5 Expert Tips For Setting Up A State-Of-The-Art Reformer Pilates Studio

As more people become aware of the importance of taking care of their health, the popularity of different kinds of fitness continues to rise.

One form of exercise that is quickly gaining traction is reformer Pilates, which differs from regular Pilates by using a machine called a reformer.

It’s a favorite among fitness enthusiasts due to its various health benefits such as improved mental wellness and physical agility.

If you’re a fitness instructor and you’ve been thinking about setting up your own reformer Pilates studio, you might have felt overwhelmed about where to start.

That's why we've created this guide to help you discover:

• Where to buy Pilates equipment online
• Pilates equipment packages to consider when decking out your studio
• How to select the right fitness training equipment for your studio size and type
• Where to find a reliable gym equipment supplier for reformer Pilates apparatus

Thankfully, putting together a functional studio isn’t as complicated as it appears. Let’s take a look at how to bring your vision of the perfect reformer Pilates studio to life.

1 - Choosing the Right Reformer Equipment

When it comes to reformer Pilates, having the appropriate equipment greatly influences the effectiveness of one’s experience.

That’s why it's essential to carefully select equipment that will not only make your space look amazing but also allow your clients to enjoy their sessions.

With numerous Pilates equipment available on the market today, it can be rather tricky to decide what’s most suitable for you. Here are a few ideas to make the selection process easier.

Customer Feedback

A great starting point is considering customer feedback. Look for online reviews from customers who’ve used the equipment for a while—they’re more likely to provide you with an unbiased opinion on its performance.

Be a smart buyer who doesn't buy without looking around.

Safety Ratings

Another important factor to consider when selecting reformer equipment is the safety of the machine. Look for products that are certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

These certifications ensure that the equipment is safe and will not cause any harm or injury to your clients.

At Vaissal, we offer top-quality equipment for unmatched Pilates experiences. What’s more, our bundling options help you to save money as compared to buying individual pieces of equipment.

No matter your studio requirements, our packages got you covered with everything you need:

• One-on-One Align Studio Bundle - This option works well for small studios with limited space and is perfect for those private, semi-private, and group classes or training.
• Align-Pilates Rehab Studio Bundle - This package comes with all the equipment you need to start and grow your Pilates business.
• Rehab Enhanced One-on-One Studio Package - If you’re looking for a bundle with standard equipment used in a Pilates rehab treatment program, this one's for you.

Space Available in Your Studio

Finally, consider the space optimization of your studio when selecting your equipment.

Measure the area where you plan to place the machines to ensure that you have enough room not just for the equipment, but also for people to move around easily. A typical Pilates reformer machine measures between 80 to 100 inches long and 20 to 30 inches wide.

For smaller spaces, the Micro (mini reformer) is a fantastic option. Its small size (71 inches long, 18 inches wide, 5 1⁄2 inches deep) allows you to prop it against or mount it on the wall, tuck it away, freeing up floor space after Pilates sessions.

Before buying the machines, determine how many people will be using your studio at any one time.

This will help you figure out whether the space will comfortably accommodate the clients, instructors, and the reformer Pilates equipment.

Keeping all these factors in mind will help you narrow down your choices, make an informed decision, and get the best value for your money.

Related Article: How to Choose the Perfect Pilates Reformer for Your Home Studio

2 - Finding the Ideal Studio Location

“Something like 80 percent of business decisions has a location element. In fact, it's probably higher than that.” — Jack Dangermond, Businessman

As with most businesses, one of the most important things to get right is the location.

Finding the perfect spot for your reformer Pilates studio is key to providing enhanced sessions to your customers.

If you don’t have your own space already, you may want to start by renting a space in a building that already has a lot of foot traffic. This will help you get your studio off the ground and make it easier to draw in customers.

Apartment complexes are fantastic options to consider. As the popularity of Pilates continues to grow, the owners of apartment buildings are adding Pilates studios as essential components to retain current tenants and attract new ones.

