How Many Reformers to Start? Open a Profitable Pilates Studio!

Do you dream of opening your own Pilates studio but get lost in a maze of questions? One of the most important questions that future owners ask themselves is: “How many reformers should I buy to start?”. This question seems simple at first, but its answer has a huge impact on the profitability and long-term success of your business. Don’t worry, we will guide you through this process step by step, based on proven solutions and a concept that has helped many entrepreneurs successfully launch their businesses. 

Small studio, big success – why does it make sense? 

Before we get into specific numbers, let’s talk about the concept that is revolutionizing the small Pilates studio market – Small Studio Concept by Balanced Body. What is it about? It’s an approach that proves you don’t need a huge space and dozens of pieces of equipment to succeed. On the contrary! More and more clients appreciate an intimate, cozy atmosphere where they can count on a personalized approach. Why should you consider a boutique studio? 

• Lower initial costs
  Fewer pieces of equipment mean a smaller initial investment. It also allows you to rent a smaller, and thus cheaper, space. The saved funds can be allocated to strategic actions such as effective local marketing, professional training for instructors, or attractive equipment that will actually attract clients. This significantly lowers the entry threshold into the business.

• Greater intimacy and personalized approach
  Small groups provide a greater chance to build a strong, loyal community. Clients feel special, and instructors can focus on the individual needs and progress of each one. This creates a bond and satisfaction, which in turn leads to long-term cooperation and referrals.

• Easier management and flexibility
  A smaller studio means less logistics, less equipment to maintain, and easier schedule organization. You can focus on what matters most: developing your business and your passion for Pilates. A small studio also offers greater flexibility in choosing the offering, from group classes to one-on-one sessions. 

So, how many reformers to start? Our recommendation – step by step 

The answer to this question depends on your goals, location, and available budget. Based on the successes of our clients in Poland and around the world, we most often recommend two options to start. 

Option 1: Micro-studio (1-2 reformers) 

An ideal solution if you are starting in a smaller town, planning to operate as a boutique studio that will gradually grow, or have a limited budget. It’s also a great idea for expanding the offerings of places that have been running mat classes for a long time and want to take a step further. 

• Who is it for?
  For beginner entrepreneurs who want to test the market, conduct classes in an intimate atmosphere, or focus on personal training and duets. It works perfectly in smaller towns where competition is lower, and clients are looking for more personalized services. However, remember that often it’s not the size of the studio, but the teacher’s skills that determine the popularity of a place.

• What classes can you conduct?
  Personal training or duets. With two reformers, you can simultaneously conduct a personal session and a small 2-person group. This is also an ideal option if you want to conduct physiotherapy or rehabilitation using Pilates equipment. In that case, one-on-one or at most two-person work is essential. 

You can start with even 1 reformer and gradually purchase additional equipment as the studio develops. This is perfectly illustrated by the Small Studio Concept 1 – with one reformer and EXO Chair. You can fill the rest of the space in the premises with mats and Pilates Arc, conducting mat Pilates, for example, in duets. This budget option allows for an easily accessible start and gaining experience as an entrepreneur. 

Option 2: Small studio (2-4 reformers) 

This is the most popular model to start. It works well in both larger and smaller towns (+10,000 residents). It’s also a good idea for a so-called neighborhood studio, where a few thousand people live. If the size of the premises allows for gradual scaling, i.e., purchasing 1-2 more reformers in the future, it will be an ideal option for growth to expand groups. This is a more expensive option, so you need to consider the increased financial outlay. 

• Who is it for?
  For entrepreneurs who want to enter the market immediately with a broader offering, conduct classes in groups of 2-4 people, and achieve higher profitability in a shorter time. This is an ideal option for cities where clients expect a wider range of group classes.

• What classes can you conduct?
  Group classes for several people, which significantly increases financial efficiency. With such a setup, you can also allocate time for personal sessions, allowing for maximum use of equipment and flexibility in scheduling. 

Of course, if you have the means or a financing idea, it’s worth considering opening a studio with 6-8, or even 10 reformers. This is the effect of scale – the larger the groups you can conduct, the more profit you have from single classes. 

Let’s translate this into profits – a concrete case study 

To better illustrate the potential, let’s do a simple calculation based on average market rates. 

Case Study: Pilates studio in Warsaw with 4 reformers 

• You run 4 blocks of group classes daily, with 4 people in each. 
• The average price for group classes in Warsaw is 90-130 PLN. Let’s assume 110 PLN. 
• 4 sessions x 4 people x 110 PLN = 1760 PLN daily. 
• Monthly, with 22 working days, that’s already 38,720 PLN in revenue! 

Note! The calculations assume full occupancy and attendance of all groups – in reality, it can vary, so treat these calculations purely theoretically.

 
Remember that personal training sessions, which are often more expensive and have a higher margin, are also included. This is just a simple example, but it shows that even with a small number of pieces of equipment, you can generate solid revenue that will quickly cover the investment costs. 

Not just reformers – consider studio development from the start! 

Although reformers are the heart of every studio, don’t forget about the other equipment that allows for even more comprehensive training. Pilates is a system where every machine, as well as the mat, has its place. Therefore, when thinking about the studio in the long term, it is worth equipping it over time with additional equipment, besides reformers: 

Pilates Mats

They enable mat classes and training with small props. This is a great way to expand your offerings. If you’re worried about space because your location is small, focus on reformers from the very beginning, which you can easily store vertically or stack one on top of another (Allegro, Allegro 2) 

Small Props

Rollers, magic circle, Pilates Arc, balls, bands – these are small but extremely useful tools that will diversify your classes and increase their value for clients. 

Springboard

If you’re thinking about maximizing space, Springboard from Balanced Body is the perfect solution. It allows for vertical training without the need for a large space. This is an excellent idea for expanding your offerings as your studio begins to grow. 

Barrels, Chairs, Towers

A comprehensive approach to Pilates does not end with reformers. There is a reason Joseph Pilates developed smaller equipment, such as: Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Arm Chair, or Ped-o-Pull.    

Cadillac or Trapeze Table

Although this is a larger investment, having one Cadillac in the studio opens the door to advanced personal and rehabilitative training. You can leave this piece of equipment for the future. The Cadillac will attract more demanding clients and elevate the prestige of your brand. 

Ready to get started? We are with you! 

Planning and opening a studio is an exciting yet demanding journey. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Balanced Body Polska, as the only official distributor of the Balanced Body brand, we are here to support you. From choosing the right equipment, through professional instructor training, to business advice – we have everything you need to launch with a strong impact. 

Contact us via email: kontakt@bbpl.local or by phone: 881 606 800; 881 797 400 – let’s talk about your vision and together create a studio that will succeed. We are ready to help you realize your dream!