Bonjour from Paris!

We visited The Dailey Method today and met with Kelly Dailey-Vinoche. The studio has a quality of exclusivity because of its location. It is in a neighborhood that is very elite. The actual studio is a re-designed horse stable in the back of this enormous and gorgeous property. It seemed like it would have been someone's mansion at one time. I imagine there were different quarters... those who lived in it, the staff and the horse stables. What amazing artchitecture! Today it is used for different businesses and of course, The Dailey Method.

When we arrived the class was in session so I was able to see the end of the class. They were holding their lunch express class, which was an hour, normally class runs for 90 minutes. It seemed everyone really enjoyed class by the relaxed expressions on their faces upon exiting the studio. Kelly taught a really nice stretching and relaxation series toward the end of class. I was standing outside thinking I could use that, which means it even worked on me! That is a sign of a good class when observers want what the participants are getting.

The Paris studio is smaller than the Chicago location I recently visited. This is completely understandable because real estate and space is hard to find in Paris. I think, it is just the right size and it has everything you need. At first, I thought the location was tough because it was all the way in the back and had no window/store front on the sidewalk. However, after speaking with Kelly and learning more about the culture in the neighborhood I think it may be a good thing. Paris still has a strong class system. This means word of mouth is basically the only way to grow a business in this particular area. Unless of course you were born into the families. So, with the location being so hidden it creates exclusivity, which works well when trying to break into the system.

One difference we spoke about, french women keep themselves looking good with products and pampering not necessarily exercise. This can be a challenge when opening a studio that is prodominently focused on women. Although, for all you men out there I guarantee if you took a class you would get your butt kicked! Another interesting note, it seems France is about 10 years behind the fitness trends in the US. Just to give you an idea, when Kelly decided to open the studio about 6 years ago pilates was just becoming popular. So this means that The Dailey Method in Paris is cutting edge...so next time you are in Paris it is must try!

For more information go to the website: www.thedaileymethod.fr