Opening a Pilates studio is one of the most exciting milestones in your journey as a wellness entrepreneur. But between market research, positioning your brand, finding the right location, hiring staff, and creating your online presence, it can feel overwhelming.
One of the most important, and inspiring, steps is deciding how to equip your studio with the right tools for success. The equipment you choose will shape your client experience, define your programming potential, and set the tone for your brand from day one.
This guide walks you through the key equipment choices every new Pilates studio owner faces. You will learn which pieces form the foundation of your studio from day one, and what incremental investments you can make over time to expand your programming, attract new clients, and support long-term growth.
Essential Pilates Equipment Every Studio Needs
When opening your Pilates studio for the first time, the key is to balance versatility, quality, and scalability. With the right Pilates equipment and carefully chosen Pilates accessories, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re giving your instructors the tools to create meaningful client experiences while investing in an ecosystem that supports sustainable business growth.
Reformers
The Pilates Reformer is the cornerstone of nearly every successful Pilates studio. A set of six Reformers offers a strong foundation, allowing you to run small group classes while maintaining personalized instruction and attention to clients.
- SPX® Max Reformer: Compact and ideal for high-efficiency group training.
- V2 Max™ Reformer: Designed for versatility and comfort, accommodating a wide range of clients and programming styles.
Reformer Accessories
Pilates Jumpboards are a favorite among clients in many markets because they bring cardio into the Pilates Reformer workout without the need for additional machines. The Cardio-Tramp® Rebounder is another option, offering controlled bounce that engages the muscles while reducing joint and spinal compression.
Both tools open the door to dynamic, low-impact Pilates cardio workouts that can expand your programming from day one.
Versatile Fitness Accessories
Small props. Big impact. The right mix of premium quality accessories empower your instructors to adapt sessions, support clients at every level, and deliver variety, that keeps classes engaging. A core starter set includes:
These essential Pilates studio accessories allow you to tailor sessions, meet clients where they are, and create a consistent sense of progress that supports retention and long-term loyalty.
Pilates Expansion Equipment to Grow Your Studio
As your studio grows, and you’re ready to diversify, adding equipment that supports expanded programming can help your studio serve more specialized needs, create additional revenue streams, and keep your classes dynamic.
Cadillac
Often described as one of the most versatile pieces in Pilates, the Cadillac (Trapeze Table) allows you to offer everything from gentle rehabilitation sessions to highly advanced repertoire. It is especially valuable if you plan to serve clients recovering from injury, older adults, or anyone looking for targeted mobility and strength work.
V2 Max Plus™ Reformer
The V2 Max Plus Reformer with Vertical Frame combines the functionality of a Reformer with the versatility of a Cadillac, enhancing the programming options you can provide for your clients. Studio owners often choose it when they’re ready to add advanced Pilates repertoire or launch rehabilitation and specialty Pilates programs that set their studio apart.
Split-Pedal Stability Chair™
Compact yet powerful, the Split-Pedal Stability Chair is a studio favorite for one-on-one sessions and small groups. Ideal for posture-focused training, rehabilitation, and athletic conditioning, its small footprint makes it a smart choice for studios with limited space.
In Conversation with Fortides Pilates Studio
For many studio owners, the choice of equipment is deeply personal. Aleks and Steph, co-founders of Fortides Pilates Studio, shared their journey and advice for others preparing to open a studio.
Q: Can you share a bit about your Pilates journey and what inspired you to open your own studio?
A: We both discovered Reformer Pilates while living in London. At the time, Aleks was working in a high-pressure corporate job, and Pilates became her escape, a place to recharge both mentally and physically. Steph immediately connected with the method as well, drawn to its low-impact approach and how good it made the body feel. That shared passion eventually inspired us to create a space of our own.
Q: When selecting equipment, what features made Merrithew® the right choice?
A: Quality and reliability were non-negotiable for us. We wanted equipment we could trust to perform consistently for years to come. We also loved that Merrithew equipment is made in Canada, reflecting craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Aesthetics was another important factor; it was essential that the equipment fit seamlessly with our brand and studio design. And, importantly, scalability. We knew we wanted the option to expand with add-ons like the Tower or Cardio-Tramp as our studio grew.
Q: What advice would you give to people opening a Pilates studio for the first time with choosing equipment and accessories?
A: Think about your values and the experience you want to create for your clients. For us, it was essential to choose equipment that felt premium yet accessible to a wide range of clients. Aligning your equipment choices with your brand identity will help you stay consistent as you grow.
Q: Do you have a client success story about using the equipment in your studio?
A: One thing we hear most often is how surprised clients are by the sheer variety of movements the equipment allows. They also comment on how premium and smooth everything feels, from the springs to the straps and carriage. The adjustability for different body types has been a standout feature too. Clients often tell us it makes the exercises feel more comfortable and personalized, which keeps them coming back.
Takeaway
Building a successful Pilates studio begins with intentional choices about your space, equipment, and identity. When deciding, keep these considerations in mind:
- Studio identity: Do you want to create a boutique, premium feel or a high-energy, group-focused atmosphere?
- Client demographics: Will you be offering private sessions, group classes, or both?
- Aesthetics and durability: Premium, reliable equipment not only inspires client confidence but also reduces long-term costs.
With thoughtful planning and the right tools, you’ll create a studio that delivers meaningful experiences and keeps clients coming back. And if you’re looking for guidance along the way, Merrithew is here to support you with equipment expertise, educational resources, and decades of experience helping entrepreneurs like you succeed.
FAQs
- Do I need Reformers to open a Pilates studio?
Not necessarily. Some studios launch with just mats and props. But Reformers offer greater versatility and client appeal, making them the core of most successful studios.
- How many Reformers should I start with?
Six Reformers is a common starting point. It’s enough to offer small group classes while keeping costs manageable.
- Can I add other equipment later?
Yes, many studio owners expand into Cadillacs, Vertical Frame, Stability Chairs, or additional props in their second or third year, once they understand client demand and have steady revenue.
- What’s the difference between essential and expansion equipment?
Essential equipment supports core programming from day one. Expansion equipment allows you to serve niche markets, specialized clients, and advanced repertoire as your business matures.
Your ultimate Black Friday shopping list
Ready to shape your Pilates space? Stock up on Merrithew favorites that every studio needs, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your setup.
Reformer Bundles:
Reformer Accessories:
Accessories: