Meet Dale Stabler
Dale Stabler, the face behind Sweats and the City, is a literal expert in the fitness industry. For years, Dale has had a massive following on her Instagram account by visiting studios all around NYC and providing her honest feedback. Her account has grown substantially over the years and she is such a wealth of knowledge that studio owners should be paying attention to her feedback.
As we know, pilates and fitness studio’s have been popping up everywhere. New class formats, new “trends” that promise to change everything are on the rise. If you’re a studio owner or even just in the space, it can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up.
But in this episode with Dale, what really stood out to me is this: not everything that’s trending is actually worth chasing.
And honestly, that was refreshing to hear because I know my clients in The Friday Society Membership cannot keep up with everything.
The Real Foundation of Fitness Studios: Quality Instructors
If there was one theme that kept coming up, it’s this idea that your instructors are everything! I don’t think we talk about that enough.
It’s easy to focus on branding, aesthetics, or even class formats. But at the end of the day, the instructor is the experience. They’re the reason people come back, or don’t. As Dale said, people in NYC will work out in a grungy basement as long as the instructor is incredible.
What really hit me is that not all instructors are created equal and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just reality. There’s a difference between someone who can lead a workout and someone who can actually hold space, coach, connect, and create transformation.
It’s so important that your instructors are engaging with clients, know their client by name, bring upbeat energy into their workouts, and motivate your clients from the time they enter your studio to when they leave.
Studio Trends and What’s Actually Worth Paying Attention To
Let’s talk about studio trends because there are a lot of them. Sauna’s, shorter workouts, infrared, etc. I think it’s easy to assume that if something is popular, it must be working. What I loved about this episode is that it challenged that.
Not every trend is sustainable. Not every trend aligns with your brand. And not every trend actually improves the client experience. For example, if your clients are in their 50’s then spending your money on the infrared sauna may not be the biggest bang for your buck.
Some trends are worth paying attention to, especially when they enhance connection, consistency, or results. But others are just noise. When you’re constantly chasing what’s new, you can lose sight of what actually builds a strong business.
I love Dale’s perspective about trends in the fitness studio and what she loves as the actual consumer.
The Shift Toward Experience Over Hype
Something that really stood out to me is how much the industry is shifting toward experience. It’s not just about the workout anymore. It’s about how someone feels when they walk into your space, how they’re treated, and how consistent that experience is. Again, this comes back to your instructors.
You can have the most beautiful studio, the trendiest classes, and the best branding but if the experience isn’t there, people won’t stay longterm clients. I’ve been to a ton of fitness studios and have tried all types of classes but what makes me remember a studio isn’t how nice their lobby was but how incredible the instructor was.
This is where quality really matters more than hype.
Shorter Class Times is on the Rise
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but there is a new trend for class times to be 45 or 50 minutes instead of taking the full hour. Personally, I LOVE it.
Dale discussed how being more efficient with how a class is structured can be a better client experience. Basically, for 45 minutes you are working the whole time instead of long transitions that eat into the workout experience.
I’m a fan for this trend to stay!
Building a Studio That Lasts
One thing I kept thinking about while listening to Dale is how easy it is to build something that looks good on the outside but isn’t sustainable. Sustainability doesn’t just come from having a great idea, it comes from having the right foundation.
Trends come and go. We are seeing more and more pilates studios open but what will last?
Dale has become a consultant for fitness studios and her expertise is brilliant because she can consult on what clients actually want. She understands what clients in their 20’s and 30’s want vs clients in their 50’s and 60’s. She can help studio owners know where to invest and what won’t be the biggest bang for their buck.
Listen to the episode to know what Dale predicts in the fitness industry.
My Biggest Takeaway from Dale Stabler
If I had to sum this whole episode up in one thought, it would be this:
You don’t need to chase everything. You need to get really good at what actually matters. Which means focusing on quality over hype, having a strong team of instructors, and ensuring your business is solid.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you want to dive deeper into this conversation listen to the episode with Dale Stabler of Sweats and the City.
She’s truly such a wealth of knowledge and I highly recommend talking with her if you are revamping your studio, opening a studio, or expanding and need expert advise.
Follow Dale Stabler of Sweats and the City on Instagram HERE.
Be the first to comment