How Much Does It Cost to Open a Pilates Studio?”
Opening a Pilates studio is a big leap, and the cost to open a Pilates studio is often more complex than it first appears. Beyond reformers and real estate, there are early decisions that quietly shape your financial flexibility, risk exposure, and long-term options as an owner.
If you’re feeling unsure about whether you’ve accounted for everything, you’re not alone. This is a major investment, and successful owners are informed.
This guide goes beyond a simple startup checklist to help you understand what opening a Pilates studio really entails, and why clarity upfront can save you time, stress, and money down the road.
Disclaimer: All financial figures are estimates based on verified 2025-2026 data and publicly available Pilates studio information. They are not official disclosures or guarantees from Boutique Fitness Broker.
What Is the Average Cost to Open a Pilates Studio?
So, how much does it cost to open a Pilates studio? In most U.S. markets, the Pilates studio cost typically falls into one of three ranges:
On the low end, Reformer Pilates studios may open for around $150,000–$200,000 by minimizing build-out, buying used equipment, and starting small.
On the high end, fully custom spaces in higher-rent markets can reach $350,000–$450,000+, especially with premium finishes and brand-new equipment.
Most studios land somewhere in the middle—often $200,000–$300,000—depending on location, size, and business model.
What pushes a studio into each range usually comes down to lease terms, build-out scope, and equipment choices. In our experience, studios that aim for the lowest possible startup cost often pay for it later in slower growth or limited exit options.
The most resilient studios tend to sit in the middle, neither overbuilt nor under-resourced. When thinking about how much does it cost to start a Pilates studio, the goal isn’t to spend the least. It’s to spend in ways that preserve flexibility and options over time.
Pilates Equipment Costs
Machines, Reformers, and What You Actually Need.
Equipment is simultaneously the most visible part of a Pilates studio’s startup budget and one of the most misunderstood. From a buyer and lender perspective, equipment isn’t about having the newest or most expensive machines. It’s about whether your setup supports consistent revenue and predictable operations.
Not all equipment spend translates to long-term value, and buyers notice the difference quickly. Studios that invest thoughtfully—without over- or under-building—tend to have more flexibility later, whether that’s refinancing, expanding, or eventually selling.
How Much Does a Pilates Reformer Cost?
When people ask, “How much does a Pilates reformer cost?” they’re usually referring to the core piece of equipment used in most studio classes. For Pilates studios, commercial-grade reformers designed for daily use typically range from about $3,000 to $6,000 each, with some premium models pushing a bit higher depending on brand and features.
Refurbished or used reformers can often come in at a lower price point, sometimes 30–50% less than new units, but it’s important to inspect condition and safety carefully before buying.
Most studios operate with 8–16 reformers, depending on market expectations and room size. Many new studios start with 8–12 and expand over time as utilization increases.
As you compare prices, remember that cost isn’t all that matters. You need equipment that’s reliable, serviceable, and appropriate for your business, which also tends to support smoother operations and resale value later. The cheapest option isn’t always the most affordable once maintenance and downtime are factored in.
How Much Does Pilates Equipment Cost Overall?
In addition to reformers, most Pilates studios need a range of supporting equipment to run classes smoothly and safely. These costs are often smaller line items on their own—but together, they can meaningfully impact your startup budget.
For many new studios, additional Pilates equipment costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on studio size, class formats, and how extensively the space is outfitted. Industry startup guides from Pilates equipment providers and fitness business platforms consistently land in this range for independent studios.
Compared to building from scratch, purchasing a studio with equipment already in place often reduces both upfront costs and the time it takes to begin generating revenue.
These costs often include:
Ancillary equipment: Chairs, barrels, towers, mats, rings, bands, balls, and small props
Shipping and delivery: Especially for heavier or oversized items
Installation and setup: Reformer assembly, wall-mounted systems, storage
Ongoing maintenance: Replacement parts, wear-and-tear items, and periodic servicing
Where studios tend to run into trouble is underestimating these “secondary” costs early on. When they’re overlooked, they can create unnecessary cash-flow pressure later, often during the first year, when revenue is still stabilizing. Taking a realistic, all-in view of Pilates equipment costs upfront helps reduce surprises and supports smoother operations over time.
Explore available Pilates business listings.
Build-Out, Rent, and Location Costs of a Pilates Studio
Build-out and real estate costs are often where Pilates studio budgets stretch the furthest, and where it’s easiest to mistake visual impact for long-term value. Boutique studio build-outs commonly range from $80 to $150 per square foot, depending on how much construction is required (flooring, mirrors, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, sound, signage, and finish level).
Most boutique Pilates studios fall between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, and buyers are very familiar with this range. From a buyer perspective, the question isn’t “how beautiful is the space?”, it’s how efficiently the space converts rent into revenue.
