Inside the Reformer Pilates Studio Boom: What Studio Owners Really Think

Author
NATHAN BETHELL

I’m Nathan Bethell, the founder of ReformerPilates.com and someone at the very start of my own Reformer Pilates journey. Through my blog, I’ll be sharing my experiences, insights, and reflections as I progress—celebrating the wins, embracing the challenges, and discovering how Reformer Pilates can enhance both body and mind.

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The global Reformer Pilates industry is on fire, and we wanted to know what’s really going on behind the scenes? At ReformerPilates.com, we’re not here to claim expert status, we’re just passionate about the industry and grateful to those who shared their insights. That’s why we reached out to the people who know best: studio owners. Our global survey uncovered trends that validate what we suspected, challenge assumptions, and highlight the most significant opportunities and obstacles shaping today's industry. Let’s dive into the findings!

Instructor Shortages: The Industry’s Biggest Challenge

If there’s one thing keeping studio owners up at night, it’s the struggle to find and retain high-quality instructors. A staggering 46% of studio owners cite instructor shortages as their biggest challenge, with work-life balance concerns (45%) following closely behind, likely exacerbated by understaffed studios.

Here’s what the data tells us:

• Only 22% of studio owners feel they have the right number of skilled instructors.

• 32% report a shortage of instructors, despite having a well-qualified team.

• 15% have enough instructors but wish they were better trained.

The bottom line? Instructor demand is outpacing supply, creating a talent crisis that could limit industry growth.

“We need more qualified instructors that understand the method and follow all the requirements before pursuing a certification” - Anonymous Studio Owner.

2025’s Top Priorities: Growth & Talent Acquisition

Looking ahead, 59% of studio owners say their primary focus is increasing class attendance. But right behind that? Hiring and training instructors (48%), proving that business growth and talent acquisition go hand in hand.

With marketing ranking high on studio owners’ priority lists, it’s clear that visibility, reputation, and skilled instructors are the winning formula for success.

How Do Studios Attract New Clients? (Hint: It’s Not Discounts)

Wondering what actually drives new members through the door? 93% of studio owners say word-of-mouth referrals are their most powerful tool for client acquisition. A great in-studio experience translates directly to growth.

The second most effective method? Social media (64%), with Instagram and TikTok leading the charge. While discounts and promotions may work for some businesses, Reformer Pilates studios thrive on strong branding and a loyal client base rather than aggressive price cuts.

Is Reformer Pilates Too Exclusive? Studio Owners Say No

With demand skyrocketing, one might assume pricing would be a barrier to accessibility. However, 76% of studio owners believe their pricing is fair and that exclusivity isn’t limiting attendance. Translation? Class prices aren’t dropping anytime soon, and premium experiences remain in high demand.

Expansion on the Horizon: More Studios Are Coming

The Reformer Pilates boom isn’t slowing down. 38% of studio owners say they are either planning or strongly considering opening another location in the next 12 months. With client demand rising, seasoned studio owners see expansion as a logical next step.

Who Becomes a Studio Owner? The Answer May Surprise You

Think most studio owners come from fitness backgrounds? Not necessarily. While 45% of owners were already qualified Reformer Pilates instructors, an equal 45% transitioned from entirely different careers, including corporate offices, law firms, and tech startups.

The takeaway? Many successful studio owners weren’t always in the fitness world, they were passionate clients who saw an opportunity and took the leap.

The Biggest Hurdles to Opening a Studio

Launching a studio isn’t easy, and owners revealed the two biggest obstacles:

• Finding qualified instructors (50%) – The talent shortage continues to be a major challenge.

• Securing the right location (43%) – Accessibility and proximity to high-traffic areas matter just as much as square footage.

“Improved accessibility to quality training for potential instructors....more affordable, more options, more flexibility in the required time.” Anonymous Studio Owner.

What Do Studio Owners Really Need?

When asked what support would help them most, studio owners were clear:

• 63% want better educational content on running a successful business.

• 48% need access to more qualified instructors.

• 44% want more industry data and insights to inform their strategies.

The Industry is Evolving, Are You Ready?

Reformer Pilates studios are thriving, but challenges remain. The industry needs a steady pipeline of skilled instructors, better resources for business growth, and deeper insights to sustain momentum.

At ReformerPilates.com, we’re committed to gathering industry knowledge, listening to experts, and helping studios navigate this exciting era of growth. 

Download the infographic here:

And join the community to debate some of the key findings.