Heated yoga studio with memberships

Local members on monthly plans, drop-in students, class-pack buyers, and people who sign up for new-student offers or workshops.

Monthly memberships, class packs and drop-in fees, plus extras like towel and mat rentals, water and retail items.

• Yoga teaching ability, ideally with a recognized hot yoga certification
• Welcoming, motivating communication
• Scheduling and managing staff
• Local marketing

• The Bikram name and branding may be restricted, so check trademark and affiliation rules before naming or advertising your classes
• Heating, ventilation and humidity may involve building, fire and landlord approvals, so check with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability insurance, and a signed health waiver for every student
• Hot rooms carry health risks for some people, so set clear guidance on hydration, medical conditions and pregnancy
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province once you hire teachers or staff, and whether they count as employees or contractors
• A long lease, build-out costs and slow growth are real risks, so plan for several months before membership covers your costs
• In Quebec, signage and customer communications have French-language requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $180,000, depending on the lease, build-out and heating equipment. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on membership numbers and class schedule.

Check trademark and affiliation rules before using the Bikram name or branding. Also check building, fire and landlord approvals for heating and humidity with your municipality, insurance, signed health waivers, WCB/WSIB rules when hiring, and French-language signage rules in Quebec.

A long lease, build-out costs and slow growth are real risks, so plan for several months before membership covers your costs. The estimates suggest at least about 30 hours a week, and teaching ability, ideally with a recognized hot yoga certification, is key.