Embracing Change: The Business Case for Pilates Instructors Specialising in Perimenopause and Menopause
Introduction:
On National Menopause Day, it is fitting to highlight that in the UK, societal attention is increasingly focusing on the unique needs of women navigating perimenopause and menopause. This often destabilising life stage introduces a myriad of physical and emotional challenges caused by hormonal and other chemical changes. These underscore the crucial role of tailored fitness solutions, where instructors comprehend how hormonal and chemical changes affect the outcomes of exercise. A client working out pre-menopause will experience different results when they maintain the same workout as hormone balance changes.
Perimenopause and Menopause:
Perimenopause, the transitional phase preceding menopause, typically begins in the late 30s or early 40s. It marks a gradual decline in reproductive hormones, resulting in various symptoms. Menopause itself is the cessation of menstruation, generally occurring around the age of 50. Both stages bring about hormonal and physiological changes, often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and changes in bone density.
Importance of Physical Exercise:
Recognising the importance of physical exercise during perimenopause and menopause is one part of the knowledge we need as instructors; the other part is understanding the interaction of different hormones released during types of exercise. Regular exercise not only helps manage weight and maintain bone density but also research shows that exercise types uniquely influence menopausal women's hormonal balance. Fast, high-energy exercises like running release endorphins, adrenaline, and dopamine, enhancing mood. Slow, mind-body exercises such as Pilates balance stress hormones like cortisol, offering relief from symptoms. Understanding the needs of individual clients and then tailoring a mix of both provides comprehensive benefits to clients.
Tailoring Pilates for Perimenopause and Menopause:
Adapting Exercises:
Whilst we, so often, do not see it in many instructor’s Pilates class offerings, there is no reason why instructors cannot play a pivotal role in adapting classes as well as one-on-one sessions to meet the evolving needs of their clients. Understanding the physical changes that accompany hormonal shifts is essential. Prioritising joint health, focusing on bone density, and incorporating modifications for varying fitness levels allow this. By acknowledging and adapting to these changes, Pilates becomes not just a form of exercise but a therapeutic practice that aids women through this transformative life stage.
Mind-Body Connection:
The mind-body connection should lie at the heart of Pilates but, once again, so often sadly does not, and during perimenopause and menopause, the benefits of this connection become even more profound. Pilates taught well should teach women how to develop a heightened awareness of their bodies, fostering a sense of control during a period often marked by change. Mindful movement not only enhances physical well-being but also addresses the emotional aspects of the mid-life phase. By nurturing the mind-body connection, Pilates instructors guide women toward a holistic approach to health and self-care, proving invaluable during the menopausal transition.
Building a Niche Market:
Identifying Your Audience:
In building a niche market, Pilates instructors have a unique advantage as many loyal clients in UK Pilates Studios naturally fall into the age profile of perimenopausal and menopausal clients. Recognising this, instructors can tailor their offerings to address the specific needs of this demographic. Understanding the challenges and aspirations of clients who are already familiar with Pilates establishes a foundation for creating specialised classes. By acknowledging the shared life stage experiences, Pilates instructors can not only retain their existing clientele but also attract new participants, establishing themselves as leaders in perimenopause and menopause-focused fitness.
Marketing Strategies:
Effectively marketing Pilates classes tailored for perimenopause and menopause clients requires a multifaceted approach. Utilise social media platforms to share success stories, informative content, and class highlights. Establish partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance credibility and attract referrals. Conduct workshops or webinars educating the community about the benefits of Pilates during this life stage. By employing a mix of digital and community-based strategies, Pilates instructors can not only raise awareness but also position themselves as experts in addressing the unique fitness needs of women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
Professional Development:
Continuing Education:
To excel in providing specialised Pilates sessions for perimenopause and menopause clients, Pilates instructors must invest in continuing education, similar to branching into a new Pilates discipline. Seek out courses and certifications focused on women's wellness, hormonal changes, and menopause-specific fitness. Staying abreast of the latest research and advancements equips instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective and safe programs.
Continued education not only enhances expertise but also instills confidence in instructors, reinforcing their commitment to the well-being of their clients during this significant life stage.
Mbodies Training Academy offers a one-day, learn-in-your-own-time online CPD course titled 5.2 Pilates for Mid-Life Health and Menopause, covering all that an instructor needs to create effective programming for this market niche. The stand-alone module is part of the Mbodies Women’s Wellness Qualification.
Networking and Collaboration:
Building a successful niche in perimenopause and menopause fitness goes beyond individual expertise. Pilates instructors should actively engage in networking and collaboration. Forge connections with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and women's health experts. By establishing a network, instructors can gain valuable insights, referrals, and a more comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by women in this demographic. Collaborations enable a holistic approach, fostering a supportive community that benefits both the clients and the professionals involved.
Summing up:
In embracing the changing landscape of women's health, Pilates instructors possess a unique opportunity to become leaders in perimenopause and menopause fitness. By understanding the distinct needs of this demographic, tailoring exercises, fostering the mind-body connection, and engaging in strategic marketing and professional development, instructors can not only provide invaluable support but also carve out a niche that benefits both clients and the broader community. This journey is not just about adapting Pilates; it's about helping clients understand how they can harness their hormone changes and use that knowledge to work with the changes in a positive way to reach their fitness goals and aid their holistic well-being.
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk