spent years teaching across different locations, I’ve witnessed the regional pricing differences in Pilates. Traditionally, the further north you travelled in the UK, especially into Scotland, prices dropped. Whether it was accommodation, food, or services, everything seemed more affordable than in London. But those days have changed. If you walk through the streets of Edinburgh or Glasgow today, you’ll find prices matching, if not exceeding, those in London.
Yet, Pilates prices have not kept pace.
In many areas outside the capital, Pilates classes, whether group matwork or personal training are still being offered at 50% of what’s charged in London. And in some cases, even less. This begs the question: why?
The Perception of Pilates
Part of this is historical. There has always been a struggle to define Pilates as a professional service rather than just another fitness class. Despite its depth, its precision, and its undeniable impact on health and wellbeing, Pilates still sometimes sits in the shadow of other fitness offerings. People are willing to pay premium rates for a personal trainer, a physiotherapist, or even a high-end yoga class, but Pilates? Too often, it's undervalued.
But why should it be?
The Cost of Teaching Pilates Has Risen
If you are a fully trained, experienced Pilates teacher, you’ve invested years into refining your skills. The cost of training, ongoing education, equipment, studio rental, insurance, and simply the time it takes to plan and teach high-quality sessions, it all adds up. And yet, many teachers hesitate to raise their prices, afraid that clients won’t see the value or will choose a cheaper alternative.
Meanwhile, everything else, studio rents, heating, lighting, and even the cost of travel to teach, has increased. So why haven’t our prices?
Reflect and Re-evaluate
As we begin a new week, I encourage you to reflect on what you’re charging and what your services are worth. Consider:
Are your prices aligned with the current cost of living? If your expenses have risen but your rates have stayed the same, it's time to re-evaluate.
Are you pricing yourself competitively within your area? Look at other services, what are people paying for personal training, physiotherapy, or specialist movement classes?
Are you communicating the value of Pilates effectively? Clients will pay more when they truly understand what they are investing in. Pilates isn’t just exercise, it’s movement education, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and long-term health.
Are you confident in your pricing? If you undervalue your work, others will too. Raising prices is often more about mindset than market.
The Future of Pilates Pricing
The world has changed. The days of ‘cheaper up north’ are behind us, yet Pilates pricing remains outdated in many areas. It’s time for Pilates teachers to value their expertise, charge accordingly, and help shift the perception of our profession.
So, as you move into the week ahead, ask yourself: does your pricing reflect your worth? And if not, what will you do to change that?
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