Pilates is becoming a well-loved form of exercise due to its range of benefits such as:

• Boosting mental health
• Strengthening the core and improving posture
• Being gentle enough of a workout to be done by pregnant women the elderly and the physically challenged

Currently, 9 out of 10 apartment buildings have fitness amenities, of which Pilates studios are quite common.

Regardless of the location you choose, ensure there’s ample parking and easy access to public transportation. This is helpful for clients to get to and from your studio with ease.

Why This Matters: The ideal location for a reformer Pilates studio should have high foot traffic, such as in apartment complexes, to attract customers. Ample parking and easy public transportation access are essential for customer convenience.

3 - Creating a Professional-Looking Studio

Now that you have an ideal space, it's time to take the next step in creating a stunning reformer Pilates studio.

A carefully designed studio has that professional aesthetic that will help customers feel welcome, relaxed, and keep them coming back for more sessions.

To do this, you'll need to consider a few key factors which we’ll look at in more detail.

Flooring and Space

Space planning is one of the most important elements for a well-run reformer Pilates studio.

To design a functional layout for your studio, consider the following:

• How many machines you’ll have
• The number of clients you can accommodate
• Where you’ll store smaller equipment such as weighted bars when not in use
• Whether you’ll provide other equipment such as a Pilates ladder barrel

As much as you want to make the most of your space, ensure there’s enough space between each piece of exercise equipment and that it's easy to move around.

In addition, create a designated area for other activities such as stretching, floor exercises, and cool-down sessions, which should be separate from the space where reformer machines are placed.

Working with a reputable Pilates equipment supplier like Vaissal can be helpful in buying equipment that will optimize the space of your studio. These professionals offer expert advice on the best Pilates apparatus and packages for the studio's size and needs.

Apart from the size of the studio, the type of flooring is also crucial.

Non-slip floors are best for Pilates studios as they are both shock-absorbing and comfortable for clients. Hardwood, cork, or bamboo flooring are popular flooring material choices due to their durability, comfort, and stability.

If you want to cater to clients with joint issues, carpeted flooring offers more comfort as compared to other materials.

Also, consider the placement of mirrors in the studio as they help clients to perform exercises while maintaining proper form. Mirrors are also excellent for making the room appear bigger thus feeling more spacious than it is.

What type of vibe do you want to create in your studio? Think about different styling options that give you an aesthetic that’s calming yet promotes exercise.

Green symbolizes balance and harmony as drawn from nature. It promotes relaxation, rest, and stress relief, making it a fantastic color choice for a Pilates studio.

For an atmosphere that combines relaxation and productivity, blue is the answer. It helps clients to focus on their Pilates workout routine and techniques while remaining calm.

Wondering how to create a more inviting ambiance in your space? Adding a few stylish touches such as plants, art, and cozy seating also go a long way in introducing serenity to the studio.

A space that invokes calm helps you and your clients not only do the exercises properly but also have fun in the process. Boosting physical and mental health simultaneously—now that’s an awesome two-for-one deal.

The table below provides some styling and color options that can guide you when setting up your studio.

Lighting and Sound System

Lighting done right helps create a calm atmosphere, while a suitable sound system enhances the Pilates experience by facilitating concentration and meditation.

When choosing lighting for your studio, it’s essential to pick the right color temperature and brightness combination to set the mood and create the desired ambiance.

Warm color temperatures such as yellow and orange result in a relaxing environment, while cooler colors such as blue and white create a more stimulating atmosphere.

In addition to color temperature, dimmable lights provide flexibility to adjust the lighting levels according to the needs and time of day.

For instance, on a dark, cloudy day, it’s easy to increase the brightness of the bulbs to boost the morale of your clients during exercise sessions.

Also, keep in mind that the lighting setup influences safety conditions in the studio. It’s therefore important to ensure the lighting is even and doesn’t create shadows that may interfere with the clients' ability to see and perform the exercises safely.

