A Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Pilates Studio

Pilates isn't just a fitness trend; it's a fast-growing, high-demand fitness modality. With over 12 million people in the U.S. practicing Pilates, the method's popularity has surged, making it a lucrative opportunity for aspiring studio owners. The Pilates studio market is projected to reach $350.3 billion by 2033, a notable increase of $124.5 billion from 2023. 

This growth is driven by evolving consumer preferences for a low-impact, full-body workout that also prioritizes mental well-being. As a result, 77% of Pilates studios report growth, and 67% are regularly selling out classes—a clear signal that the right business model can thrive in today's competitive fitness landscape. 

If you're passionate about Pilates and ready to build a business that helps others feel stronger and healthier, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully open your own studio. 

How difficult is it to start your own Pilates studio?

Opening a Pilates studio is an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From planning your business strategy to outfitting your space, there's a lot to consider. The good news is that it's doable with the right preparation and mindset. 

As a studio owner, you'll wear many hats. From building a solid business model and sourcing and purchasing equipment, to setting competitive pricing and navigating licensing and certification requirements. Each of these pieces plays a critical role in your studio's foundation and long-term success.   

You'll also be entering a competitive market, particularly as Pilates continues to gain popularity. But competition isn't a bad thing—it's an opportunity. The key is to identify what makes your studio unique. Whether it's your teaching style, class formats, studio vibe, or sense of community, understanding what sets you apart will help you attract and retain clients in a crowded space. 

How to open a Pilates studio

Whether you are an experienced Pilates instructor or simply appreciate the practice, understanding what it takes to establish your business is crucial. Here's how to get started: 

• Define your vision
• Conduct your research
• Price your services
• Create a business plan
• Get funding
• Obtain licenses and permits
• Secure a location
• Equip your space
• Build your team
• Market your Pilates studio
• Open your doors 

Define your vision

Before you embark on your journey to open a Pilates studio, establish a clear vision of what you want. This foundational step will guide every decision you make—from the classes you offer to the community you build. Are you passionate about reformer, mat, contemporary, or HIIT Pilates? Each style comes with its own benefits and varying startup costs. Also consider who you're aiming to reach—beginners, seniors, pregnant or postnatal women, or advanced practitioners? 

Once you've chosen the style of classes you'll offer, you'll need to articulate your studio's mission, vision, and values: 

• Mission – Why does your studio exist? What purpose does it serve for your clients and community?
• Vision – What future are you working toward? This is your long-term goal or dream for your studio.
• Values – What principles will guide how your studio does business, how your team treats each other, and how you interact with clients?  

Clearly defining these elements will help you stay aligned as you build your brand, grow your client base, and make strategic decisions that support your long-term success. 

Conduct your research

Now that your vision is in place, it's time to gather the information you'll need to bring it to life. This includes researching startup costs, staffing requirements, facility needs, licensing and legal obligations, monthly operating expenses, and equipment costs. These details will be essential in helping you determine your pricing strategy and how much funding you'll need to get your Pilates studio off the ground. 

While you don't need to be a certified instructor to own a Pilates studio, having a certification can lend credibility and demonstrate your knowledge of the discipline. This is especially important if you plan to teach or want to build trust with clients and staff. Research programs such as the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) or those accredited by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) to validate your expertise and reinforce your role as a qualified studio owner. 

Research isn't just about operations; it's also key to shaping your business strategy. Take time to evaluate your local fitness landscape, target audience, and competition. Get to know your community and assess whether the area is well-suited for a Pilates studio. Since Pilates is often considered a premium fitness offering, it's important to ensure that the community you're targeting has the disposable income to afford regular classes. 

If the demand and spending power are there, take a closer look. Identify what class formats, schedules, and pricing structures appeal most to your audience. Use these insights to choose a location and design an experience that aligns with their preferences, routines, and lifestyle. 

Price your services

Setting the right pricing structure is essential to your studio's sustainability and success. Your goal is to strike a balance between covering your operating expenses, like rent, instructor pay, equipment upkeep, and utilities, while also keeping your services accessible and appealing to your target clients.  

Start by researching what other Pilates studios in your area are charging. Use this as a baseline to understand local market expectations and avoid pricing yourself too high or too low. Finding that balance ensures your offerings are competitive without undervaluing your services. 

