Starting a pilatesStudio at 25
Starting a Pilates studio at 25? I didn’t fully understand what I was getting into. But I did know one thing: I wanted to create a space where people could actually move better, live better, and feel better in their bodies.
With a sports science degree, experience in functional movement, and a love for Pilates and lifting, I had the knowledge—but turning that into a business was another story.
STEP 1: FINDING A SPACE
Finding a space was harder than I thought. Our first pick got taken at the last minute, and the space we ended up with was a total chance—but perfect.
STEP 2: FURNITURE SHOPPING
Countless Ikea trips, endless swatches, and hours debating colors and styles. I even had to change the theme a couple of times because pieces didn’t match, or the vibe wasn’t right. Talk about decision fatigue!
STEP 3: RENOVATION
I underestimated how long it would take to transform the space. Rushed timelines meant late nights and a lot of stress.
STEP 4: WEBSITE, BOOKING SYSTEM AND SOCIAL MEDIA
This part was a mountain of work. I had to learn everything from scratch—setting up a booking system that’s user-friendly, creating an online class schedule, integrating payments, and making sure clients could easily sign up. On top of that, there was the website itself: designing pages, writing copy, and ensuring everything represented the Caya (which stands for come as you are) philosophy.
STEP 5: GETTING EQUIPMENT IN
This was the most exciting part! Investing in top-quality Merithew reformers and machines wasn’t just about luxury—it was about giving clients a safe, precise, and effective Pilates experience. Every piece of equipment was chosen to support functional movement, longevity, and results. I wanted people to feel the difference from the very first session, and equipment was a huge part of that.
STEP 6: CREATING A COMMUNITY
This is probably the most rewarding part of it all. It’s not just about classes—it’s about the people. Watching clients come as they are and leave as friends, supporting each other, and forming real connections—it’s what makes the studio what it is. Celebrating milestones together, sharing laughs, and knowing someone is rooting for you in every class.
Starting Caya studios at 25 wasn’t easy, but every challenge, every late night, and every decision brought this vision to life. Today, it’s more than a studio—it’s a space where people move better, feel stronger, and grow together. That’s the heart of what I do, and it’s why I love every part of this journey.
One thing I quickly learned while opening my Pilates studio was that renovation and design play huge roles in attracting and retaining clients. Beyond just finding the perfect location, ensuring the studio's look and feel matched the brand’s philosophy helped create an inviting atmosphere. I ended up spending countless hours coordinating contractors, choosing paint colors, and selecting lighting that complemented the natural movement focus of Pilates. Choosing the right equipment was also a major decision. After researching and testing different brands, I settled on Merithew reformers. Their advanced design supports precision and safety, which reflects my commitment to helping clients improve functionally and prevent injuries. Investing in quality equipment was worth every penny because it elevates the client experience and results. Another key to building the studio’s success was integrating a user-friendly booking system and maintaining an active social media presence. This digital approach made signing up for classes easy and kept the community engaged. I recall spending late nights learning website design and social media strategies, but those efforts paid off as we steadily grew our loyal client base. Most importantly, the community aspect made all the difference. Seeing clients support one another and celebrate milestones fostered a family-like environment. It reminded me that Pilates isn’t just exercise; it’s about connection, growth, and confidence. This supportive atmosphere encourages people to come as they are and leave feeling stronger and more empowered. For anyone looking to open a Pilates studio, my advice is to balance practical planning with passion. Don’t underestimate the renovation and tech setup phases, but keep your mission front and center: creating a space that changes lives through movement and connection.
I have been to your Pilates studio has a great workout session!!!