Beyond base rent, most leases include a tenant improvement (TI) allowance, which is the amount a landlord contributes toward preparing the space for your studio. TI funds may help cover things like walls, flooring, lighting, plumbing, or HVAC, but they’re often limited and rarely cover everything. Any gap comes out of your pocket, increasing upfront costs.
Lease rates vary widely by city and building, but many boutique fitness spaces fall between $15 and $50 per square foot annually, with additional monthly charges (like CAM fees) on top. Landlords also often require 2–6 months of rent upfront (security deposit and/or first/last month), especially for new businesses.
A few parts of a lease can have a bigger impact than you initially realize:
Very long leases that are hard to change later
Extra fees (like CAM charges) that aren’t clearly explained
Being personally responsible for the lease beyond the business itself
Restrictions on transferring the lease if you ever want to sell
Not enough time left on the lease to feel secure long-term
Some studios require only a light build-out to get started, while others take on full construction projects that significantly raise both risk and spend. Ongoing costs matter just as much. CAM charges—short for common area maintenance—are recurring fees that cover shared property expenses like parking, landscaping, and property management. These charges can fluctuate year to year and add meaningfully to monthly overhead.
Location plays a role beyond visibility. Buyers consistently value flexibility more than aesthetics, especially when it comes to lease terms, rent escalations, and transfer rights. We often see beautifully built studios struggle to sell because the lease terms are too rigid. Not because demand is lacking. Build-outs should support revenue, not just brand expression.
Pilates Studio Startup Cost Estimates
| Category | Low Estimate (USD) | High Estimate (USD) |
Notes Based on verified 2025 data and boutique studio industry averages. Figures are estimates only. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Startup Range Estimate | ~$180,000 | $620,000+ | Includes first-year costs such as equipment, lease, licensing, pre-opening staffing, and build-out. |
| Reformer Costs | $24,000 | $96,000 | 8-16 units @ $3,000-$6,000 each. Number of reformers needed will vary by studio size. |
| Additional Equipment and Props | $10,000 | $30,000 | These estimates include shipping/installation costs. |
| Studio Lease (Annual) | $22,500 | $100,000+ | ~1,500 ft² at approximately $15–$50/ft² per year (Gymdesk). Actual rates vary by market and property type. |
| Renovation and Build-Out | $96,000 | $300,000+ | 1,200 ft²-2,000 ft² at a typical boutique build-out estimate of $80–$150/ft² depending on size and extent of renovations (flooring, lighting, mirrors, signage, décor). |
| Instrutor Training and Onboarding | $7,000 | $25,000 | Four part-time instructors plus owner-led management. These estimates do include pre-opening payroll, but do not include payroll for the entire first year, which depends on number of instructors and class rates. |
| Scheduling and Billing Software (Annual) | $1,200 | $4,800 | $100–$400/month for tools that provide comprehensive tools for a funcitonal studio with multiple instructors. |
| Insurance, Legal, and Licensing (Annual) | $3,000 | $8,000 | Liability insurance, permits, entity setup, lease review. |
| Utilities and Cleaning Services | $18,000 | $54,000 | Examples and estimates of these costs include ~$1.5K–$4.5K/month for electricity, HVAC, water, Wi-Fi, janitorial. |
Staffing, Software, and Operating Expenses Before You Open
Before the first class is ever taught, most Pilates studios begin spending money on people, systems, and compliance. These are the costs that often create the most anxiety, because they show up before revenue starts.
Planning for them early helps protect cash flow during the most fragile phase of opening and reduces the pressure to rush decisions just to get the doors open.
Payroll is often one of the largest expenses in Year 1, and many studios reach six figures annually once a full schedule and staffing coverage are in place.
Pre-Opening Payroll
Pre-opening payroll covers wages paid before your studio officially opens. This typically includes time spent:
Hiring and onboarding instructors and staff
Training on equipment, class formats, and studio systems
Building schedules and preparing for launch
This matters because opening day rarely works without a team that’s already trained and aligned. For many studios, pre-opening payroll ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on team size and how early staff is brought on. Whe
n this cost is underestimated, financial strain often shows up early.
Instructor Training and Onboarding
Instructor training and onboarding includes both paid training time and any required education needed to teach confidently and safely in your space. This may involve:
Paid training hours or shadowing
Certifications or continuing education
Time spent learning your studio’s specific approach and standards
Costs vary, but many studios budget $2,000 to $10,000 for initial training and onboarding. Thoughtful investment here supports consistency, safety, and retention - three factors that matter day to day and later when a studio is evaluated by lenders or buyers.