Next, decide what types of pricing options you'll offer. Consider a mix of: 

• Drop-in or per-class rates for flexibility
• Class packs that offer a discount for clients who buy multiple sessions upfront
• Monthly memberships that provide consistent revenue and encourage regular attendance  

The right pricing strategy not only keeps your business running smoothly—it also builds trust with clients by offering value and flexibility that fits their lifestyle. 

Develop a business plan

Creating a business plan is an essential step in starting a business. It will guide your decision-making, influence your ability to secure financing, and help you stay on track. A well-structured business plan should clearly outline your objectives, services, pricing strategy, and financial outlook. Here's what to include: 

Executive summary: Summarize who you are, what type of Pilates studio you're opening, the classes you'll offer, and how you plan to achieve your goals.     

Company description and market analysis: Offer a comprehensive overview of your studio's mission, business model, services, and the audience you're targeting. Include insights from your research, such as local market demand, competition, and industry trends to demonstrate why your Pilates studio is positioned for success. 

Competitive advantage: Highlight what sets your studio apart—be it your distinctive teaching style, personalized class experience, strong community ties, or specialized wellness offerings. 

Services: Clearly outline your studio's offerings, pricing, member packages, and retail inventory details. 

Organization and management: Outline your staffing needs and highlight the qualifications of team members who will support your studio operations. Include essential resources and ongoing expenses that are required to keep operations running smoothly, like insurance, security systems, and studio management software. 

Marketing and sales: Detail your marketing plan, including strategies, costs, and responsible parties. Consider social media marketing, advertising, email campaigns, referrals, sponsorships, partnerships, and pricing.  

Financial projections and funding: Create a financial plan that outlines your startup costs, projected revenue, and break-even point. Support this information with research and five-year monthly and annual earnings forecasts. 

Get funding

Finances are often one of the most stressful parts of opening a business—but with careful planning, they don't have to be. Be thorough and realistic about your expenses and take the time to calculate exactly how much funding you'll need to get started. If your studio is in a strong location and meets a real community need, it has the potential to grow and deliver a solid return on your investment. As you plan, explore all available funding options, including:  

• Loans: Consider options like Mindbody Capital, which offers funding tailored specifically for fitness and wellness businesses looking to grow
• Grants and local funding: Explore city, state, or federal initiatives that support small business development, especially those focused on health, wellness, or women- and minority-owned startups
• Crowdfunding: Use platforms like GoFundMe or IndieGoGo to raise funds from future clients, friends, and local supporters
• Friends and family investments: Personal networks can be a valuable source of early-stage funding. Draft a formal agreement to protect relationships and clarify expectations
• Bootstrapping: Self-fund your studio using personal savings or income from part-time work. This gives you full control, though it may require more time and financial discipline  

Obtain appropriate licenses, insurance, certifications, and permits

Before opening your Pilates studio, it's important to make sure you're operating within all legal and professional guidelines. Requirements will vary based on your location, business structure, and whether you'll be teaching classes yourself, but here are some of the essentials to consider: 

• Business license: Required to legally operate your Pilates studio
• Zoning and building permits: Ensure your chosen location is approved for commercial fitness use
• Insurance coverage: This typically includes general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and worker's compensation if you employ staff. You may also want to consider equipment breakdown coverage for reformers and other Pilates equipment
• Fitness certifications: If you plan to teach, obtaining a recognized Pilates certification helps demonstrate your expertise
• CPR/AED certification: Many jurisdictions require this for fitness professionals in case of emergency 

Properly securing these credentials not only protects your business but also builds trust with clients and ensures a smooth path to opening your studio. 

Find a location

Commercial real estate costs vary by location, so research local listings—platforms like Zillow can help estimate monthly rent. Most leases require a 3–5 year commitment and a deposit equal to the first and last month's rent. You'll also need to budget $500–$1,000 for legal fees to review your lease. 

After securing a space, gather contractor bids to estimate build-out costs, which typically start around $20,000 but can be higher based on the scope of work, your design vision, and any landlord contributions to prepare the space. 

How much space is needed for a Pilates studio?  

