When I first began my journey in Pilates, I felt something was missing in those quick classes packed into busy schedules. Yes, clients would leave feeling better and moving more freely, but there was a depth I longed to reach—a way to make Pilates something more purposeful, more intimately woven into their lives. I wanted to create a space where clients could truly connect, not just with their bodies, but with their whole being. That’s where the idea of Pilates Retreats was born.
Imagine stepping away from the rush of daily life into an intimate setting, often nestled in nature’s most beautiful, soul-soothing spots. Here, with the gift of time, I can spend two or three days fully immersed with clients, sharing not just the “how” of Pilates but the deeper “why” behind it. We explore, repeat, and build layers of understanding. It’s no longer just movement; it becomes a meaningful journey, where each moment builds on the last.
Watching clients immerse in this way is an incredible gift. They move past simply feeling better to discovering why each movement holds purpose, why it’s crafted to fortify them from the inside out. Together, we become more than teacher and student—we become partners in this journey of health, growth, and deep self-connection.
And in these stunning, quiet places, something magical happens: clients start to feel a unity between body and soul. This is why I created Pilates retreats—not merely to teach, but to share a path of genuine, lasting transformation. If you’ve ever felt a similar pull for more, for an experience that goes beyond the studio, then perhaps it’s time to take the leap. Let’s dive into how hosting your own retreat could become your best move yet.
Why Should You Host Retreats and Workshops as a Pilates Teacher?
While many Pilates instructors keep their work strictly to the studio for ordinary classes, more and more teachers are turning to workshops and retreats. And there’s a great explanation as to why.
Truthfully, there are plenty of benefits to hosting these events, from diversifying your income streams to finding a way to have a bigger impact on your community. Here are just a few pros to hosting Pilates retreats and workshops:
Diversification of Your Income: Solely relying on classes (whether virtual or in person) can leave you feeling quite limited as a professional. Workshops and retreats offer you a new chance to expand your income and break free from the hourly model many Pilates instructors rely on.
Build Deeper Client Relationships: If you’ve been seeking new ways to connect with your clients, hosting Pilates retreats is a splendid idea. During these extended workshops or retreats, you can foster stronger bonds and loyalty from your students, benefiting your students, you, and your business.
Reach New Students: Your Pilates classes might not align with some students, but with workshops and retreats, you can attract new clients who may be more interested in immersive experiences. The more you diversify your Pilates offerings, the more people you can reach and convert into long-term clients.
Maximize Your Impact: One of the main reasons Pilates teachers turn to workshops and retreats is the chance it gives instructors like you to dive deeper into the mechanics and art of Pilates. In these immersive Pilates settings, you can maximize your impact on your clients.
Grow Professionally and Personally: Pilates instructors always seek the next opportunity to stretch our comfort zone and develop as teachers. Conducting workshops and retreats helps you grow in more ways than one, pushing the boundaries of what you believe you’re capable of and even motivating you to improve your own practice.
Tips for Getting Started with Hosting Workshops and Retreats
With so many benefits to Pilates retreats and workshops, you may already be sold on hosting your own. But where do you start? Fortunately, we have a few tips to help you plan your workshops and retreats. Let’s start with the first—and arguably the most important—step: understanding what you offer clients.
Step #1: Define Your Audience
The first thing to ask yourself is, who are you best suited to help? Perhaps you have a specific demographic that you find responds to your teaching more than others. Maybe you even combine your Pilates knowledge with other complementary fields, like meditation, crafts, or dance?
Once you determine your unique value and who you are best suited to work with, then you understand your target audience. For example, one of our IVA Pilates retreats focuses on self-care and nurturing yourself, allowing the Pilates teachings to transcend into your own life. You can create workshops and retreats just like this that fit your niche and your ideal students!
Step #2: Select Where to Host Your Event
After determining the ideal audience and niche for your event, you can select the location of your Pilates retreat or workshop. When you do choose where you’ll host your event, be sure to find a place that fits your audience’s expectations.
If your retreat focuses on healing, relaxation, and recovery, a peaceful lakeside cabin or a mountainside lodge surrounded by nature would be an ideal choice, offering a calm environment that encourages rest and rejuvenation. On the other hand, if you're planning a retreat for those seeking a bit more thrill, consider an exotic location—perhaps in South America or Southeast Asia—that combines the depth of Pilates with the excitement of exploring a new culture and landscape.
Your chosen location should also be one you know inside and out. This means not only selecting a reputable venue with positive reviews but taking the time to build a relationship with the space and its staff. Visit beforehand, familiarize yourself with the amenities, and understand the area’s rhythm and energy. This knowledge will give you the confidence to guide your clients with ease and adapt smoothly to any needs that arise. For those starting out with retreats, this groundwork is invaluable, creating a supportive foundation for a seamless and memorable experience.
Step #3: Plan and Budget Appropriately
While your chosen location needs to fit your budget, you should also take steps to ensure your Pilates retreat vision does not stray too far beyond your budget. Before you even begin signing students up for your event, you should understand all the costs involved, including the required venues, transportation, catering, and marketing.
With your plan in place, it’s time to set a value-based price for your Pilates workshop or retreat. Rather than focusing solely on affordability, think about the unique value and transformative experience you’re offering. Consider what price point reflects the quality and standards your clients expect, ensuring it aligns with the enriching experience you're curating. And as with any major event, it’s wise to include a buffer in your budget to account for any unexpected expenses that may come up, so you can keep everything running smoothly.
Final Tips to Help You Create the Perfect Pilates Retreat or Workshop
Aside from the three steps we discussed above, there are a few other tips you’ll need to know before sharing your event with your community. First, providing a balanced schedule with some flexibility is always a great idea. Your students are excited to be there with you, but they will also want some downtime, so include breaks and plan for the unexpected—especially if you are far from home.
If you genuinely want to have a successful event, you’ll need to promote and market effectively. That means leveraging the power of social media, email marketing, and even collaborations with other professionals. The more you get the word out about your Pilates retreat or workshop, the more likely you are to fill all your available slots.
Finally, don’t be afraid to cohost your event with another Pilates instructor in your circle. Hosting a group introduction is also a pro tip that you should apply to your own practice, not only so you can meet everyone before you arrive at the retreat but also so that you set the right tone for your event.
Bring Retreat Magic to Your Pilates Practice with IVA' Inner Circle
If you feel that spark of curiosity about creating retreats or workshops, I would love to be part of your journey. Imagine offering more than just a studio session—creating a space where clients can immerse fully, reset, and connect deeply with themselves. A well-crafted retreat does more than build strength; it inspires lasting loyalty and a genuine appreciation for the value you bring into their lives.
Hosting a retreat is a transformative experience, one that allows clients to step away from routine and connect with Pilates on a whole new level. Each moment resonates, leaving them not only physically stronger but also enriched and inspired long after they return. This kind of experience isn’t just memorable; it’s life-changing.
Let’s talk about how you can create this for your clients. Book a call with me to explore how our insights and experiences at IVA Pilates can support you in designing unforgettable journeys that elevate both your business and your clients’ lives. Whether you’re ready to join one of our retreats or want guidance on creating your own, our Inner Circle is here to help you embrace a life you love through Pilates.
Explore the journey ahead:
Take the first step toward making your Pilates practice something truly extraordinary.
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