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BUT, WHY SLIDING SCALE?

Okay, I get it! You've all been asking...What is up with the sliding scale?

 

The pilates industry is historically known as exclusive, and therapeutic services in general are inaccessible to many in the community due to multiple factors, with cost being one of the biggest barriers. My goal as a practitioner is to make sure those who want to take care of themselves, physically or mentally, have the opportunity to do so. A sliding scale allows clients to pay what feels appropriate for them, even as their financial situation changes over time.

 

The average cost of a single, 60-minute private pilates session in buffalo is $92.50, and because clients will only see maximum benefits if they schedule a recurring appointment (at least 1x per week), this average rate is simply not feasible for many. However, there is a reason why pilates and therapeutic services cost so much. When a client pays for a session, they are paying for much more than the 60 minutes of time spent with the practitioner. They are paying for the use of specialized equipment, the instructors' extensive education and continued training, time spent on research and lesson planning, and the personalized attention they receive. By offering a sliding scale for my services, I can simultaneously create more access to the life-changing benefits of pilates and therapeutic arts coaching AND compensate myself adequately for my level of expertise and 10+ years of experience in teaching.

 

So, how does it work? To pay for my business expenses, I need the average of my gross profits to fall in the middle of my payment scale. I encourage those who are able to afford to pay at the higher end of the scale to do so, and I will not turn away those who need to pay at the lower end. Regardless of where a client falls on the scale, everyone will receive the exact same service. A sliding scale is an opportunity for all of us to show up for our community and support one another. I am only able to provide my services for those at the lower end of the scale because those with more privilege and access to funds are willing to pay at the higher end. This is an invitation for us to “do the work” together.

 

A sliding scale is a tool for economic justice. It is built on trust, honesty, and accountability. It also isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I prioritize working with clients who can appreciate the complexities of self-reflection, access, and sharing resources for wellness with others in their community.

 

If you’re struggling with figuring out where you fall on the scale for my services, check out the sliding-scale guide to the right inspired by Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts & Cunning Apothecary.

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