Bite-Size Pilates For Busy Women - Gila Archer Pilates

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gila Archer, Founder of Gila Archer Pilates, located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I help busy women build strength, improve their flexibility, and feel good about themselves so they can live an active and fulfilled life by offering them a new approach to fitness. A method that is easy, achievable, and enjoyable. No longer is exercising another chore on their To Do list.

Tell us about yourself

I have taught Pilates since 2003, always as a hobby. Something I enjoyed teaching and doing after retiring from competitive gymnastics and in addition to my day job as a primary school teacher.

Women, in particular, would come to my class and, in the end, say how great they felt, standing taller and stronger. But then I wouldn't see them for a few weeks. When they did return to class, they would tell me they hadn't been able to attend because they had to work or couldn't get childcare. I only fully appreciated that when I, too, had children. Growing up, I had always been active, achieved high grades in ballet, was a National Sports Acrobatics Champion, and trained over 13 hours a week on evenings and weekends. However, when I had children (3 under the age of 4), I stopped exercising - other than teaching Pilates. I was too busy. I was looking after 3 young children and helping my husband with his business, and there was always something else to do washing, cleaning, cooking, emails, phone calls, etc. I'd get to the end of the day and would say to my husband, 'I just haven't had enough time to do any exercise,' and by that time was too tired to do any anyway. The problem comes because keeping fit and strong requires you to do it consistently and regularly. An hour every few weeks is better than nothing and certainly gives you some short-term benefits, physically and mentally. Still, it will not help you make progress and achieve your fitness goals; it will not help you look after your health and fitness long-term and reduce the effects of getting older.

This led me to create my business as it is now by offering busy women an approach to their health and fitness that works. My B.E.S.T (Best Empowered Self Triangle) approach consists of 3 key elements: Positive Mindset, Powerful Habits, and Bitesize Pilates. Busy women require all 3 elements for this approach to be successful, and it is this that I use and my clients use to be able to prioritize their mental and physical health and fitness easily. Seeing my clients rebuild their lives and be able to do all the things they want continues to motivate me. I know it works. I can help women to enjoy moving and regain confidence in their bodies. That may be being able to get up and down stairs quickly, gardening for longer, walking further, or being able to try new activities, skiing, paddle boarding, climbing, and ultimately enjoying moving. I love empowering women to value themselves and value their health and fitness.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date is publishing my book 'Enjoy Moving and Feel Fabulous: A Pilates Lifestyle for Busy Women.' I share my story and struggles and how I overcame them by developing and refining my unique approach. I provide tried and tested tools and strategies to challenge your thinking and get your body moving.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As a solo entrepreneur, the most challenging thing is how lonely it can sometimes feel. You have to trust your instincts, follow your heart and let go of your ego.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Know what your purpose/mission is. Be clear on who you can help and how.
2. Be consistent and keep showing up - you never know who is watching and who you are helping without knowing. (I had one client join my membership after 2 years of following me on YouTube, and I never knew!)
3. Let go of perfection. It doesn't exist. Better to take messy action and gain clarity than get stuck waiting for the right time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gilaarcherpilates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaArcherPilates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlinepilatesinstructor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gila-archer-pilates/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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