Sarah Brooks is the founder of Brooks Pilates, a boutique Pilates studio based in Chelsea, New York City. The popular fitness studio has been open since early 2019 and has since expanded to classes in The Hamptons.
What have you learnt as a Pilates instructor & female business owner over the years? What advice would you give to your younger self?
SB: You need to just jump in if you know you want something bad enough. I am super passionate about pilates and take pride in my craft which is what led me to open Brooks Pilates. But it is a scary JUMP to take. I started this business by myself, fully funded by me without any investors. It took over a decade to get here and lots of hard work but it is so worth it. Not every day as a business owner is glamorous but it is always rewarding!
You have worked with many high-profile clients over the years including models from IMG, Elite, Wilhelmina, Next and more. What clients are next on your bucket list?
SB: Yes! It has been a privilege to work with these high-profile clients. Models love Pilates for the results it delivers. I would love to work with Rachel Bronson as I am a huge fan of her work and even named my dog after her character in the Marvelous Mrs Maisel… Midge!
What has been your favourite class to date and why?
SB: This summer my client Kylie Vonahme and I partnered up with Spring Fertility for a complimentary class in the Hamptons. Spring Fertility is a full-service fertility clinic specializing in egg freezing & assisted reproductive technology. At Brooks Pilates, we specialize in pre & post-natal practice so this partnership was really special. We look forward to partnering more with this excellent organization and educating our community.
You personally have a substantial following of over 35,000 Instagram followers. Was there a turning point where your followers started to grow exponentially or was it gradual?
SB: When I first started it was slow but when COVID-19 hit I like many other instructors turned to social media. I started teaching lives with my clients & new influencers then things took off. My focus has shifted more toward awareness & promotion of Brooks Pilates now but when clients post at the studio engagement rises!
What 3 tips do you have for an aspiring Pilates Instructor?
SB: Practice, watch, and practice some more! I have learned so much from watching other teachers I look up to and taking their classes. You also have to do the practice you teach in order to really perfect the movements. I put in over 700 hours of practice before I started teaching.
What advice do you have for a first-time Brooks Pilates class attendee?
SB: At Brooks, you will instantly feel a part of a community and love the results! Unlike so many workout methods that actually increase inflammation and stress on the body, this method of Pilates promotes pain reduction and mobility so that you can feel your best. Whether you are pregnant and looking for a safe/ effective prenatal program or suffer from chronic pain or looking to consistently show up for yourself… Brooks is for you.
What Social Media Platforms are you currently on?
SB: I am on Instagram and Facebook. You can find me on @sarahbrookspilates.
What do you think are some fitness trends to watch in 2023?
SB: After almost two decades in fitness and in Pilates… people are finally catching on! Pilates and low-impact movement for sure.
How do you think Instagram has impacted the Fitness industry?
SB: The best organic advertising! People see their friends post about a workout or recommend a class and want to try it. Modern-day word of mouth. It has been tremendous!
What 3 Pilates products can you not live without?
SB: My solid and striped activewear, the pilates ring, and cleaning products. As mentioned earlier… you wear all of the hats as a business owner and most days you wipe down the machines!
What differentiates Brooks Pilates from other Pilates classes in New York?
SB: Brooks Pilates is a premier referral-based Pilates studio in Chelsea, Manhattan. The studio offers over 10 years of experience and is individually tailored to establish a foundation of balance, strength, and mobility. All of our instructors hold elite certifications with over 600 hours or more of teaching and also specialize in pre & post-natal Pilates. And at Brooks Pilates, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming community with events inside and outside of the studio.
