Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Leifer.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in New York and studied dance since the age of five and absolutely fell in love with movement. I danced all the way through college where I graduated magna cum laude from Emerson College with a B.F.A in dance/theatre. It was during my time there that I was first introduced to Pilates. We had a 3-hour Mat class as part of the dance curriculum and I truly enjoyed the method and started practicing it outside of class on my own. Right before my graduation I learned that I had fractured my foot. It was a stress fracture that had become worse from all the dancing on it during my senior year. With a boot on my left foot for months, I turned to Pilates as it was the only exercise I could do. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles I decided to get my comprehensive Pilates certification. A year later I had opened my first Pilates studio, Pilates Place, with a colleague/friend. We successfully ran the studio for 12.5 years until the pandemic hit. We closed the studio in July of 2020 as Los Angeles was hit particularly hard and all gyms/fitness centers were closed.
Looking for a fresh start, I moved my family to Denver, CO in June of 2021 and purchased The Pilates Collective from it’s previous owner, Clara Gelatt. This June will be five years of running this studio!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but as with any business you hit road bumps and often need to pivot, change directions, or simply get stuck. June of 2021 was still very much Covid times. I remember starting at The Pilates Collective excited to no longer be wearing masks and by the end of the summer we were back in them. Clients were still scared to return to group classes and I lost a lot of my staff. The studio was slow and I was a new owner there; a stranger to most. It was super challenging finding good instructors and I found myself teaching more that I originally had planned. The staff would come down with covid and need to isolate for long periods of time. The first three years were a long road, but I stayed the course and continued my journey, having faith in my business, my staff, and myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own a Pilates studio in Denver called, The Pilates Collective. We instruct private, duet, and small group Pilates classes. I think our specialty really lies in our amazing group of talented instructors who each bring a unique skill set to their lessons. Our teachers have done an incredible amount of training in anatomy, gait studies, scoliosis, and various workshops/studies to keep improving their education. I am most proud of my staff (many of whom I have trained). They are the most caring and genuine group of people who truly put their all into their work and their clients. We have built a true community. That is what sets us apart. Plus, they are fun to be around! Each day is a joy showing up to “work.”
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As far as Pilates mentors go, my advice for those looking for one would be to find a studio where you love to be. Find people that hold the same values as you. Find teachers that you love not just for their instruction but for how they relate to their clients and people in general. I think of these points as I’m hiring instructors and it has worked really well for me.
Pricing:
- Private Intro Lesson – $50
- Intro 3 Pack of Privates – $220
- Intro 3 Pack of Classes – $81
- Unlimited 2-weeks of classes – $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilatescollectivedenver.com
- Instagram: thepilatescollectivedenver
- Facebook: The Pilates Collective Denver
Image Credits
Francisco Estevez, Candidly Created
