Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amy , thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

I once had the pleasure of teaching an incredible woman, artist, mother and, in general, fantastic person…let’s call her Shelly. Shelly took my classes at a local Pilates and bodywork studio I was instructing at around 2020 in Boulder, CO.

Shelly was always front and center in my class and was a dream client. She eagerly devoured the Pilates method, showed up consistently and was encouraging to everyone who joined the class.

While Shelly was in great health and very dedicated to her fitness, she had troubling issues with her pelvis, she was always out of alignment, causing her significant pain and discomfort. Despite her 2-3 times per week attendance in Pilates to unwind it, her lower back and hips were always tight as a drum.

I new Shelly was an avid cyclist but it wasn’t until a year into working together that she disclosed how intense her cycling sessions were. Often times she would bike up steep hills for miles as fast as she could, then describing that when she got back down her legs were numb!

Immediately alarm bells were sounding in my Pilates brain. She was demanding more of her body was more than it could deliver at that time.

But a teacher must tread lightly in this type of situation; I learned the hard way that you cannot come in between a person and their passions. Because 10/10 they will choose their passion over listening to your advice and they may never come back to your class.

When I was a young teacher I would pop off indiscriminately telling every person that they needed to stop doing this or stop eating that. That didn’t do anyone any good – I’m sure all I did was lose clients and lost my chances to have them learn for themselves what they needed to do.

So I was very patient and thoughtful before asking Shelly to stay after class one day so I could say my piece.

I didn’t lecture her to stop cycling, I asked her to consider taking a different approach. I urged her to think about why she felt the need to push so hard, and could she still feed her passions while listening to her body.

Shelly was initially reluctant. As a passionate cyclist, the idea of cutting back on her biking was disheartening. However, she trusted my expertise and decided to follow my advice. She adjusted her routine, allowing her body to rest and recover. She pulled back on cycling and increased her Pilates and Yoga practices to provide better support and flexibilty to her pelvis.

The results were remarkable. Within a few weeks, Shelly noticed a significant reduction in her pain. Her pelvis gradually returned to proper alignment, and she was able to enjoy biking again, but this time without the debilitating discomfort and numbness in her legs. Over time, she found a sustainable balance in her cycling, preventing further issues and maintaining her overall well-being.

Shelly’s gratitude was evident every time we met. She often expressed how thankful she was for the advice that led her back to a pain-free life. This experience underscored the importance of listening to one’s body and the value of professional guidance in maintaining long-term health and fitness. Shelly’s journey is a testament to the positive impact of timely and well-considered advice, highlighting the role of a trusted advisor in helping clients achieve their goals while preserving their well-being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I came into the Pilates world from an extremely common road – as a dancer.

Before my earliest memory my mom said that I was OBSESSED with dancing. I begged to go to class at only three years old! The local dance studio didn’t allow kids under 5 years of age to take ballet but my mom convinced them somehow to take me on.

Even though I really don’t remember much of this I do recall that my first dance recital costume was handmade by a local woman. The costumes ordered for the students in the catalog didn’t come in child sizes that small!

From that moment on my appetite for dance and gymnastics was insatiable and I carried on all the way through to earn a BA in dance in 2001. Then earning my comprehensive Pilates training in NYC in 2002 with Romana Kryzanowska.

24 years into my Pilates career later, I am so thankful to continue to dance and perform! I honestly believe I’m a better and stronger dancer today than I was in my 20’s. I attribute this 100% to the Pilates method.

Now it is my passion to share with my clients the limitless possibilities they can achieve in their own bodies.

My teaching style is to focus on the mental aspects of the method first – one must cultivate keen body awareness to get huge physical results. While the Pilates exercises themselves are powerful, without body awareness and good movement technique, there is a limit to what the exercises themselves can do. As a matter of fact – poor form and bad alignment can render Pilates exercises ineffective or even worse – painful or detrimental.

Point blank – I’m a Pilates purist and while I think fusion style classes can be fun and effective – you will be limited in your results if you don’t have some proper private training under your belt. And I promise you, you will eventually become bored if you don’t engage your mind, as well. Pilates is WAY more than just a sweaty workout. It’s an investment into your future physical self.

