Pilates Business Podcast: "Busy ≠ Profitable: The Hidden Trap That’s Keeping Your Studio Stuck"

Host: Seran Glanfield
Release Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this insightful episode, Seran Glanfield addresses a common but misleading belief among boutique fitness studio owners: that being busy equates to being profitable. Titled “Busy ≠ Profitable: The Hidden Trap That’s Keeping Your Studio Stuck,” Seran explores the “revenue illusion,” where a fully-booked schedule disguises underlying financial inefficiencies. She encourages owners to focus not just on numbers and full classes, but on profit, sustainability, and crafting a version of success uniquely suited to them and their studios.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The “Revenue Illusion” (00:00–04:10)

• Seran introduces the concept of the “revenue illusion”—the trap of equating a packed schedule with business success and profitability.
• Many studio owners find their calendars full but their bank accounts nearly empty after accounting for expenses like payroll, rent, and fees.

“Packed classes can still be money losers. Massive discounts and promotions... can actually be quietly draining your margins.”
— Seran Glanfield (00:27)

The Trap of Busyness & False Metrics (04:10–09:45)

• Studio owners often conflate busyness with business health.
• There’s a persistent industry-wide assumption that “the busier you are, the more successful you are,” which is not supported by real data.
• Overemphasis on volume (number of classes, clients, sessions) can mask core profitability issues.

“This idea, this busy equals successful mindset, I think is one of the biggest traps in our industry.”
— Seran Glanfield (05:38)

The Cost of Growth & Hidden Inefficiencies (09:45–17:32)

• Growth often comes with increased expenses such as adding more classes, hiring staff, investing in equipment, and expanding physical space.
• Promotions and intro offers may flood the studio with new faces but can result in classes that actually run at a loss if not carefully designed for conversion and retention.
• Failing to monitor margins leads to a scenario where energetic, hard work does not translate to real financial gain.

“Most studio owners who find themselves in this situation are losing money without realizing it.”
— Seran Glanfield (13:05)

• The need to distinguish between busy classes and profitable classes; e.g., a 2pm slot may just add overhead without supporting the business.

Profit-Focused Strategies (17:32–22:45)

• Intentionality and numbers matter: Owners must assess class profitability, cost structures, and margin drivers regularly.
• Not all clients or classes are equally profitable. Strategic scheduling and pricing are key.
• Importance of robust introductory offers—discounts should come attached to a clear, effective conversion plan.

“Busy doesn’t mean efficient. Profit actually comes from being very intentional, very strategic and understanding where your studio actually produces returns.”
— Seran Glanfield (20:25)

Redefining Success (22:45–31:55)

• The fitness industry often glorifies the “stacked schedule” and multiple locations, but this may not be every owner’s personal definition of fulfillment or excellence.
• Seran encourages listeners to define success for themselves—whether it’s a smaller, highly profitable studio, a lighter workload, or more quality time outside of work.
• Owners are challenged to reflect on growth goals and to decouple the idea of busyness from self-worth or professional validation.

“You get to decide what success looks like for you and that’s exactly the way that you should build your business.”
— Seran Glanfield (28:33)

• The goal is to make the studio work for you—not the other way around.

Shifting to a CEO Mindset (31:55–End)

• True business growth comes from leadership: looking “under the hood” at real metrics, being strategic, and optimizing for your chosen version of success.
• Encourages listeners to transition from the technician/implementer role to a CEO, strategic operator mindset.

“Stop measuring success by how much you’re doing and start measuring it by how well this amazing business... is sustainable and strong and profitable, how well it performs.”
— Seran Glanfield (34:20)

• Calls to focus on what moves the needle (profitability levers & efficiency), not just doing, doing, doing.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Packed classes can still be money losers. Massive discounts and promotions... can actually be quietly draining your margins.” (00:27)
• “Busyness doesn’t bring more profit necessarily. And busyness doesn’t necessarily bring more efficiency either.” (20:08)
• “Redefining what success looks like for you... instead of saying, ‘I want my schedule full,’ perhaps, ‘I want every class to be profitable.’” (29:45)
• “When you shift your focus from just filling the schedule at any cost to actually optimizing profitability, you will build a business that works for you, not against you.” (36:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–04:10: Introduction—“Revenue Illusion” explained
• 04:11–09:45: Why busyness is not a reliable success metric
• 09:46–17:32: Dangers of unprofitable growth, the impact of discounting, and cost creep
• 17:33–22:45: How to analyze what is really profitable in your studio
• 22:46–31:55: Changing your mindset on success, defining your own goals
• 31:56–End: Embracing a CEO perspective, summary, call to action

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Being busy does not guarantee being profitable. Volume without strategic control can hide leaks and inefficiencies.
• Owners should monitor margins, optimize schedules, and be cautious with discounts or promotions.
• The most sustainable and rewarding business model is not always the busiest one, but the most efficiently designed for your unique goals.
• Success is personal—owners must define what it truly looks and feels like for themselves, and build toward that vision.

Seran closes by inviting listeners to her “Thrive” coaching program (skipped in this summary per guidelines) and offers encouragement:

“There is no one way to do what you do, only your way. So whatever it is that you want to do, create or offer, you’ve got this.” (Final moment)

This episode is a must-listen for boutique studio owners seeking not just hustle, but real, sustainable profit and personal fulfillment.