Mbodies Training Academy & Chris Onslow Pilates Consultancy: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead

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As the year 2023 draws to a close, we at Mbodies Training Academy and Chris Onslow Pilates Consultancy wish to share our achievements and plans with you and extend our warmest season’s greetings to all.

Adapting to the Evolving Pilates Landscape

This year marked a significant phase of adaptation and growth for us.  Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the modern fitness world, Mbodies Training Academy has continued to pivot our offerings to meet these changes. Our efforts have been geared towards addressing the challenges posed by substandard Pilates products and integrating the needs of the contemporary fitness market into our curriculum.

Growth in Online Learning and CPD

Our shift towards high-quality, flexible Pilates CPD, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has strengthened this year.  By choosing Thinkific as our learning portal, we've seen a notable 30% increase in participation in our Special Population CPD courses.  This approach aligns with the current trends in medical CPD, which increasingly relies on multimedia platforms.  60% of our training turnover has come from subscriptions to online training or hybrid training products by individuals, the other 40% is derived from Face-to-face hosted training commissioned through Chris Onslow’s Consultancy clients, both in the UK and the rest of the world.

Specialisation in Special Population Courses

The Pink Ribbon Post Rehab Breast Cancer course emerged as our most popular offering in 2023, closely followed by modules on Menopause and Pelvic Floor Health.  Additionally, our Myofascial Release for Fitness Professionals course regained popularity thanks to strategic production changes that helped us maintain competitive pricing of the Body Working balls.  The balls had, for a long time in 2022 and early 2023 been out of stock due to the prohibitive price of production in Italy, where energy and oil-based products were hit by the inflationary pressures of the Ukraine war.

Overcoming Challenges in Apparatus-Based Learning

While online courses have returned higher profit returns than the previous 3 years, which is unsurprising given the Pandemic environment 2020 - 2022, the requirement for physical apparatus presented challenges in these CPD courses.  To address this, Mbodies Training Academy has developed a hybrid approach, blending online learning with in-person support, enhancing the accessibility and practicality of these courses.  Chris has put more investment into ‘Hire’ stock and pre-owned Pilates stock to offer a variety of ways to gain access to apparatus when there is no suitable studio nearby.

Consultancy Highlights and Market Optimism

Lyfe Health - Bournemouth

This year, our consultancy work, spearheaded by Chris and his team, focused less on business recovery (as had been the case during and immediately post-COVID) and more on market growth.  A highlight was the successful launch of the Pilates section for the Lyfe Health franchise, a pioneering venture integrating diagnostic centres with physiotherapy and Pilates apparatus studios.

Pilates Apparatus and Accessories Agency benefits from long-term relationships

Our Agency, by which we work with our clients to find the best apparatus and accessories has the advantage that the Manufacturers of the Apparatus or accessories fund the Consultancy advice given. This is achieved through offering the client the best prices available, as though they were purchasing directly, whilst providing consideration to the agency for the support given to the client in these and future purchases.    

Analysis of the Agency sales patterns shows the pleasing situation that our Agency clients tend to have longer-term purchase patterns, suggesting more stable and growing businesses than clients purchasing directly.  We like to feel that this reflects the added value that the Agency gives in terms of suitability of purchase and Pilates business operational knowledge, helping our clients avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a lack of profit in their businesses.

Future Ventures and Emphasis on Safety

Looking towards 2024, our focus remains on opening new studios and promoting safe Pilates practices. We are excited about our upcoming project in Greater London and continue to advocate for safety in Pilates apparatus exercises and a movement towards more personalised, small-group supervised sessions in addition to Group exercise on apparatus in larger classes.

Season's Greetings and Future Aspirations

As we approach the festive season, we express our deepest gratitude to all our clients and collaborators. Your ongoing support and trust are invaluable.  We eagerly anticipate continuing this journey with you in 2024, advancing safe, effective, and innovative Pilates training.

Author:  Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1988.  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 

 


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