My clients SLAY. They come to class ready to work, ready to be open minded, and ready to expand their movement vocabulary. They have learned, with me, that practicing the Pilates method is first about honing your body awareness, then developing your movement technique and then finally about balancing the strength, mobility and control over your body. I have seen each and every one of my dedicated clients achieve phenomenal results this way.

This approach to studying Pilates is how I was taught by my teacher Romana, and how she was taught by her teacher – Joseph Pilates himself.

And it is exactly how I plan to pass it down to the next generation for next 24 years of my career.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the ability to develop deep connections with people. Building strong relationships is at the heart of successful client retention and growth. Here are the top 5 aspects of my teaching that I believe keep my clients coming back year after year:

1. Understanding Learning Styles: Every client is unique, and recognizing their individual learning styles is crucial. Whether they prefer visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, or detailed explanations, tailoring my approach to their preferred method of learning makes them feel understood and valued. This personalized attention fosters trust and confidence in my expertise.

2. Meeting Their Needs: Providing clients with what they need is fundamental. This involves addressing their specific concerns, challenges, and goals with practical and effective solutions. By consistently delivering results that meet their expectations, clients develop a sense of reliability and satisfaction.

3. Fulfilling Their Wants: Beyond needs, it’s essential to also consider what clients want. Understanding their desires and motivations allows me to offer sessions and programs that fulfill their movement expectations. This not only enhances their overall experience but also strengthens our relationship, as they see that I am invested in their success on multiple levels.

4. Adding Elements of Surprise: Introducing an element of surprise can make a significant difference. Whether it’s an unexpected piece of advice, a fresh new variation, or a small gesture of appreciation, these surprises show clients that I go above and beyond for them. This creates a memorable experience and keeps their interest piqued.

5. Levity. I am really a giant goofball at heart and love to kid around. This addition of lightness and humor is a great juxtaposition to the serious concentration that is required in Pilates sessions. This makes my clients feel at ease and allows them to have a ton of fun in their workouts!

By integrating these elements into my practice, I have been able to cultivate a loyal and growing clientele. Some of these aspects were learned and practiced and some, thankfully, some just came to me naturally. Clients appreciate the depth of connection and my personalized approach. This not only has kept my clients coming to me year after year, but also encourages them to refer others, further expanding my client base. Developing deep connections and understanding the multifaceted needs and desires of my clients has proven to be a powerful and sustainable method for growing my business.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

When it came to starting my business, I embraced a method that allowed for growth without the burden of debt: bootstrapping. From the outset, I was determined to build my business independently, brick by brick, without relying on external financing. This decision required patience, discipline, and a strategic approach to managing resources.

The journey began with a clear vision and a commitment to staying debt-free. I understood that taking on debt could lead to financial strain and compromise my business’s long-term sustainability. Instead, I focused on building a solid foundation, learning the ropes from a coach who provided invaluable guidance and support.

One of the key strategies I employed was diversifying my income through side hustles. These additional streams of revenue were instrumental in funding my business during its early stages. By taking on various side jobs, I was able to generate the necessary capital to invest in my business incrementally. This approach allowed me to maintain financial stability while gradually scaling my operations.

The process has been undoubtedly slow, but it taught me the importance of meticulous planning and resource allocation. Each investment, whether in equipment, marketing, or professional development, was made with careful consideration and a clear understanding of its impact on my business growth. This methodical approach ensured that every dollar was utilized effectively, contributing to the overall success of my venture.

Working closely with a coach was another critical element of my funding strategy. The mentorship I received helped me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions. My coach’s expertise provided a roadmap for sustainable growth, ensuring that my efforts were aligned with best practices and industry standards.

Ultimately, bootstrapping my business allowed me to retain full control and ownership, fostering a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. It also instilled a strong work ethic and a profound appreciation for the value of hard-earned progress. By building my business slowly and steadily, I am creating a resilient business capable of withstanding challenges and seizing opportunities for future growth.

This journey of funding my business through bootstrapping, side hustles, and mentorship has been both challenging and rewarding. It reinforced the principles of financial prudence, strategic planning, and the power of perseverance. Looking back, I am grateful for the path I chose, as it laid a robust foundation for a thriving and debt-free business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amydoespilates.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_does_pilates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amydoespilates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyappletree/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCuFbS1m6KYlmN765WzVGA

Image Credits

Photo cred: Blue Flame Studio Co. in Denver CO