Ghosted by Your Pilates Class? How to Handle No-Shows Like a Pro

What to Do When No One Shows Up to Your Class

Ah, the moment every certified Pilates instructor dreads but will experience at some point: you’ve got your playlist ready, your mat perfectly placed, and your cueing game on point... only to realise that no one is coming. Not a soul. It’s just you and the mirrors.

First of all, take a deep breath. It’s not a reflection of your skills as an instructor, and it’s definitely not the end of the world. It happens to everyone, and trust me, it’s just one of those “rites of passage” as a newly certified Pilates teacher. So, what now? Here are some tips to turn this moment into a positive one.

1. Don’t Take It Personally

It’s easy to feel deflated or assume you’ve done something wrong, but there are a million reasons why a class might have low or no attendance. A sunny day, a local event, or even Netflix dropping a new show can make clients choose the couch over the studio. Instead of spiraling, remind yourself that every instructor has been here more than once!!

2. Use the Time Wisely

Turn lemons into lemonade:

• Practice Your Own Flow: Take advantage of the empty studio to work on your practice or try new routines you’ve been itching to test out.

• Film Content: Record a mini class, tutorial, or social media post. Show off your teaching style or share a quick tip to keep your followers engaged.

• Refine Your Space: Use the quiet time to tidy up, reorganise props, or tweak the ambiance. Sometimes a fresh vibe can attract more clients.

  
  

3. Evaluate Your Marketing Game

If this becomes a pattern, it might be time to shake up your promotion strategy:

• Social Media Is Your Friend: Share class reminders, highlight the benefits of attending, or post a poll to gauge what times work best for clients.

• Create a Theme: Give your class a fun name or focus, like “Core & More Mondays” or “Unwind & Stretch Sundays.”

• Consider a Block Booking Scheme: Encourage clients to commit to a set number of classes upfront. While this doesn’t guarantee they’ll attend every session, it ensures you’re compensated, and clients may be more motivated to show up.

  
  

4. Reach Out to Your Clients

Sometimes, a simple nudge can make all the difference:

• Send a Friendly Reminder: A quick email or message saying, “I’d love to see you in class this week!” can make people feel seen and appreciated.

• Ask for Feedback: Check in with regular clients to see if the time, format, or class focus aligns with their needs.

  
  

5. Remember: One Class Doesn’t Define You

The key is to stay consistent, keep showing up (even if they don’t!), and trust that your hard work will pay off. Building a loyal client base takes time, patience, and a dash of creativity.

The Silver Lining

Think of it this way: no one showing up might mean the universe decided you needed a break, a moment to reset, or a chance to get creative. So, embrace the quiet studio, and know that next time, the room will be filled with smiling faces and eager bodies ready for your guidance.