What you don’t know about being a Pilates Studio Owner
What people don’t always see is what goes on behind the scenes. The graft, the late nights, the endless decisions, and the lessons you only learn by living them. That’s why I wanted to share a little of the reality of running a Pilates studio; the highs, the lows, and the truths I wish someone had told me at the start.
From the outside, running a Pilates studio (or three!) looks like a dream. People imagine me floating serenely from one space to the next, sipping green juice, while clients emerge glowing and grateful. Lovely idea, but far from the truth. Behind the scenes, it’s more spinning plates, managing personalities, and resisting the urge to hide away when it all gets overwhelming.
When I first started Exhale Pilates 14 years ago, it was just me and a couple of part-time teachers. I did everything; teaching from dawn to dusk, managing socials and outreach, cleaning, admin, you name it. If a client needed me at 6 a.m., I was there. If there was only one person in class, I taught it anyway. If flyers needed handing out, I stood there. Back then, my heart ruled everything because all I wanted was to share Pilates with as many people as possible.
Fast forward to today: three studios, a busy teacher training programme, and an incredible (and large!) team. With growth comes new challenges. I don’t spend my days teaching back-to-back anymore, but I do spend more time using my head than just my heart. And trust me, that’s not always easy for me, especially someone who built a business on people and passion.
What nobody tells you about owning a studio is this: you’re not just a teacher anymore, you become a leader, a manager, and sometimes a referee. Everyone is human, with different personalities, priorities, and perspectives, which means you’re constantly balancing, negotiating, and making tough calls. You can’t please everyone (though I’ve tried).
The bigger the team, the bigger the challenges but the team at Exhale are fantastic, loyal and invested as it’s a really special environment and ethos to be part of (which I’ve worked hard at). It’s allowed me to focus on vision, culture, and creating spaces where not just clients, but also teachers, can grow and thrive.
I’ll be honest, there are days I want to lock the doors and disappear somewhere quiet with no phone. But there are also days when I feel unstoppable, like I could take on the world and open ten more studios before lunch. That rollercoaster is the reality of business ownership: the highs are electric, the lows are humbling, and somewhere in between you learn to breathe, laugh, and keep going.
So, if you’re thinking of opening a studio, here’s my advice:
Be ready to wear all the hats.
Don’t just lead with your heart, bring your head along, too. When both are in balance, that’s where the magic happens.
Remember: the chaos isn’t a distraction from the journey, it is the journey. It’s where you’ll grow, not just as a business owner, but as a person.
Because at the end of the day, behind the smiles and sweat, whether you’re a studio owner, teacher, or client, we’re all human, doing our best, and showing up for something we believe in. And that, really, is what makes it worth it.
Gaby Noble, founder of award-winning Exhale Pilates London, brings over two decades of experience in practicing and teaching Pilates. With a dedication to the method's truest form, Contrology, Gaby's expertise extends beyond her 3 London studios. As an industry authority and educator within the global Pilates community, she has established her own Teacher Training school, shaping the next generation of Pilates teachers.
IG: @exhalepilateslondon Web: www.exhalepilateslondon.com