Pilates Studio Startup Costs: What to Expect

Athletes, seniors, pregnant women, and fitness newcomers alike need help to develop core strength, coordination, and flexibility — comprising quite a large market that could benefit from Pilates. With this in mind, it’s no wonder savvy wellness enthusiasts are interested in grabbing a piece of the $142.39B Pilates industry by starting a Pilates studio. However, such a business is a huge undertaking that requires more than a shoestring budget. 

The first step to turning this dream into a reality is addressing the question: how much does it cost to start a Pilates studio? This guide breaks down the one-time Pilates studio startup costs you must invest in upfront. It elaborates on equipment, rent, licensing, staff, and marketing costs necessary to get the business off the ground.

The Overall Pilates Studio Startup Costs

So, how much does it cost to start a Pilates studio? The startup cost boils down to the ultimate Pilates studio you envision. A modest studio costs between $150,000 to $500,000 or more, while a mid-sized one could fit a $100,000 budget. Still, you can opt for a simple studio providing reformer-based workouts only. Such a studio could cost around $50,000 as you only need a reformer and a mat to kick it off. 

First Thing First: Consider Equipment Costs

Equipment is a key upfront investment as it shapes the studio's layout, scope of services, and space. Here's a snapshot of the particular price tags of the foundational Pilate studio gear:

Reformer 

The reformer is the centerpiece of a Pilates Studio. Best buys range between $2,000 and $3,500 each. However, what you save in costs with these options might be lost in durability and quality, especially with heavy daily use. Professional reformers designed for studio use will cost you around $6,000.

Mat

Bargain Pilates mats cost between $22 to $25. Top-of-the-range models can go up to $100.

Trapeze Table

A professional trapeze table, also called a Cadillac, will cost much more than a basic reformer due to its greatly increased functionality. Expect to pay $10,000 or more.

Spine corrector

This versatile piece of equipment will range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a low-end option to about $750 on the premium end.

Barrels

A studio-quality Barrel costs about $2,000.

Wunda Chair

Wunda chairs are another important piece of studio equipment, with professional-grade options costing around $2,500.

Allocate 3 to 6 Months' Rent Upfront

In your first few months, revenue can be unpredictable. Saving up for three to six months of rent upfront will help you create a financial buffer. Consider the following factors when budgeting for rent:

Retail vs. commercial units

Commercial real estate units are cheaper than retail units. However, retail units have higher foot traffic, translating to higher visibility for your studio.

Space

A professional Pilates studio with reformers should cover an average of 1500 sq ft. However, maximizing a 400 to 800 sq ft space is possible. Expect to pay between $20 to $40 per square foot per month, depending on the location.

Insurance and Legal Fees

In addition to public liability insurance, you need the operating agreement, employment contracts, liability waivers, and lease agreements to run Pilates Studio. Insurance costs differ widely depending on the location. The legal fees, including essential permits and licenses and hiring a lawyer, could cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

Software and Marketing Expenses

Your marketing budget should be approximately 10% of your estimated revenue. This rule applies even for a startup Pilates Studio. For example, if you anticipate a $100,000 gross revenue, your marketing budget should be roughly $10,000. Marketing costs for Pilates Studio differ on the size of the campaign. Approximately $500 per month could fit a small business. But if you need to run a more extensive program with mailers, radio spots, and pay-per-click, you can allocate up to $60,000. The costs may differ depending on the local market size, competition, and advertising rates. The average software monthly budget for most Pilates studios ranges between $50 to $200 per month, depending on the provider.

Staffing Costs

You need at least two kinds of staff members to operate a Pilates studio smoothly: front desk staff and Pilates instructors. For smaller operations, owners can handle both functions, but larger studios will need to plan for about 20 billable hours per week for instructors and 30 weekly billable hours for the front desk staff. Junior instructors earn between $15–30, depending on the location. Senior instructors earn $25-$50 hourly. Front desk assistants earn between $12 to $33, depending on the list of services offered and location. Your final budget will depend on how many employees you bring on board.

What's Next After Estimating Pilates Studio Startup Costs?

Now that you know how much it costs to start a Pilates studio, it's time to bring your dream studio to life with BASI Systems’ high-quality Pilates equipment. Whether you need reformers, chairs, mats, or accessories, you can count on BASI Systems to provide the ultimate in durability, function and aesthetics. Contact us for a 1-on-1 consultation, or if you're located in the USA, explore our collections on bodynetworx.com.