Scheduling and Billing Software
Scheduling and billing software acts as the operational backbone of a Pilates studio. These systems typically handle:
Class bookings and waitlists
Memberships, packages, and payments
Client data and reporting
Monthly costs for scheduling and billing software usually range from $100 to $400 per month, depending on features and studio size. Beyond convenience, software choices influence reporting accuracy, lender confidence, and buyer diligence later. Clean data and consistent financial reporting make a studio easier to operate and easier to evaluate.
Pilates Insurance, Legal, and Licensing Costs
Insurance, legal, and licensing expenses are baseline compliance costs. They don’t drive growth, but they protect the business and reduce risk. These costs typically cover:
Pilates business insurance, including liability and injury protection
Legal setup, such as entity formation and contracts
Licensing and permits, required at the local or state level
Most studios budget $3,000 to $8,000 annually for these compliance items. Annual licensing generally applies to independent studios, while franchising includes additional brand and system fees. Getting these foundations right early supports ongoing protection and helps keep the business transaction-ready in the future.
Hidden Costs First-Time Pilates Studio Owners Often Miss
When people research the cost to open a Pilates studio, most of the focus goes on visible expenses like equipment and rent. What’s easier to miss are the quieter costs that show up after opening and heavily impact how stressful the first year feels.
It’s common for studios to take longer than expected to reach consistent profitability, which can create an owner income gap where the business is covering expenses but not yet paying the owner reliably. Lease inflexibility can add pressure too, especially if rent escalates faster than revenue.
And if financial records aren’t clean early on, financing options may be more limited than anticipated. None of this means you’ve failed. These challenges are common and avoidable with early planning.
Pilates Startup Decisions That Quietly Kill Studio Value
Some early choices have an outsized impact later, even if everything feels “fine” at the start:
Overbuilding for aesthetics instead of margins, which increases costs without increasing revenue
Structuring the business entirely around the owner, making it harder to step away or scale
Signing leases, buyers won’t assume, limiting flexibility down the road
Most of these issues aren’t fatal, but they are expensive to fix later. These are common mistakes, and they’re avoidable with thoughtful decisions early in the process.
Build vs Buy: Is Opening a Pilates Studio Always the Best Option?
When people think about opening a Pilates studio, they often assume building from scratch is the only path. In reality, buying an existing studio is another option worth understanding, especially for owners who value stability and speed. Each approach comes with different tradeoffs.
Building a studio from scratch often means:
Higher upfront startup costs
Delayed revenue while the studio ramps up
Full creative control over brand, layout, and programming
Buying an existing studio tends to offer:
Cash flow from day one
Established systems, staff, and members
More favorable financing options due to operating history
Over time, these differences affect flexibility. Lenders typically feel more comfortable financing businesses with a track record, which can make acquisitions easier to fund than startups. Building makes sense when creative control matters most; buying often makes sense when speed and predictability matter more.
Many owners don’t realize buying can reduce risk, not increase it. Neither path is better, but understanding both helps you choose the option that aligns with your goals now and preserves options later.
How Early Cost Decisions Impact Your Future
Many Pilates studio owners don’t think about an eventual exit when they’re getting started, and that’s completely normal. But the reality is that exit planning is just good business planning. The way a studio is built, staffed, and financed early on often determines how flexible it will be later, whether that means refinancing, expanding, or eventually selling.
Studios that sell typically share a few traits:
They’re not overbuilt
They aren’t overly dependent on the owner
Their costs support consistent, predictable operations
Overinvesting in build-out or tying too much of the business to one person can limit options down the road. Studios that sell for more were usually structured with flexibility in mind. And even if you never sell, optionality is a powerful asset that gives owners more control over their time, income, and next chapter.
Do You Want to Start a Pilates Studio?
The true cost of opening a Pilates studio is more than a number. It’s a series of decisions that shape how the business operates, grows, and adapts over time. From equipment and build-out to staffing, software, and lease structure, each choice affects not only your startup budget but your flexibility as an owner.
Wanting to get this right means your head and heart are already in the right place. We’ve seen what works, what stalls, and what sells—and we help owners make decisions with clarity at every stage.
Whether you’re planning to open or considering buying an existing studio, understanding long-term value early can save you six figures later. Explore current Pilates studio listings. Or, schedule a consultation to talk through your goals and options.
Boutique Fitness Broker
At Boutique Fitness Broker, we specialize in helping fitness and wellness entrepreneurs navigate every stage of ownership. Whether you’re exploring a brand-new Pilates concept or considering the purchase of an existing studio, we’ll help you:
Understand real market costs and opportunities
Connect with qualified buyers or sellers
Move forward with confidence, knowing you’re making an informed decision
Our team understands this industry because we’ve been in it. We know what it takes to build a profitable studio, the financial realities behind it, and the heart that goes into making it thrive.
