Pilates studio equipment: which machines and how many reformers do you need?

To equip a Pilates studio, start with the number of clients per class: for group classes, you need one reformer per participant. Then add versatile machines (reformer with tower, Cadillac, chair, barrel) depending on the private and duet sessions you want to offer. This guide gives the real dimensions of the machines and three set-ups costed at list price.

Start with capacity: one client = one station

The number of machines depends on the maximum number of clients per class. If you are aiming for group classes of six, you need six reformers. This figure also determines the floor area, the budget and the maximum revenue per time slot.

Group, duet, private: three equipment approaches

• Group reformer classes: identical machines, one per participant, so that everyone follows the same sequence.
• Duet sessions: two stations, often more versatile (reformer with tower, chair) to vary the exercises.
• Private sessions: one main station plus additional machines that the instructor uses as the session requires.

Many studios combine all three: a room of reformers in a row for group classes, and a smaller space for private and duet sessions.

An example: classes limited to 12 people

Some chains cap class sizes. Club Pilates, for example, advertises classes limited to 12 people at its Bordeaux studio. This is not a standard but a business decision. An independent studio will often start with fewer stations and add more as classes fill up.

Studio machines and their role

The reformer is the centrepiece. The other apparatus is used to vary the exercises and offer more varied private sessions. All our fixed machines are in the studio reformers collection.

Fixed reformer

The Wooden Studio Reformer has a fixed solid wood frame, six adjustable springs and a carriage on bearings. It comes in black, white or grey, so you can match a row of machines to your studio’s décor.

Reformer with tower

The Studio Reformer with Tower combines a reformer and a tower on the same base. On a single station, the instructor can switch between carriage work and tower exercises. It is a good choice for private sessions when space is limited.

3-in-1 reformer

The 3-in-1 Studio Reformer combines reformer, tower and Cadillac. It has an oak frame, with 6 reformer springs and 10 trapeze springs, and does the job of two machines in a compact studio.

Cadillac table

The Oak Cadillac Table is a fixed trapeze table. Its tower and attachments allow a wide range of grips and positions. It is mainly worth it for a studio building up its private sessions.

Pilates chair with split pedals

The Pilates chair has two independent pedals and four springs on a steel base. Being compact, it fits in a corner of the studio and works well for private or duet sessions.

Ladder barrel and arc

The Adjustable Ladder Barrel combines a curved support and a ladder, with a barrel that slides on a rail to adjust the distance. The Oak Pilates Arc is a padded curved support for mat work: it is light enough to move between sessions and can also be used in group mat classes.

Accessories and spare parts

Allow one box per reformer for seated or lying exercises, and keep a stock of wear parts: ropes, hand straps, foot straps, handles and springs. A studio running all day cannot afford to have a machine out of action because of a worn strap. Everything is available in our Pilates accessories range; some parts should be checked for compatibility with your model.

Calculating floor area from actual dimensions

To estimate the floor area, add up the footprint of each assembled machine, then allow clearance around it. There is no French standard setting a minimum area per reformer. The manufacturer Lifespan advises allowing for the machine’s footprint plus clearance at the sides and ends so you can move around safely. Agree these clearances with your instructor and in line with your safety plan.

Also check the ceiling height for machines with a tower or Cadillac: a 193 cm frame for the reformer with tower, 208 cm for the 3-in-1 and the Cadillac. Leave some headroom above.

Three typical set-ups

These set-ups are costed at our list prices including VAT. They are starting points to adapt to your floor area and classes. From 2 pieces of equipment, volume pricing is available on quotation.

Starter studio

Four identical reformers to launch small-group classes, an arc for mat work and a box for each station. It is the simplest way to test demand.

Complete studio

A row of reformers for group classes, plus a private area with a tower reformer, Cadillac, chair and barrel. This set-up covers most class formats.

Compact studio

For a private space or a one-to-one coaching studio: the 3-in-1 combines reformer, tower and Cadillac, while the chair and arc add variety to sessions.

Send us your floor plan and number of stations, and we will prepare a detailed quote with volume pricing from 2 pieces of equipment. Personalisation with your studio name can be discussed as part of your quote.

Foldable or fixed for professional use?

For a studio, choose fixed machines. They stay in place and set up between classes, which saves time between slots, and their weight (78 kg for the Wooden Studio Reformer) makes them stable. A foldable reformer mainly makes sense when the room is used for something else between classes, for example in a multi-purpose space.

Delivery, installation and maintenance

Standard delivery is free to 30 European countries and takes 7 to 14 days (estimated). Studio machines weigh between 78 and 135 kg, so make sure you have enough people to move them and check access (doors, stairs, lift).

Maintenance determines how long a machine lasts. According to the manufacturer Merrithew, a good-quality reformer can last for well over 20 years (a manufacturer’s claim, applying to its own machines). Check ropes, straps and springs regularly: our installation and care page lists the points to check.

Financing the equipment

There are three common options: your own funds, a business bank loan, and leasing or equipment hire. With leasing, the finance company buys the equipment and leases it to you; in France, according to Banque Populaire, lease payments are deductible from taxable profit. Pilates Douceur does not offer finance, so take our quote to your bank or a specialist provider. For the project as a whole (legal structure, insurance, obligations), read our guide how to open a Pilates studio, and take a look at our trade equipment offer.

Frequently asked questions