Podcast Summary: Pilates Business Podcast

Episode: How the Pilates Journal Is Uniting Studios (and What It Means for Your Pilates Business)

Host: Seran Glanfield
Guest: CJ Zarb (Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Pilates Journal)
Date: October 27, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Seran Glanfield sits down with CJ Zarb to explore the story, mission, and impact of the Pilates Journal—a platform uniting instructors, studio owners, and educators across the Pilates industry. Together, they discuss how enhanced community and shared knowledge can elevate individual studios and the profession as a whole. They also dig into the latest insights from Pilates Journal surveys, trends in boutique studio growth, and details about the upcoming Pilates Journal Expo.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Birth and Purpose of the Pilates Journal

• CJ’s Motivation and Mission
  • The Pilates Journal was created to address disconnection in the industry: teachers, educators, and studios felt isolated and lacked a shared platform.
  • The Journal’s aim is “to elevate the industry by sharing knowledge and celebrating all styles of practice and creating a global community where every voice is heard.” (A / Seran Glanfield, 00:14)
• CJ's Background
  • Background not only in Pilates, but also media, journalism, PR, and events: “My background is actually in media and PR and communications… I came back to [Pilates] much later in life and went, this is something I know is still really important to me.” (CJ Zarb, 06:03)
• What Sets Pilates Journal Apart
  • Diversity of coverage: from business operations, running studios, and industry trends to educator spotlights and personal human-interest stories.
  • Community focus: Online content, in-person events, and celebration of diverse Pilates methods/styles.

The Power of Sharing Stories & Industry Knowledge

• Topic Coverage
  • Articles range from “how to run your business and the tools you might need” to “education and what your next career move might look like.” (CJ Zarb, 08:21)
  • Human-interest stories on instructors’ journeys are some of the most popular.
  • Discussions with industry leaders, including CEOs of major brands and their perspectives on trends and innovation.
• Human Connection & Representation
  • The Journal highlights stories from the global community, giving a voice to those often unheard: “We give voice, I think, to so many people that are doing amazing things in their communities day by day, that perhaps they don't even realize the amazing things they're doing.” (CJ Zarb, 04:47)
  • Accessibility and inclusion are central: “Pilates is for everybody.” (CJ Zarb, 04:56)
• Industry Evolution & Collaboration
  • CJ emphasizes, “By giving that sort of information, we're giving you tools to be informed about what you should do next for your business, or maybe what you should do next for your career as a teacher.” (CJ Zarb, 09:46)

Industry Data & Studio Trends (Pilates Journal Survey Insights, 2025)

• Key Findings ([12:49])
  • 50% of studios reported increasing group reformer class offerings.
  • 40% of studios have added new services (e.g., infrared saunas, myotherapy, holistic wellness) in the past year.
  • Another 40% plan to expand services or open new studios in the next 12 months.
• Interpretation
  • There is a strong shift towards expanded service offerings, diversification, and a blending of Pilates with broader wellness trends.
  • “There's a surge of all of us wanting to do more in our businesses to retain our clients and keep them for longer.” (CJ Zarb, 14:45)
• Studio Owner Takeaways
  • While it’s a time of great opportunity, studio owners should be strategic. Growth isn’t one-size-fits-all: “There’s also the license to say, ‘Well, they're the things I won’t be doing. And that’s okay if that’s where you want to be as well.’” (CJ Zarb, 16:46)
  • Focus and authenticity are equally valuable as expansion: “Allow yourself to focus on the things that you want and want to do really, really, really, really well.” (Seran Glanfield, 16:58)

Building Community In-Person: The Pilates Journal Expo

• What is the Expo? ([17:35])
  • Annual event, previously held in Sydney, upcoming in Huntington Beach, LA, on January 10–11, 2026.
  • Blend of workshops, business panels, and an expo hall with equipment vendors and tech innovations.
  • Workshops and presentations led by industry leaders such as Andrea Spear, Sean Vergara, Shelley Power, Tracy Mallet, Maria Leone.
• Why Attend?
  • Deep dive into trends, hands-on learning, and meaningful networking.
  • Unique chance to “[learn] and grow… spend the whole weekend together.” (CJ Zarb, 19:26)
  • Seran highlights the power of in-person inspiration: “Getting to meet people face to face, hear them speak, attend their workshop… is always just so powerful to inspire you.” (Seran Glanfield, 20:25)

What's Next for the Pilates Journal?

• Continued Community Growth ([21:02])
  • More storytelling, more events, new locations for the Expo.
  • Expansion of the Pilates Journal Awards: “Our awards program will continue to grow, our events will continue to grow, and the Journal [will] continue to be that independent source of information.” (CJ Zarb, 21:38)
  • Ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality content and “a community to lean on.” (CJ Zarb, 21:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community Building:
  “We could be so much more united together, regardless if we're looking at it from different streams in the method, but finding a way to unite and know that we're stronger together.”
  — CJ Zarb, 05:34

• On Evolving Studio Models:
  “We're in this phase where wellness and the wellness boom, which the rest of the fitness industry is seeing, is starting to come into the Pilates space… there’s lots of opportunity there.”
  — CJ Zarb, 14:02

• On Authenticity and Studio Differentiation:
  “There's so many different ways you can differentiate… or stick to your lane and be really true to the way you deliver the method and be comfortable with that as well.”
  — CJ Zarb, 16:26

• On Opportunity:
  “It is a great time to be in this industry.”
  — Seran Glanfield, 16:17

Important Timestamps

• 00:14: Introduction to CJ Zarb and the Pilates Journal’s community mission
• 04:02: CJ’s inspiration and goals for launching the Journal
• 08:15: Topics and coverage of Pilates Journal
• 12:49: Key findings from the annual industry survey
• 17:35: Announcement and details of the Pilates Journal Expo (January 2026)
• 21:02: What’s next for the Journal and ongoing community initiatives

How to Connect & Learn More

• Pilates Journal: www.pilatesjournal.com (Free to subscribe)
• Pilates Journal Expo: www.pilatesjournalexpo.com (Tickets & event details)
• Connect with CJ Zarb: Through the Journal’s platforms for stories, collaborations, and event participation

This episode delivers a blend of industry insight, practical studio growth advice, and inspiration for any Pilates professional seeking to feel more connected and empowered in their business or teaching journey.