A South Jersey Pilates Studio Prepares for Reopening 

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift in New Jersey, boutique fitness studios such as the Pilates Core Center (PC2) prepares to reopen when restrictions are lifted and they are given the okay. While PC2 is eager to welcome back current practitioners as well as new clients, they want to make sure all feel safe to return.

PC2 co-founder Diane Grossman said, “Our number-one priority is the safety, good health, and well-being of our clients and staff. We are in the process of receiving air purifiers for each room in our studio, the necessary cleaning supplies, and making sure we are in compliance with state and federal guidelines on all levels.”

The Pilates Core Center has taken the following steps to keep its staff and clients safe when the studio reopens and in-person classes resume:

• The studio has been reconfigured to keep all equipment 6 feet apart.  
• There will be limits on the number of clients per class to ensure social distancing.  
• The schedule has been modified to accommodate 15-minute breaks between classes to allow time for equipment cleaning and to limit the number of clients in the studio waiting area at one time.

• The studio will be cleaned throughout the day and will be deep cleaned twice a week.  

Clients will be required to participate in the safety measures by wearing face masks, and bringing their own towel, water, and Pilates mat. Additionally, staff and students will be required to practice good hygiene that includes pre- and post-class handwashing/sanitizing.

Grossman sees a silver lining to the studio’s closure that began on March 16.

“We had to react quickly to stay connected and engaged with our clients,” said Grossman. “Our team of dedicated and creative Pilates instructors worked together to revolutionize the way the studio operates. We were able to open up additional revenue streams to keep instructors working and business thriving during the shutdown.”

Almost immediately, PC2 began offering virtual classes – both pre-recorded and live. A portion of its client base embraced the new format so enthusiastically that the online classes will continue after the center reopens.

PC2 is also a host site training facility for Balanced Body®, the world’s leading resource for Pilates and integrated movement equipment and education. As a partner, PC2 offers trainings to professionals, including instructors, trainers and coaches for professional credits, customized workshops, and certifications in Pilates method formats. Rather than cancel or reschedule, they were able to adapt certain trainings and offer courses via Zoom. This is another feature that will remain once the studio reopens.

The Pilates Core Center recently added a 90-inch portable screen to allow participants to virtually participate in select classes or trainings as they are being held in the studio. Additionally, the studio introduced a brand-new class: A virtual reformer class for those who have the equipment at home.

Grossman has participated in conference calls and webinars, and has read articles from the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), IDEA Health & Fitness Association, Balanced Body. She also has collaborated with Pilates colleagues, both domestic and international, about what reopening looks like and best practices/protocols.

Of the new offerings, Grossman said, “This is a new way of doing business for us, so we are learning as we go. PC2 now has even more ways to help clients stay healthy – and will make sure they stay safe.”