Instructors who run a home-based Pilates studio...
I’ve been thinking about doing this for a LONG time, ever since I started setting up a medium sized fitness studio in my basement a few years ago. And now I’m finally at the point where I’m seriously considering opening it up to a small number of clients.
A little background: I’m a certified Personal Trainer and Mat Pilates Instructor, currently continuing my studies in anatomy/biomechanics and comprehensive classical Pilates. I’ve also completed training in a specific reformer/hot sculpt method, although I can’t use that particular method independently because of the contract I signed with the studio.
My home studio can comfortably fit about 6 people, and I’m thinking of keeping it intentionally small and intimate.
My current plan is:
Mat Pilates (ball, pilates circle, light weights, blocks, mats available for everyone)
Offering 4 classes per week
2 weekday evening classes & 2 weekend morning classes
1x/week & 2x/week memberships
Intimate, women's safe space, calm, peaceful and lofi, jazz, bossa nova vibes.
Plants, salt lamp, low soft lights, mirrors, clean bathroom/changing room.
I’m also thinking about doing a small Pilates workshop/opening event first. Something that introduces people to Pilates, the history/principles, and some foundational movements. Using that as a way to get the studio rolling and hopefully convert a few people into founding members.
For those of you who teach Pilates out of your own home/studio: what do you wish you knew BEFORE you started?
I’d especially love to hear about things that aren't obvious until you're actually doing it.
Things like:
- Scheduling/payment systems (I currently have been playing with an app called ForActive have not tried finalizing a sale or anything so would like to know what other people are using)
- Boundaries with clients when they’re coming into your home
- Taxes/business setup (I am getting liability insurance)
- Burnout or overbooking yourself
- Things you underestimated
- Things you spent money on that you absolutely didn’t need
- Things you wish you had invested in sooner
I would love to hear the “I wish someone had warned me about this” stories too.
If you run a home-based Pilates studio, I’d really appreciate hearing what worked, what didn’t, and what you would do differently if you were starting over.
Thank you!
P.S. Currently teaching at a boutique studio (Reformer & Hot Sculpt), so I have experience and great feedback from clients.