Embrace Natural Light: Consider the role of natural light in your studio design. Sunlight can help create an uplifting and invigorating atmosphere, especially for morning sessions.

Regarding sound, a wireless sound system that can connect to any device is a great plus. This provides flexibility for you and other Pilates instructors to connect different devices without worrying about compatibility.

It’s also helpful to invest in a system that’s loud enough to fill the studio without being overwhelming, allowing you and your clients to hear each other clearly during the sessions.

Additionally, sound systems with features such as wireless microphones, Bluetooth, and aux connectivity make it easier to manage classes and provide clients with the best Pilates experience.

Below is a table of different sound system features and their benefits to a Pilates studio.

Note: In addition to sound system quality, acoustics can make or break the audio experience in a Pilates studio. Consider the size and shape of the studio, and use sound-absorbing materials like carpets, curtains, or specialized panels to minimize echoes and unwanted noise.

4 - Safety Measures

Ensuring a safe environment is crucial in a Pilates studio, as clients may suffer injuries if the appropriate safety measures are not in place.

Firstly, it’s vital to regularly inspect the Pilates reformer machine and other equipment to ensure everything is in proper working order. Any faulty equipment should be replaced or repaired promptly.

According to Pilates equipment safety guidelines by the Idea Health and Fitness Association, all Pilates equipment needs inspection at minimum every three months. For springs under high-volume use, the recommended replacement frequency is every two to three years.

Apart from the machines themselves, having clear signage and markers helps clients navigate through the space confidently, reducing the risk of trips and falls.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends in its Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines that exercise facilities place the necessary signage near equipment to alert users to risks associated with certain activities.

An example of such is stickers with the message: “Warning: This machine is potentially dangerous. It should only be used by or with a trained professional.”

In addition, having a comprehensive safety plan that includes fire safety procedures, an emergency action plan, and easily accessible first aid kits is an indispensable part of maintaining safety within the studio.

Being mindful of these factors will help you create a welcoming, safe, and visually appealing studio environment for your clients.

5 - Expert Tips for Designing the Layout

A proper Pilates studio layout isn’t only about aesthetics. Striking the balance between optimizing the available space and making it visually inviting is ideal.

Here’s how to come up with an excellent layout for your studio:

Make Use of Every Corner of the Studio

When designing the layout, consider every inch of the studio and make use of all the available space. For instance, a small corner is a good candidate for a storage unit, while a larger area works well for group classes.

Create a Focal Point

Every studio needs a focal point or an area that stands out.

One way to achieve this is by placing the reformer machines in the center of the studio, surrounded by mirrors and other Pilates accessories such as spine correctors. This brings a sense of cohesion and balance into the space.

Keep Equipment Easily Accessible

When arranging equipment, ensure that it’s easy to reach and use. Place the Pilates apparatus and accessories in a way that clients can easily access them, and ensure that there is enough space for clients to move around and perform exercises.

Consider the Flow of Traffic

The flow of traffic is an important aspect of any fitness studio as it can impact the overall experience of the clients. When designing the Pilates studio's layout, ensure that there is an easy flow of traffic so that clients can move from one area to another minus any obstructions.

Maintaining clear paths in between different equipment also makes it safe to move around the studio without tripping or falling.

Create the Perfect Pilates Studio With Top-Quality Equipment

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” — William A. Foster

Designing a Pilates fitness studio setup requires a careful balance of functionality, beauty, and safety.

By following the tips in this guide, you’ll create a visually appealing and safe space that resonates with your clients and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

If you're looking for a reliable fitness equipment supplier, we’re here to take care of all your Pilates equipment needs.

Our customer service team is always at hand to answer your queries, so please reach out to us today and get the best Pilates exercise equipment for your studio.

“I wanted a studio-level reformer for home use. This was easy to assemble. This reformer is almost silent (handles/pulleys make a little noise) and is simple to use. I am so happy to have invested in a product that will likely serve me for a lifetime.” — Jacob M. Pilates Reformer Buyer