Episode 258: Spooky Tales of Studio Ownership

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today’s episode is perfect for the spooky season—filled with scary tales of studio ownership and fitness instructing. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, these stories will entertain you and give you some valuable lessons on how to avoid these “spooky” situations.

In this episode, I share some real-life scary stories submitted by our community of Pilates and fitness instructors, highlighting unexpected events that happen in the studio. From equipment malfunctions to clients not disclosing critical health information and even legal and safety challenges, you’ll hear it all.

Some of the takeaways from this episode are...

• Check your equipment regularly: Make sure you’re inspecting your reformer springs and other equipment on a consistent basis to avoid accidents. I share a few stories of springs breaking during class and the importance of regular maintenance.
• Know your clients’ history: Whether it's hidden scars, forgotten surgeries, or major health conditions, clients don’t always share their full history. We discuss the importance of thorough intake forms and checking in with clients.
• Protect your business from legal scares: I share a personal story about dealing with a staff member spreading false information and stirring up legal trouble. Plus, I touch on a colleague’s experience being sued for misclassifying contractors.
• Safety and security in your studio: Learn how to handle situations involving belligerent clients or theft in your studio. Locking doors and having clear safety protocols can make a big difference.
• Insurance is key: Fires, floods, and other disasters can strike anytime. Make sure your business is fully insured and that you have policies in place to protect your assets and operations.

If you have any spooky studio stories of your own, I’d love to hear them! DM me over on Instagram @ChristaGurka, or head to my website at ChristaGurka.com/messages where you can leave me a voice message directly.

Be sure to tune in next week for an exciting interview where my content team will be asking me all about my journey from side hustle to a multi-seven-figure business!

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business, and have a safe and fun Halloween!

Want to be featured on a future episode? Email me at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com!