A Pilates studio requires more startup capital (€45,000-€90,000) due to expensive Reformer equipment , while a yoga studio is less expensive (€9,000-€45,000). Pilates offers higher class fees but typically smaller groups, while yoga has lower fees but higher volume.
Running a movement studio is a dream for many instructors and wellness entrepreneurs. But where do you start—with yoga or Pilates? Both disciplines are popular, but the practical considerations differ significantly. From start-up costs to target audience, from equipment needs to profitability. We've outlined the key differences.
Startup costs: where does your money go?
The biggest difference lies in the initial investment. A Pilates studio requires a significantly higher investment than a yoga studio, primarily due to the equipment.
For a Pilates studio, expect to spend between €45,000 and €90,000 in total startup costs. If you want a more luxurious setup with more equipment and a larger space, the total cost can reach €200,000 or more. Reformers and other equipment make up the majority of this budget.
A yoga studio can often start at €9,000 to €45,000, depending on the location and furnishings. In exceptional cases, it can reach €100,000 for a large studio, but overall, yoga is one of the more affordable fitness businesses to start.
With both studios, you have to consider rent, renovations, permits, insurance, and marketing. The main difference is the equipment, and that difference is significant.
Best choice for Pilates equipment
For anyone looking to start a Pilates studio, the Elite Reformer from Elina Pilates is an excellent choice. This professional reformer offers the perfect balance between quality and value, is stackable for optimal space utilization, and is suitable for intensive studio use.
The equipment: the heart of the difference
This is the crux of the difference between the two studio types. Pilates is all about equipment , yoga is all about space and atmosphere.
A Pilates studio needs Pilates chairs , barrels , and of course, reformers. A professional reformer costs €1,800 to €4,500 each. You'll also often need accessories. For a complete Pilates setup, expect to spend €10,000 to €30,000 or more.
A yoga studio, on the other hand, requires minimal equipment. Essentially, yoga mats and a clear floor are sufficient. Props like blocks, straps, and bolsters cost a few hundred euros in total. You can equip your entire room with basic supplies for just a few hundred euros.
Staffing needs: quality versus availability
The availability of qualified instructors differs between yoga and Pilates.
Yoga teachers are relatively easy to find. A 200-hour yoga teacher training is standard, and many instructors work freelance for multiple studios. Rates range from €30 to €50 per class.
Pilates instructors are scarce, especially for Reformer classes. A full Pilates program involves hundreds of hours of training and observation. Qualified Pilates instructors often charge €40-€70 per class, and private lessons can cost over €50 per hour.
The advice from experienced studio owners is clear: get your certification yourself before opening a studio. By gaining experience elsewhere for a few years, you'll build a network and reputation. Clients following instructors is invaluable when you're starting out.
Target group and market positioning
Both disciplines attract a predominantly female audience (70-90%), but the nuances differ.
Yoga has a broad, mainstream audience. From young mothers to seniors, from fitness enthusiasts to those looking to reduce stress. It's a familiar concept that requires little explanation. The downside: intense competition from established studios and gyms offering yoga classes.
Pilates is more selective in its audience. Often, adults over 30 who are willing to invest in their physical training. Many people are familiar with mat Pilates, but Reformer Pilates still sounds exotic. The advantage: you might be the only boutique Pilates studio in your area. The disadvantage: you have to create the market, in part, by familiarizing people with your concept.
Pilates is often associated with body improvement, core stability, and rehabilitation. Yoga is more associated with mindfulness, flexibility, and relaxation—although both disciplines naturally offer benefits.
Space layout and location
The equipment determines how you divide the space.
A Pilates studio requires a more streamlined layout. Allow approximately 5-6 m² per reformer, plus walking space. The equipment is in fixed locations, so you're limited by the number of available machines. A reformer class typically has 4-10 participants.
A yoga studio is more flexible. It's essentially an empty room where you can roll out as many mats as comfortably fit for each class. Depending on the room size, you can accommodate 10 to 30 people. A gentle class with 10 participants in the morning, a dynamic class with 20 in the evening—simply by utilizing more space.
Both studios benefit from a central, easily accessible location. Convenience is especially important for Pilates, given its often older clientele. Consider parking and ground-floor access.
Revenue models and profitability
Pilates can command higher rates. A group class often costs clients €20-30, compared to €10-15 for yoga. This partly offsets the smaller group size. Private Pilates lessons cost €60-100 per hour.
Yoga has lower rates per class, but you can serve more people at once. Unlimited monthly subscriptions (€75-120) attract regular customers.
Example calculation: 50 Pilates clients paying €150 per month = €7,500. Or 100 yoga clients paying €80 per month = €8,000. The results could be similar, only the structure differs.
The reality? Both studios barely made a profit in the first one to two years. Breaking even is already an achievement. The real reward lies not in the big money, but in building a community and seeing the impact on people.
For the professional Pilates studio
Anyone serious about starting a professional Pilates studio should consider the Balanced Body Studio Reformer . It's the Rolls Royce of reformers, with a lifetime warranty. Quality that lasts for years and convinces customers of your expertise.
Expansion possibilities
Scalability is mainly about expanding your offering or opening a second location.
Yoga studios can relatively easily add new styles or organize workshops. Pilates studios can expand to duo training or specialized programs.
Both can diversify with teacher training, retreats, online classes, or retail products . This additional income makes your studio more robust and increases client engagement.
Opening a second location essentially means starting over in terms of investment and marketing – albeit with greater brand awareness, but still a significant undertaking.
What professionals say
"The profit margins aren't great, so make sure you have a very solid business plan before you invest. I know quite a few studios that have closed," - experienced studio owner.
"If you open the studio, do you plan to teach classes yourself? Without any teaching experience, you'll miss out on a network of students you could bring with you." - Pilates instructor who opened her own studio.
"I do it out of passion, not primarily for money. Seeing people grow and transform in a space I've created is priceless." - Yoga studio owner.
Practical first steps
Whichever route you choose, start with market research. Is there enough interest in your region? What are competitors already offering? Where is a gap in the market?
First, get your instructor certification and gain experience at other studios. This will give you practical experience and a network of potential clients.
Start small and grow organically. Begin in a smaller space or with a limited schedule, validate the demand, and then expand only as classes fill up. This minimizes risk.
Plan a generous buffer for unexpected expenses. Everything costs more than you think, and building customers takes longer than you'd hope.
Both paths—yoga or Pilates—can lead to a thriving studio. The choice depends on your passion, budget, and the market in your area. With the right preparation and mindset, you can build a successful business that will bring both you and your clients years of enjoyment and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a Pilates studio?
A Pilates studio requires €45,000-€90,000 in startup capital, primarily for Reformer equipment (€1,800-€4,500 each). Yoga studios start at €9,000-€45,000 with minimal equipment costs.
What instructor training do I need?
For yoga, a 200-hour training is often sufficient, while for Pilates, you need comprehensive certification (hundreds of hours). Pilates instructors are scarcer and more expensive than yoga teachers.
Which type of studio is more profitable?
Both can have similar outcomes: Pilates charges higher fees (€20-30/class) but smaller groups, yoga lower fees (€10-15/class) but higher volume. Profitability takes 1-2 years.
How much space do I need?
Pilates studios typically charge 5-6 square meters per Reformer plus walking space. Yoga studios are more flexible: one room for 10-30 people, depending on size. Both benefit from a central location.
Can I switch from yoga to Pilates?
Yes, but this requires significant investment in Reformers and potential renovations. The reverse (Pilates to yoga) is simpler: remove the equipment, create open space, and you're done.
