Fitness franchise taking UK by storm

Studio Pilates is a globally successful franchise model providing effective and reformative workouts in high-end studios

Since opening its first studio in 2012, Studio Pilates International has gone from strength to strength. With 100+ studios now open and operational, the company is in the top 17 per cent of all franchises globally. Having successfully conquered the Australian, New Zealand and US markets, the brand is now set to take on the UK, with 9 studios already in the works and the first three locations in Exeter, Putney (London) and West Malling (Kent) expected to be open by late spring.

This expansion comes as the direct result of demand for the unique, physiotherapist-designed reformer Pilates classes, which saw over one million studio visits in 2022. The low-impact, high-result workout is conveniently completed in just 40 minutes and utilises state-of-the-art technology, combined with world-leading instructors to deliver an exceptional workout experience. Cofounder Jade Winter believes there’s huge potential in the UK market for a high-quality franchise such as Studio Pilates.

Jade says: “Studio Pilates is a premium product and unlike anything else on the market, which is why I believe this is a huge opportunity to spearhead the UK and really make an impact. Studio Pilates combines state-of-the-art, audio-visual technology, luxurious studio finishes, effective and transformative workouts and world-class instructors, to provide an exceptional client experience that keeps clients happy, classes full and studios profitable.”

UK expansion

Jade says: “Studio Pilates is a premium product that has 21 years of proven success because we transform more than just bodies - we transform lives. Our mission is to change the way the world works out and every new studio we open gets us one step closer to our goal of one million people training in our studios each week, which we’re on track for.”

To aid this expansion, Studio Pilates has appointed a highly experienced UK support team to help service and support studio openings and training in the UK and Ireland. This team of franchise experts are on hand to provide ongoing training and guidance in all areas including marketing, operations, finance, education, business operations, human resources and much more.

A franchise for everybody

In the same way that the Studio Pilates workouts are for everybody, the Studio Pilates franchise business model is also for everybody, and you don’t need any prior experience in fitness or business to become a studio owner. One of the most unique things about the franchise business model is the use of centralised systems, including payroll and bookkeeping to name just a few. With no prior experience in business before opening their first studio 21 years ago, Studio Pilates co-founders Jade and Tanya Winter were passionate about creating a model that helped mitigate any barriers that might prevent people from wanting to invest in a franchise. In doing so, Studio Pilates has proudly attracted franchisees from all different walks of life, including Pilates instructors and physiotherapists right through to CEOs, none of whom have had to close their doors due to bankruptcy or financial hardship.

Staffing is often a major point of pain for business owners. It can be incredibly time-consuming to train and nurture a new team member, and the cost required for this large investment of your time can be high. Studio Pilates has solved this operational headache with its central instructor training academy, which is one of the things that gives Studio Pilates its biggest competitive advantage. All instructors must complete their training through the academy prior to commencing employment to ensure they are equipped with the same extensive knowledge, practical experience, instructing skills and confidence to change lives, deliver high-quality classes and most importantly, fill classes with happy clients who will keep on coming back.

A proven business model

As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink, but Studio Pilates has a secret ingredient that keeps clients happy, classes full and studios profitable. Studio Pilates International was cofounded by husband-and-wife Jade and Tanya Winter, an ex-Olympic swimmer and qualified sports physiotherapist, who understands the mechanics of the human body more than most. The dynamic duo has collectively instructed over 100,000 classes and as a result, they have developed a safe, effective, and completely transformative signature Studio Pilates method that delivers results. This method is ingrained into all areas of the business including the way instructors are taught to cue and coach clients, how each workout is sequenced both in a class and through the week and the way the studios are intentionally designed. The key to operating a successful and profitable Studio Pilates studio is to simply follow the successful processes which have been in place for 21 years - it’s really that simple.

If you’re interested in investing in a Pilates studio with proven success, Studio Pilates has franchise opportunities available in the UK and Ireland. With the global health club industry set to hit 126 billion dollars by 2024, there’s never been a better time to invest.

At a glance

Year Established:

2012

Number of franchised outlets:

100+

Location of units:

Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK and soon Ireland and Canada

Investment range:

£250,000 - £350,000

Minimum required capital:

50 per cent of total investment

Contact:

alison@studiopilates.com or 07572 060187