Pilates studio with memberships

Local professionals, parents, older adults and people recovering from injury who want regular small-group teaching.

Monthly memberships, class packs and drop-in fees, plus higher-priced private or reformer sessions. Rent and instructor costs need covering first.

• Recognised pilates teaching qualification
• Running a small business and managing costs
• Marketing to a local audience
• Managing and scheduling instructors

• Commercial lease terms and break clauses, take advice before signing
• Check whether the unit has the right planning use class for fitness classes
• Public liability, premises and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Reformer machines are a major cost, consider starting with mat classes
• Music licences and fire safety and risk assessment duties, check what applies

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, fit-out and whether you buy reformer machines. Reformers are a major cost, so some studios start with mat classes only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your timetable, class sizes and memberships sold. Fixed costs such as rent come out of revenue, so work out your break-even before committing to a lease.

Check commercial lease terms and break clauses, whether the unit has the right planning use class for fitness classes, and fire safety and risk assessment duties. Also check public liability, premises and employer's liability insurance, plus music licences.