studio owners survey results
Inside the Reformer Pilates Studio Boom What Studio Owners Really Think
We recently conducted a global survey of Reformer Pilates studio owners, uncovering fascinating insights into the industry. While some findings reinforced well-held beliefs, others challenged expectations and revealed surprising trends. At ReformerPilates.com, these results are guiding how we support and elevate this dynamic community. Let’s take a closer look at what we discovered.
studio owners survey results
The Industry’s Biggest Concern? Instructor Quality
If there’s one challenge keeping studio owners up at night, it’s the shortage of high-quality instructors (46%). This is closely followed by work-life balance concerns (45%), which suggests that studios are stretched thin, likely because they’re struggling to staff up with the right talent.
Drilling down further, the numbers reveal an instructor supply-and-demand crisis:
Only 22% of owners are happy with their team’s size and skill level.
32% say they don’t have enough instructors, even though their team is well-qualified.
15% have enough staff but wish they were better trained.
The takeaway?
Demand for instructors is outpacing supply, and finding skilled talent remains one of the biggest growth blockers in the industry.
studio owners survey results
Top Priorities for Studios in 2025?
Growing Classes & Finding Talent
It’s no surprise that 59% of owners say increasing class attendance is their #1 focus. But hot on its heels? Hiring and training instructors (48%). These two go hand in hand; without the right teachers, you can’t deliver the experience that keeps clients coming back. Marketing also ranked high, reinforcing that the right mix of visibility and expertise is what keeps a studio thriving.
studio owners survey results
How Do Studios Get New Clients?
(Hint: Not Through Discounts)
If you’re wondering what actually fills Reformer classes, the answer is simple: word-of-mouth referrals (93%). The experience inside the studio is what drives new client growth, not heavy discounting or promotions. The second-biggest driver? Social media (64%), particularly Instagram and TikTok. Studios that nail their online presence clearly have an edge in attracting new faces.
studio owners survey results
Is Reformer Pilates Too Exclusive? Not According to Studio Owners
With all this talk of demand, what about pricing? Despite class growth being a top priority, over 76% of owners believe pricing is fair, and exclusivity isn’t hurting attendance. In other words, don’t expect class prices to drop anytime soon.
studio owners survey results
Will We See More Studios Opening This Year? look out for continued studio growth
Expect more Reformer studios on your local high street soon; 38% of owners are either planning or strongly considering expansion in the next 12 months. The demand is there, and experienced studio owners are looking to scale.
studio owners survey results
Who Becomes a Studio Owner? The Answer May Surprise You
If you guessed that most studio owners come from the fitness industry, you’d only be half right. While 45% of owners were already qualified Reformer Pilates instructors, an equally striking 45% transitioned from completely different careers, think corporate offices, law firms, or tech startups. Forget the seasoned fitness pro; the real future studio owner is likely that passionate Reformer enthusiast stuck at a desk, dreaming of a more fulfilling path.
studio owners survey results
Biggest Hurdles to Opening a Studio? It’s All About People and Place
Once they make the leap, what’s the hardest part? Two challenges dominated the responses:
Finding qualified instructors (50%) – No shock here. The shortage of skilled teachers is a well-known pain point across the industry.
Securing the right space (43%) – Location, location, location! Studio owners hinted that it’s not just about square meters but also proximity to high streets and easy access because if clients can’t get there easily, they won’t come.
studio owners survey results
What Do Studio Owners Really Need? Education, Insights & Talent
When asked what support they’d value most, the responses painted a clear picture:
63% want better access to educational content for business growth because running a studio is a rewarding but isolating journey.
48% say access to more qualified instructors is critical (no surprises there).
44% want more industry data and trends to help them make informed decisions.
The bottom line? Reformer Pilates studios are thriving, but they need a steady pipeline of great instructors, better insights, and more business support to sustain their momentum. The industry isn’t slowing down; it’s just evolving.
Methodology Statement
ReformerPilates.com conducted this survey to gain insights into the experiences, challenges, and priorities of Reformer Pilates studio owners worldwide. Data was collected through an online questionnaire distributed via email and industry networks between 29/01 - 09/02 2025.
126 studio owners participated in the survey, representing various business sizes, locations, and operational models. While the findings provide valuable industry insights, they reflect respondents' perspectives rather than a statistically representative sample of all Reformer Pilates studios globally.
All results are based on self-reported data, and response rates may vary across individual questions. Percentages have been rounded for clarity.