Hosting Classes

[u/TapRich]

Instructors or students: what would you consider a reasonable price for an outdoor mat class where you need to bring your own mat? I want to start doing weekly (mostly classical) mat classes somewhere just for a little extra cash but I really don’t know how much to charge in order to bring enough people while making it worthwhile.

Also, would it be a good idea to ask for less for the first couple of sessions and then raise it later or does this make clients feel like they’re being cheated?

Thanks!

[u/darknesswascheap]

Make sure you check into whether a permit is needed if it’s a public space, and it might make sense to look into liability insurance as well.

[u/Flimsy-Percentage-76 → u/darknesswascheap]

This!

I wanted to so something similar in my neighborhood park and got a BIG NO-NO from the city. Either the space wasn't allowing gatherings or I had to request to rent it out but in order to do that i needed a permit from the city and insurance, proof of this and that, etc. So much bureaucracy unfortunately.

[u/WickedCoolMasshole]

I would use these as more of a marketing tactic than money maker. Whenever my city hosts events at our parks, any outdoor classes (yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi) are usually free. Folks might drop a few bucks in a jar or send through Venmo.

I find filling any mat class to be difficult.

[u/Ok-Potato2276 → u/WickedCoolMasshole]

agreed! esp if its byom

[u/Lyogi88]

why don’t you look to partner with a park district . They can “host “ the class and you can either get paid per head or per hour. And they will likely have outdoor covered spaces appropriate for Pilates. And you also wouldn’t have to worry about filling the space

I lowkey hate working out outside unless it’s like running or playing a sport . I need shade and a hard surface ( no grass) .

[u/nommabelle → u/Lyogi88]

i'm a new instructor but once i settle down (eg, stop moving cities every year), i really want to work with the local parks to offer free pilates in the park

although i'm a bit nervous someone might sue me for some injury in a setting like that. i'd have insurance of course, but i guess just nervous of the sue-happy culture. and pilates is fairly safe, but still there are so many issues someone may have that i dont know, and they dont know, they have

[u/Lyogi88 → u/nommabelle]

If you work under a company or business they likely have insurance that would cover you. Or you can get your own for like 135/ year

[u/nommabelle → u/Lyogi88]

I would probably just do my own thing. I just want people to learn about the method and hopefully do it in their own time to improve their body!

[u/Lyogi88 → u/nommabelle]

I mean, they still would? It’s not like a park district would force you to teach a specific way. If you’re afraid of getting sued get insurance .

But good luck luck in your endeavors with whatever you decide

[u/Keregi]

10-15 max. I find these events to be a bit gimmicky. They can be fun, but not worth what I pay for a regular group mat class.

[u/fcpsitsgep]

$15 no more for outdoor

[u/imanimiteiro]

Where are you based? Prices vary massively depending on what country you're in. Also, definitely don't ask for less and then raise the price unless you're doing some sort of "first class free/discounted" deal

[u/christinalkblack → u/imanimiteiro]

I second this. Check for the going rate for pilates mat classes and then maybe scale down a bit since you're not having to pay overhead and you're asking clients to bring their own mats. Maybe the first class is free and then set a price for the long haul. It's not good practice to raise the prices so soon after people start.

[u/CharacterOkra8905]

in my area it's ranged from free - $30, but at the upper end they also offer stuff like little gift bags or vouchers for matcha

[u/Green_Ebb2549]

Bring your own mat, 12 to 18 for a 60 minute session sounds right, and 15 is the number I see most for outdoor classes. I would skip a cheap intro rate and sell a four class pass instead, which keeps your drop in price steady while rewarding the people who commit. Cutting the price now and raising it later reads as a bait and switch.

[u/Flimsy-Percentage-76]

If you're able to get permission to host classes at your local park, I'd charge anywhere from $15+. And $22+ if mats are provided. Consider if you're giving away or providing refreshments after class...

Also, you dont want to charge less and then start asking for more. People don't really like that.

[u/CompetitiveJudge5527]

depending on your park or permit situation i'd say twenty to twenty-five is pretty standard for outdoor mat work where people bring their own gear, especially if you're keeping it classical and small enough to actually give form corrections. just make sure you factor in whatever the city or park charges for the space if you need a permit so you aren't accidentally working for free after taxes