Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Bange.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mary. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started doing Pilates while living in Columbia, South Carolina. A friend took me to a class and I was hooked. I had back issues, there was a noticeable muscle difference between my right and left sides. Pilates helped correct the problem.
At that time, I was teaching Finance at the University of South Carolina. My husband and I had been in a long-distance relationship for seven years. When he took a job at University of Houston, I moved to Houston and made a career change. I have had a lifelong commitment to sports and fitness beginning with my career as a world-class distance runner. I gave up my career as an educator to work in my lifelong love – the sports and fitness world – by becoming a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer. I have earned the Peak Pilates Comprehensive Certification as well as the Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Trainer. I worked at several Houston studios before opening my current studio.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge was making a career shift from academics to Pilates in a new city where I had no contacts or network. I was starting from scratch but Houston is a good place to start a business.
Struggles: How to attract clients to a small boutique studio and how to stay “fresh” with my own Pilates practice. After trying various forms of advertising, the best ways for me to attract clients are a strong web site and word-of-mouth from existing clients. To teach Pilates, one has to practice Pilates. Since I am the only one at my studio, I can’t simply pop into a class or train with a co-worker. I need to make the effort to keep my own practice fresh by taking lessons with other Pilates instructors and attending workshops.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bange Pilates – what should we know?
Bange Pilates is a boutique studio offering one-on-one Pilates sessions developed by a highly trained instructor at realistic prices.
Specialized training and programs: In addition to my Peak Pilates training, I have training in several specialized areas. As a Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates Specialist, I can design safe challenging workouts for the client as she approaches childbirth and then recovers after. I am a Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES) through the Pink Ribbon Program. As a BCES I am qualified to provide Pilates-based exercise program to breast cancer survivors. Being certified in TRX Suspension Training I know how to use suspension training to compliment Pilates workouts. My experience as a Senior Fitness Specialist helps me design a training program appropriate for all levels of the senior client.
One-on-one classical Pilates in a private setting. The sessions are strict on classical order and flow with special attention given to each client’s needs and requirements. I focus on proper technique for optimal results but always try to find a way to challenge the client with innovative twists and modifications to the classical themes that keep sessions new and fun.
My training and experience sets me apart from others. I bring almost 20 years of personal Pilates practice and more than ten years of teaching experience to Bange Pilates. My understanding of anatomy and movement, combined with my athletic background and experience with a variety of clients, contribute to my ability to tailor a workout, if necessary “on the fly”, that meets my clients’ needs that day.
I am proud of the many years I have been able to spend with most of my clients. I am proud when my clients are successful – a client masters a move for the first time, a breast cancer patient regains movement lost due to surgery, a prenatal client tells me that Pilates prepared her for giving birth, a golfer adds 25 yards to his drive or a tennis player has not been injured since he started working with me. These accomplishments for my clients mean that I have successfully helped my clients use Pilates to enhance their lives.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My overriding focus on meeting the needs of my clients.
Pricing:
- New Client Special: 3 sessions for $99
- Individual Session: $60
- Package of 4 sessions: $220
Contact Info:
- Website: marybange.com
- Phone: 713-864-2413
- Email: maryb@fastmail.fm
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
