Reformer pilates studio

Local adults seeking premium small-group fitness, including rehab-minded clients and regulars who want a membership.

Monthly memberships, class packs, drop-ins and private sessions. Income depends on how full classes are and how many sessions you run each week.

• Reformer pilates teaching qualification
• Managing a small team of instructors
• Budgeting and lease management
• Local marketing and community building

• Commercial lease terms and the costs of fitting out the unit, get advice before signing
• Municipal zoning, business licence and fire safety rules for fitness premises, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and professional liability insurance
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff, rules vary by province
• Long break-even time, plan cash to cover several months of rent
• Quebec has French-language requirements for signage and client communication

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on fit-out, number of reformers and lease terms. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on memberships and class numbers. Plan cash for several months of rent.

Check your commercial lease terms and fit-out costs before signing, and municipal zoning, business licence and fire safety rules for fitness premises. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (it varies by province), and Quebec's French-language requirements.

You'll want a reformer pilates teaching qualification, plus skills in managing instructors, budgeting, lease management and local marketing. Estimates suggest at least about 30 hours a week. Break-even can take a long time, so plan your cash.