Article: How I Would Start a Pilates Studio

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FitBoutique Space Black commercial reformer in a boutique Pilates studio

Aug 20, 2026Commercial Reformers

How I Would Start a Pilates Studio

Every month I talk to someone who wants to open a reformer studio, and I love those conversations. After five years at FitBoutique helping studios across Australia get set up, I have watched the ones that thrive and the ones that struggle, and the difference is rarely talent. It is planning. So here is exactly how I would start a Pilates studio if I were doing it myself, step by step.

In this article

Start with who it is for
Find the right space
Do the numbers early
Choose equipment that survives
Sort the boring essentials
Launch before you feel ready
Frequently asked questions

Start with who it is for

Before the lease and the machines, decide who your studio serves. A beginners-first studio, an athletic performance space and a gentle over-fifties studio are three different businesses with different pricing, playlists and instructors. The studios I see fill their books fastest are the ones a specific person feels was built for them. Pick your person first and every later decision, location, colours, class styles, gets easier.

Find the right space

You need less floor than most people budget for. Each reformer wants roughly a two by three metre zone including walking room, so a modest tenancy can hold six to eight machines comfortably. Look for ground floor access for delivery day, decent ceilings, and parking or public transport nearby, because convenience fills classes as reliably as good teaching. Natural light is the cheapest interior design you will ever get.

Do the numbers early

Build a simple plan before you commit, rent, fit out, equipment, insurance, software and wages against realistic class prices and attendance. Run it at half full classes, not full ones, and make sure it still survives. Reformers are the heart of your fit out spend, and it is genuinely a case of buy once, cry once. Machines that handle years of daily classes cost less over five years than cheap ones replaced twice, and your maintenance headaches stay near zero.

The studios that thrive are rarely the most talented. They are the ones that planned like a business and bought equipment that survives daily classes.

Choose equipment that survives

Home machines and commercial machines are different animals. A studio reformer runs back to back classes all day, so it needs a commercial grade frame, quality wheels and springs that hold their resistance through thousands of sessions. Ours are built to one commercial standard with German made springs, arrive fully assembled, and are backed by a five year warranty with spare parts held in Melbourne, so a machine issue never takes a class off your timetable for long. Browse the commercial reformer range to see what studios typically run.

Sort the boring essentials

The unglamorous list matters, booking software your clients can use in ten seconds, public liability and equipment insurance, instructor agreements, music licensing and a cancellation policy you actually enforce. None of it is fun, all of it protects you. Do it before opening week, not after your first no-show argument.

Launch before you feel ready

Finally, open sooner than feels comfortable. A founding member offer, a few weeks of buzz on local social media and a genuinely warm first class beat a perfect launch six months late. Studios grow by word of mouth, and word of mouth needs mouths in the room. And truly, lean on us. FitBoutique has spent five years helping Australian studios open, from picking machines and colours to delivery logistics, and looking after studio owners is the part of this job I love most. Reach out before you sign anything and we will help you plan it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a Pilates studio?

Decide who the studio serves, find a space with good access, build a financial plan that survives half full classes, invest in commercial grade reformers, sort insurance, software and policies, then launch with a founding member offer.

How much space does a reformer studio need?

Allow roughly a two by three metre zone per reformer including walking room, so six to eight machines fit comfortably in a modest tenancy.

What equipment does a studio need?

Commercial grade reformers are the core, machines built for daily high frequency use with quality springs and wheels. Ours arrive fully assembled with a five year warranty and spare parts held in Melbourne.

Can FitBoutique help me set up a studio?

Yes. We have spent five years helping Australian studios get started, from choosing machines and colours to delivery. Get in touch through the commercial range page and we will help you plan your fit out.

Opening a Studio? Talk to Us

Five years helping Australian studios open, commercial grade reformers with a five year warranty and spare parts held in Melbourne.

Explore Commercial Reformers

KEY SUMMARY

How I would start a Pilates studio, from choosing who it serves to the commercial reformers that survive daily classes, after five years helping Australian studios open.

Written by Ayrah Yuso

I'm part of the FitBoutique team and have a solid passion (and love) for all things exercise related, including Reformer Pilates

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Reformer Pilates Range

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Woman exercising on a Pilates reformer machine with resistance bands.

Onyx Fold Reformer

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Onyx Reformer

$2,999.00 AUD

$3,299.00 AUD

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Ivory Reformer

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Sienna Reformer

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Maple Crest Reformer

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$2,399.00 AUD

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The Studio Reformer

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Pilates Chair

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Cadillac Reformer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Maple frame and Aluminium frame reformers?

The main difference is the frame material and feel.

Our Maple Crest feature a full maple timber frame, are slightly more compact, and come with 5 springs. They have a warmer aesthetic and suit home environments beautifully.

Our Aluminium models have a heavier duty commercial feel and come with 6 springs. They are slightly more robust in appearance and commonly chosen for studio style setups.

Performance wise, both deliver the same workout experience. It simply comes down to your preferred look and feel.

What’s the difference between the Ivory, White Edition the Onyx Fold Reformer?

All three models share the same core specifications, performance, and commercial grade build. They all feature an aluminium frame, 6 springs, and the same carriage system.

The difference comes down to the finish and design.

The Onyx Fold is fully black for a sleek, modern look.
The Ivory features maple detailing through the centre for a softer contrast.
The White Edition has a white frame with a clean, light aesthetic.

Performance, strength, and functionality are the same across all three. It simply comes down to which colourway best suits your space.

Is the Ivory Reformer enough for beginners?

Absolutely! The Ivory Reformer is an excellent choice for beginners and home use. It offers great performance and quality, making it perfect for those new to reformer Pilates.

If I order today, can I choose or change my delivery date?

Yes, we can absolutely work with your preferred delivery date. Once your order is ready to ship, we’ll coordinate with our shipping partners to align the delivery as closely as possible to the date you’ve requested.

Please note:

Deliveries are ultimately carried out by third-party couriers, so exact dates can’t always be guaranteed.
What we can do is dispatch your order on a specific day to get it to you as close as possible to your preferred timeframe.
If you have a special date in mind (such as moving into a new space or setting up a studio), let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to match it.
For larger studio orders, we can also hold until you’re ready for delivery.

This way, you can plan with confidence knowing your reformer will arrive when it suits you best.

How do I know when my reformer will be delivered?

Once your reformer is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number. Our freight partner will contact you directly to arrange delivery, so you'll know exactly when to expect your reformer.

Are both the Ivory Reformer and the Onyx Fold Reformer easy to fold and move?

Yes! Both reformers are designed for easy folding and portability.

What are the key features of FitBoutique Reformer Pilates Machines?

FitBoutique offers a range of Reformer Pilates Machines, including the Onyx, Ivory, and Foldable Reformers. Each model is designed with adjustable resistance settings, a sturdy frame, and a comfortable padded surface to enhance your workout experience. The machines also feature a variety of attachments to accommodate different exercises and fitness levels

What are the benefits of using a Reformer Pilates Machine?

Using a Reformer Pilates Machine can significantly improve your strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Studies indicate that regular Pilates practice can enhance core stability by up to 30%, improve posture, and reduce the risk of injury. The adjustable resistance allows for a tailored workout that can be adapted to individual fitness levels and goals.

How is shipping handled for the Reformer Pilates Machines?

FitBoutique provides shipping for all Reformer Pilates Machines. All reformers are trackable, and once dispatched, you will receive your tracking details. All machines are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. If you have any questions, just reach out, we are happy to help.