Home pilates studio for private sessions

Clients who want personalized attention, including people with back pain, pre- and postnatal clients, older adults and those who find big studios intimidating.

Clients pay per session or buy packs of sessions. Private sessions earn more per hour than group classes, so a handful of regulars can make a steady income.

• Comprehensive pilates certification covering equipment
• Adapting exercises for injuries and different abilities
• Building long-term client relationships
• Basic bookkeeping

• Home occupation permits, zoning, and HOA or lease restrictions vary a lot, so check before you start
• General liability insurance, and ask your homeowner's or renter's insurer how home business activity is treated
• Injury risk: use a signed waiver and health intake form, and stay within your training
• Equipment is a big upfront cost, and quality matters for safety
• Income depends on a small number of clients, so cancellations matter; consider a cancellation policy

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how much equipment you buy, such as a reformer, and how you fit out your space. Equipment is the biggest upfront cost, and quality matters for safety.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many private and duet clients you have and your pricing. Income relies on a small number of clients, so a cancellation policy can help.

Check home occupation permits, zoning, and HOA or lease restrictions, which vary a lot. Also ask your homeowner's or renter's insurer how home business activity is treated, and consider a signed waiver and health intake form.