Pilates mat classes in rented space

Adults looking for low-impact strength and flexibility, including busy professionals, new parents and people over 50.

Drop-in fees, class packs or monthly memberships. Revenue grows with the number of classes and how full each one is.

• Pilates teaching qualification
• Clear coaching and cueing
• Basic marketing and scheduling
• Friendly, motivating manner

• Commercial general liability and professional liability insurance, check what venues require
• Whether your venue's own insurance and rental terms allow fitness classes
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, check with the CRA
• Winter weather affecting attendance, plan for online or flexible options
• Injury risk and client health screening, use a simple health questionnaire

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on equipment, qualification, insurance and marketing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on class size and how many classes you run.

Check what commercial general liability and professional liability insurance venues require, and whether the venue's own insurance and rental terms allow fitness classes. Also check GST/HST registration with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.

You'll want a pilates teaching qualification, clear coaching and cueing, basic marketing and scheduling, and a friendly, motivating manner. Estimates suggest at least about 6 hours a week. A simple health questionnaire for clients is worth setting up.