In the heart of Dubai, Real Pilates stands as a sanctuary for mind and body, thanks to the leadership of its Founder and Managing Director, Reza Alavi. Reza's journey from the corporate world to creating a haven of wellness is a story of passion, dedication, and the desire to help others.
A leap of faith
Reza spent a decade in the corporate world, working with multinational companies and carving out a career many would envy. However, in early 2008, he decided to follow his inner calling. Leaving behind a secure and promising corporate career, Reza ventured into the world of wellness, driven by a passion for fitness and a desire to create something special. He realized that Dubai lacked a comprehensive, high-quality Pilates offering, and so Real Pilates was born.
Building Real Pilates
Real Pilates was founded on the principle of offering "real" Pilates – a place where clients could experience the best facilities, top-notch instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere. From the outset, Reza focused on providing exceptional customer service, state-of-the-art equipment, and personalized instruction. This attention to detail and commitment to quality quickly set Real Pilates apart in the wellness scene of Dubai.
The role of technology and loyalty programs
As an early adopter of technology, Real Pilates integrated various tech solutions to enhance the customer experience. They were among the first in Dubai to use MINDBODY and Perkville. Reza's experience with Emirates Airlines' Skywards loyalty program inspired him to implement a similar system at Real Pilates. The simplicity and effectiveness of Perkville's platform made it an ideal choice for rewarding customer loyalty and encouraging referrals.
Expansion and growth
Real Pilates rapidly grew from a single studio with a few instructors to multiple locations with a team of over 30 instructors. They expanded their original studio and opened a second one on the other side of Dubai to cater to a growing clientele. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Real Pilates continued to thrive, even opening their first franchise location. Today, Real Pilates boasts three locations and a teacher training academy, having trained over 5,000 Pilates instructors.
Customer loyalty: the secret to success
Reza attributes much of Real Pilates' success to the loyalty of their customers. The Perkville platform has been instrumental in fostering this loyalty. Clients earn points for attending classes, posting reviews, celebrating birthdays, and referring friends. These points can be redeemed for free classes and other rewards, creating a continuous cycle of engagement and satisfaction.
Looking to the future
With a solid foundation in place, Reza and his team are now focusing on franchising. They are in discussions with potential franchisees in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. Reza envisions expanding the Real Pilates brand regionally and eventually globally, with a particular interest in Europe and Japan.
Advice for aspiring studio owners
For those considering starting their own wellness studio, Reza offers valuable advice: "Study and plan as much as possible, but don't wait for a perfect plan to start. Get started, face problems, and iron them out as you go. Movement helps both physically and in business. Listen to your customers and stay grateful – it will always pay off."
Conclusion
Real Pilates is more than just a fitness studio; it is a testament to Reza Alavi's vision and dedication to enriching people's lives through wellness. With a strong emphasis on customer loyalty, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to quality, Real Pilates continues to be a leader in the wellness industry. For those looking to transform their relationship with mind and body, Real Pilates offers the perfect haven to de-stress, restore, and grow.
Visit Real Pilates at https://real-pilates.com/ to learn more about their offerings and join their journey of wellness and transformation.