Seize the Opportunity: Own Your Pilates Business

When you find something you love, you stick with it – and that was exactly the case for Lynda Williams. She first turned to Pilates to improve her strength and flexibility for dancing, and it quickly became her passion. “I started out teaching after studying with Studio Pilates and I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Lynda explains that her love for Pilates stems from her belief that Pilates is truly for every body. “I love that clients of all levels of fitness can do the same class, including our pregnant clients or those with an injury. Pilates can assist with strengthening and mobility that will help with your day-to-day life. Hearing and watching clients tell me how much it’s improved their overall health and day-to-day activities makes me so happy. I feel fortunate that pilates has now given me the opportunity to make a living, provide local people with jobs and help build a community of likeminded people both my staff and clients.” 

Lynda quickly moved from client to instructor to studio manager and was suddenly offered to take over the Peaches Pilates business in Cronulla, in Sydney, Australia, “I was thrilled,” said Lynda.

“Peaches was the first pilates class I attended that I truly fell in love with pilates. With a dance background, I have always loved moving my body. I had attended pilates classes at gyms or larger group classes and it was just a movement class - I didn’t think too much about the class. When I attended a Peaches Pilates class the instructor corrected my form, the class was small and in a beautiful space filled with friendly people. It was somewhere I wanted to be and continue to work out in. It fuelled me to want to be a part of this community,” she recalled.

“I’ve also made great friends and connections through Peaches. When I was given the opportunity to become the owner of Peaches Cronulla, I was nervous and unsure at the time about what my decision was going to be as I was happy being an instructor and studio manager. I have a lot of support and love from Peaches head office and other Peaches Studio owners. With the support and love of my parents and the Peaches community, I was able to build the courage to take over the business that I probably wouldn’t have done myself without their guidance,” she mentioned.

“During this time my biggest challenge was that I had to move location. Finding a commercial space to rent was one of the biggest tasks and lessons. I had to fit out what was previously an office space so I had to learn quickly. I’m proud of the final space that I’ve created for my clients and instructors” she said.

Lynda’s studio offers over 35 classes, 7 days a week. “I personally teach around 23 of the classes and cover if anyone needs it. We offer mat pilates, barre, circuit style pilates classes targeting particular areas, strength-focused training, cardio and mums and bubs classes; I also offer private classes. To be honest I love the mix of classes, I couldn’t say I have a favourite class to teach,” she said.

“With a full-time team of four instructors and a couple of extras for covers I have all the support I need. We all come from a Peaches Pilates background. I prioritise hiring instructors who excel not only in teaching but also demonstrate empathy and genuine concern for our clients' overall well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health. I like to know that anyone walking into the studio is going to feel safe and supported.”

If Lynda were to share her most significant lesson in running her studio so far, she'd say, "I'm constantly learning! Time always seems to be in short supply. If you're considering opening your own studio, just dive in – you will be so proud of yourself,” she said.

Regarding Lynda's upcoming priorities, she expresses, "I'm eager to expand our community, introduce additional classes to our schedule, and host engaging workshops. There’s so much more to be done!”

Lynda is the owner of Peaches Pilates in Cronulla, Sydney, Australia.