Thinking of opening a studio? Here’s What to Know First

Opening a Pilates studio can be exciting but also overwhelming. There’s the vision you have in your head. A calm, welcoming space where people create wellness routines that become part of their lives. Do you already have a wellness space? Adding Pilates to your gym or studio can help you attract more clients. 

Then there’s everything behind it. Think about costs, equipment, scheduling, clients, and growth. If you’re thinking about opening your own studio, it helps to step back and consider what actually goes into it before you begin. This guide will walk you through how to start a Pilates studio. 

How to Start a Pilates Studio in 8 Steps

Learn exactly how to start a Pilates studio, step by step. 

1. Define your studio concept

2. Research your market and audience

3. Understand your costs and budget

4. Choose the right location

5. Invest in reformers and equipment

6. Plan your classes, pricing, and schedule

7. Set up your business and legal requirements

8. Launch, then grow over time

Step 1: Define the Studio You Want to Create

Before anything else, take a step back and think about what you actually want to build because not all studios are the same. Some focus on small-group reformer classes and private sessions, while others offer a more fitness-focused experience.

Your direction shapes everything that follows, including your pricing, layout, schedule, and the kind of clients you attract.

Step 2: Understand the Costs Involved

Opening a Pilates studio is an investment. Costs can vary widely depending on your location and setup. Planning this early helps avoid surprises later.

Costs often include:

• reformer machines and additional equipment 

• rent and deposits

• renovations and design

• insurance and licenses

• marketing and branding

• booking and management software
  

It’s not just about opening your doors. It’s about sustaining the space over time.

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

Location plays a bigger role than most people expect. It’s not just about visibility. It’s about how your clients experience getting there.

A good location should feel easy to access, comfortable to return to, and aligned with the kind of experience you want to create. You don’t need a large space. You need one that works. Find a space that’s accessible and fits the experience you want to create.

Step 4: Invest in the Right Equipment

Your equipment is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Reformers are the foundation of your studio. 

They’re what your classes are built around. It can be tempting to fill a space right away, but starting with fewer high-quality machines is often the better approach. You can always grow your setup over time.

Good to know: At Forme, our reformers are built to commercial-grade standards with premium, sustainably sourced materials. Get better-designed jump boards and superior springs developed and tested by experts (instructors and product specialists).

Step 5: Build a Simple, Sustainable Class Structure

Your schedule and pricing model shape how your studio runs day to day.

You might offer:

• class packs

• monthly memberships

• private sessions

• introductory offers
  

It’s also important to think about capacity. How many clients can you realistically serve each day?  How many classes can you maintain consistently? A simple, sustainable structure is easier to manage and easier to grow.

Step 6: Start Small and Let It Grow

You don’t need to launch everything at once. Many studios begin with fewer classes, a smaller schedule, and a limited number of top-quality reformers. From there, they grow based on demand. Starting smaller gives you space to learn what works and adjust as you go.

Step 7: Set Up Your Business and Legal Requirements

Before opening your doors, it’s important to make sure everything is set up properly behind the scenes. The set-up usually includes registering your business, arranging the right insurance, and confirming that your space meets local council requirements.

Set up may involve:

• registering your business

• setting up insurance

• meeting health and safety requirements 

• checking zoning and permits

Step 8: Launch, Then Grow Over Time

You don’t need to have everything fully built from day one. Many studios begin with a smaller setup and grow gradually as demand increases.

Starting this way gives you space to refine your schedule, understand your clients, and build something that feels sustainable long term.

What Actually Makes a Pilates Studio Successful?

It’s easy to focus on the visible parts of a studio. But what brings people back is how the experience feels.

Successful studios tend to have a clear identity. They understand who they’re for and create an environment that feels consistent, welcoming, and easy to return to. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, they focus on doing a few things well and doing them consistently.

That often looks like:

• knowing your ideal client and what they’re looking for

• offering high-quality, thoughtful sessions

• creating a space people feel comfortable in

• building a routine clients can rely on
  

At the same time, there’s the day-to-day side of running a studio. Behind every class, there are ongoing responsibilities that keep everything moving. You will have to manage bookings and schedules, maintain equipment, cover rent, and handle everything else behind the scenes of running a Pilates studio. A successful studio isn’t just one that looks good at the start. 

Is a Physical Studio the Only Option?

Not necessarily. More people are building hybrid models that include online classes, on-demand content, and smaller in-person spaces. This creates flexibility for you and your clients.

With Forme, that idea becomes even more accessible. Instead of relying entirely on a physical location, movement can extend beyond the studio. Clients can continue their practice at home, with the same level of guidance and structure. It becomes less about one space and more about a complete experience. At Forme, we also have Move Display screens. Many studios are using screens and our Forme Go™ platform to utilise their space outside peak studio hours for virtual classes. 

Key Takeaways

Before you start a Pilates studio, remember that it’s about building something that works for you long term. Start with a clear vision and plan carefully. Focus on consistency and create a space people want to come back to. Opening a studio doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. You can start small, stay focused, and build something that evolves.

If you’re ready to open a Pilates studio, Forme is here to support you. We’re experts in this space and have helped open a lot of successful studios. Use our experience and knowledge to help you on your journey. Start with equipment built for long-term performance. Explore specs, pricing, and delivery.

If you’re considering a home Pilates machine, check out our range of Pilates reformers, get in contact with us for commercial pricing or visit one of our Forme Showrooms. 

written by Steph Taylor, published on 26-03-2026

Steph Taylor is one of our Forme Go™ Reformer Pilates Instructors. She has been instructing Reformer Pilates classes for the past 6 years. One of the main things she loves about Reformer Pilates is that it is such a low impact form of exercise, so anyone can do it.

"It doesn't matter if you are a total beginner or have been doing Reformer Pilates for a long time, there is always something for everyone!"