Episode 24 - Joanne Chong - Altum Pilates, Singapore
Episode 24 – Going Deep with Pilates in Singapore with Joanne Chong of Altum Pilates
Welcome to Episode 24 of Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates.
In this episode, I’m joined by Joanne Chong, founder of Altum Pilates in Singapore. Joanne’s Pilates journey began in 2012 when she was searching for relief from debilitating plantar fasciitis. What started as a personal healing journey quickly turned into a lifelong passion. Today, she runs a boutique Classical Pilates studio in the heart of Orchard Road and hosts a Classical Pilates Teacher Training program at her studio.
In our conversation, Joanne shares her business journey, her perspective on the Pilates industry in Singapore, and the thoughtful, intentional approach that underpins Altum Pilates. We also discuss navigating business partnerships, the realities of pricing and paying teachers fairly, and the unique characteristics of the Singapore Pilates client.
This episode is a must-listen if you're a studio owner or teacher considering developing your own training program, navigating client education around pricing, or simply curious about how Pilates is evolving in other parts of the world.
In this episode, we cover:
How Joanne discovered Pilates through a personal health challenge
Her early years as a teacher and the decision to open her own studio
The experience of building a business in Singapore’s competitive Pilates market
Transitioning out of a business partnership and moving forward with clarity
The development of Altum’s in-house Classical Pilates teacher training
Educated and discerning Pilates clients in Singapore – and how to meet their expectations
Pricing transparency, fair teacher pay, and communicating the value of quality Pilates
The impact of a viral social media moment on Joanne’s brand
Navigating burnout, isolation, and uncertainty as a business owner
What’s next for Joanne and Altum Pilates
Reflections on the current state and future of the Pilates industry
Connect with Joanne Chong and Altum Pilates:
🌐 altumpilates.com
📍 Orchard Road, Singapore
📷 @altumpilates
Connect with Kim Paxton:
🌐 kimpaxtoncoaching.com.au
🎙️ Subscribe to Raising the Bar on the Future of Pilates wherever you get your podcasts
📷 @kimpaxton.coaching