When setting up a Pilates studio, your space requirements will largely depend on the type of Pilates classes you plan to offer. For example, if you're offering reformer Pilates, you'll need ample space to safely accommodate the machines and allow clients to move around them with ease. According to BusinessDojo, a 500-square-foot space can typically fit 8 to 10 reformers, depending on their dimensions and your layout.  

If you're focusing on mat Pilates, you'll need less equipment but should still plan for 40 to 50 square feet per client to ensure there's room for safe and comfortable movement during exercises. This spacing allows for full-body movement without clients feeling cramped or at risk of injury. For a small setup, including reformers, mat space, and a reception area, you'll likely need at least 800 to 1,000 square feet. However, to accommodate roughly 20 to 25 clients, a 1,200-square-foot space is ideal. 

Equip your space

One of the most important investments you'll make is in your equipment. Your expenses will largely depend on the type of Pilates classes you intend to offer. Mat Pilates requires minimal supplies—mainly mats and some props—while Reformer Pilates demands specialized and often expensive equipment. 

Pilates reformers come with a wide range of price points. Mid-range reformers typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000, while high-end models can range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more. These costs depend on several factors, including materials, build quality, and features. 

In addition to purchasing, many studio owners explore equipment rental options to reduce upfront costs. Renting can be a smart short-term solution if you're still validating your business model or want to conserve capital. However, over time, purchasing equipment outright can be more cost-effective, especially if you plan to expand or operate long-term. 

Take time to evaluate what's right for your studio's format and your financial plan. Whether you rent or buy, investing in the right equipment is key to delivering a high-quality experience and attracting loyal clients. 

Build your team

Be specific about responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications—including the type of Pilates certification required (e.g., NPCP or PMA-accredited), minimum training hours, and preferred years of teaching experience. This level of detail helps attract candidates who are the right fit and saves time during the hiring process. 

While licensing isn't required to teach Pilates, hiring instructors with recognized certifications and solid experience not only protects your clients but also enhances your studio's reputation. Certified instructors are more likely to deliver safe, effective, and consistent classes, which your clients will value.  

Next, decide on a compensation model that works for your business and appeals to top talent—whether that's hourly pay, per-client rates, or a combination of both. No matter the structure, prioritize building a supportive work environment where instructors feel valued, motivated, and connected to your studio's mission. 

To set your team up for success, develop an onboarding process and employee manual that clearly outline your studio's values, expectations, and day-to-day operations. This not only helps new hires feel confident and prepared but also fosters a culture of accountability, communication, and teamwork from the start.  

Once your roles, pay structure, and onboarding materials are in place, begin the hiring process by posting job openings on social media, local fitness networks, and online job boards to attract qualified candidates who align with your vision.

Market your Pilates studio

Marketing your new Pilates studio is essential for attracting clients and building a strong, engaged community. Use a mix of online and offline marketing tactics, including social media promotion, email campaigns, and local advertising, to raise awareness and communicate your studio's unique value. 

Introductory offers and special promotions are great incentives to encourage new clients to give your studio a try. Hosting open houses, free classes, or workshops can also create buzz and give potential clients a firsthand experience of your teaching style and studio atmosphere. 

To expand your reach even further, focus on networking and building relationships. Collaborate with local businesses, wellness professionals, and community organizations, and look for opportunities to participate in neighborhood events or health fairs. These efforts not only help promote your studio—they also connect you with your community and grow your client base in a meaningful, authentic way. 

Open your doors

With your studio set up and your business plan in motion, it's time for the most exciting step—opening your doors. This is your chance to make a lasting first impression and start building the Pilates community you've envisioned.  

Kick things off by hosting a grand opening event or a series of free or discounted services to introduce yourself and your offerings and generate buzz. These events help potential clients get a feel for your studio and teaching style. 

Start with a simple, strategic class schedule to make the most of your time and space. If you're also the instructor, consider teaching more classes in the beginning to build strong relationships and trust with your first clients. A focused schedule sets a manageable pace and fosters an energetic, positive environment. 

As you grow, listen to client feedback, monitor attendance patterns, and gradually expand your offerings to meet demand. Whether it's adding more classes, introducing new instructors, or testing different formats, keep evolving while staying true to your studio's mission.  

This is only the beginning, but it marks the moment that turns your vision into reality. Welcome your community and celebrate every step forward.