Pilates mat classes in rented space

Local adults looking for low-impact exercise, including busy parents, office workers, older adults and people recovering from a fitness break.

Clients pay per class, buy class packs or sign up for a monthly membership. Profit is class income minus room rental, and it grows as you fill more classes per week.

• Pilates teaching certification
• Clear coaching and safe cueing
• Welcoming, motivating manner
• Basic scheduling and booking

• General liability insurance, and check whether the venue requires you to be named on your policy
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license for fitness instruction
• Clients with injuries or health conditions: consider a health questionnaire and liability waiver, and ask a local attorney to review it
• Music licensing may apply if you play commercial music in classes, so check the rules
• Room rental costs can eat into profit if classes are small

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on your certification, mats and props, insurance and marketing. Because you rent space by the hour, there is no large equipment purchase.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on class size, how many classes you teach and your pricing. Room rental costs can eat into profit if classes are small.

Check whether the venue requires you on your insurance policy and whether your city or county requires a business license for fitness instruction. Also consider a health questionnaire and waiver reviewed by a local attorney, and check music licensing rules.