Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Evans.
Hi Kristi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2011, I “retired” from a highly stressful position at a nonprofit legal agency due to a shoulder injury. My physical therapist recommended Pilates to help me through the rehabilitation process. Fortuitously, I found my new “home away from home” and passion only a few blocks from my real home. Encouraged by my progress, I developed a deep appreciation for the health and strength benefits afforded by Pilates. I wanted to share Pilates with others, so I became a PMA-certified Pilates instructor 10 years ago. And, because I enjoy “yelling,” I mean motivating others, I received my Spin, Barre, and TRX certifications. I have always been keen on health and fitness: tennis, gymnastics, the requisite Cheerleader from Texas… My advanced degrees are all in Public Health: Emory and Johns Hopkins. I even owned a Nautilus Fitness Center before moving to Mexico City as an AIDS (SIDA) specialist and later Puerto Vallarta, where I was able to teach and motivate as an English professor. After sailing around the Pacific for 4 years (even returning with all 3 daughters who “loved” having their mother for a teacher), we landed in San Diego and have never left. Yes, I enjoy a healthy wanderlust for excitement which lends itself so well with my Pilates instruction. I find it exciting to help both women and men, new to exercise or just new to Pilates, discover the joy of learning to use, control, and appreciate their bodies and minds. During the “Time of Covid,” I was able to open my boutique studio for Private Pilates Sessions. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons? 😉
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The saying, ‘Your first year in business is always the hardest,’ is no joke. But the rewards have already outweighed the difficulties that 2020 threw at me.
I had a crash course on opening and running a private Pilates studio business during one of the most turbulent times for the fitness industry.
Opening up my private Pilates studio was exciting for me and for my clients! As the dust settled, I began to feel the pressure to increase the numbers across the board.
It’s easy (as the owner) to just teach more, increasing your time spent IN your business. But, teaching more in your business is just a band aid. Your studio cannot market itself, which takes time and lots of planting of seeds.
If you’re too busy teaching, then are you going to have the time and energy to think ahead at the end of your long day? You may suddenly find you’ve stopped marketing because you don’t have the time or the staff to take on any new clients. All of this hinders the growth of your business and ultimately affects your personal life.
Because I deserve to own a studio and love to teach. I, too, had to find time for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a PMA Certified Pilates Instructor and Master Trainer. I am Aging, Athlete, PT, Pre/Post Natal, LGBTQ, friendly. I offer private and semi-private in-studio, ZOOM & Park sessions as well as Instructor Training. My studio is equipped with the newest Pilates Konnector Reformer Tower, Exo-Chair, Ladder Barrel, TRX, and all of the other props and accessories.
I offer a 30-minute complimentary session.
For the past 2 years, I have been leading an all-level Mat Pilates session 3 times a week in the park, which is free and fun! Follow my IG and/or FB accounts for the schedule.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I really wanted to create and cultivate a space that people could come in and take care of themselves.
While the studio offers in-person Private Pilates and Instructor Training sessions,
stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus brought in-person sessions to a halt in mid-March. Instead, I began offering live classes every day via Zoom and outdoor Pilates classes in the park.
I think [the virus] is really going to change people’s mindsets on how they view health and wellness and getting their movement in. I want to keep them moving whether they’re in the studio or not.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristi.pilates.studio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristipilatesstudio
Image Credits
The Pulse SD
