The Business of Boutique Fitness

Pilates is booming! The boutique fitness industry hit $51 billion in 2025 and could reach $200 billion by 2032 if Pilates keeps its pace. But here's the gut-punch: only one in ten studios are profitable, and just one in a thousand opens profitably. How you pre-sell decides which side of that line you land on.

Rachel and Alyssa break down how to pre-sell a Pilates studio the profitable way in Episode 750: How to Pre-Sell a Pilates Studio (Part 1).

• Run three distinct phases: wait list, pre-sale, then a soft and grand opening—each with its own job
• Sell in founding-member waves: deepest discount first, then tighten; hold the line and move to the next wave instead of over-discounting
• Build the wait list first: aim for roughly 300–3,000 leads depending on market size, half from paid social and half from grassroots
• Win the community in person: pop-up classes, tabling, events and Easter-egg giveaways that capture names, numbers and emails
• Protect the soft opening: carve out exclusive founder time so your team can still sell leads on that final wave

Opening with money in the bank instead of bleeding cash reserves isn't luck—it's a planned, intentional pre-sale that stacks impressions, builds trust, and turns a full wait list into founding members on day one. Episode 750 is your blueprint.

Catch you there.

With grit and gratitude, Lisé

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

https://open.spotify.com/show/04zR1tRiRhQUdIfvLbh60N

https://www.youtube.com/@studiogrowco/videos

Want More Members + Higher Profits? Start Here → https://shorturl.at/VkLdj

AI can save studio owners hours but use it the wrong way and your marketing can start sounding like everyone else's. In this episode, Sydney sits down with Tara, co-founder and CEO of Studio Grow's marketing agency, to talk about how studios can use AI to work faster without losing the voice, personality, and trust that make people want to buy. Pasted textPasted text

You'll learn how to:

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Use AI without losing your brand voice

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Train AI to understand how you actually write

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Turn your edits into better AI outputs over time

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Use recordings and conversations to uncover content and insights

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Know where AI can save time and where the human touch still matters

The episode gets especially tactical around feeding final edits back into AI, creating master prompts from established threads, and using recorded meetings to identify patterns and content opportunities.

Hi... we're Studio Grow.

We help boutique fitness studio owners grow their revenue, retain more members, and build businesses that actually scale. And if you're thinking about opening your first studio — we help you launch it profitably from day one.

We've worked with thousands of studio owners across 40 countries. We know what works, what doesn't, and exactly what it takes to build a studio that lasts.

Here's what we know for sure... the studios that win aren't always the biggest — they're the ones willing to move, adapt, and keep building when others hesitate. 🚀

If you want to grow your studio… we got you →

https://link.studiogrow.co/widget/bookings/studio-discovery/ig

If you want better systems and strategy… we can help →

https://studiogrow.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Studio-Pricing-Audit-Lead-Magnet-New.pdf

If you're planning to launch your studio… start here →

https://studiogrow.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SYSP-Launch-Your-Dream-Studio-Workbook.pdf

Is yoga dead?

Not even close. But the traditional yoga studio business model is facing a very different market than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

In this episode of The Business of Boutique Fitness, Studio Grow's Caroline Plambeck digs into the conversation sparked by The Atlantic's "What Happened to Yoga?" and asks a much more useful question: What happens when the modality your business was built around stops being the thing everyone is talking about?

Yoga participation is still strong. But today's wellness consumer has more choices than ever—Pilates, strength training, HYROX, run clubs, recovery, sauna, longevity, breathwork, mobility, wearable technology and more are all competing for the same time and money.

That means studio owners can't simply rely on their modality to sell itself.

Caroline breaks down why Pilates has become so easy for consumers to understand and buy, why vague yoga marketing like "find your flow" may be hurting studios more than helping them, and why your clients don't owe loyalty to a particular modality—you have to earn their loyalty to your business.

You'll also hear why a packed schedule doesn't necessarily mean a profitable studio, how pricing, payroll, utilization and owner compensation reveal the true health of the business, and why community and belonging may ultimately be a boutique studio's greatest competitive advantage as fitness content becomes increasingly commoditized.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Identify what your clients are actually hiring your studio to help them accomplish • Make your marketing communicate clear value in seconds • Understand where your members are spending the rest of their wellness dollars • Evaluate whether your pricing, payroll, schedule utilization and membership model actually work • Build an experience that offers something YouTube and at-home fitness can't replicate • Explore complementary modalities without blindly chasing fitness trends • Build around lasting consumer needs like strength, longevity, mobility, stress relief, progress and belonging

Pilates may be having its cultural moment right now. Before that, yoga had one. Something else will come next.

The goal isn't to chase whichever modality is trending. It's to understand the human need underneath the trend—and build a profitable, sustainable business capable of meeting it.

Because yoga doesn't need saving. But the businesses built around it may need to evolve.

Catch you there.

With grit and gratitude, Lisé

LINKS:

Studio Grow Visit Studio Grow

The Business of Boutique Fitness Podcast Explore the podcast

The Atlantic — "What Happened to Yoga?" Read the article that sparked the conversation

ClassPass 2025 Look Back Report See the latest ClassPass fitness trend data discussed in the episode

Caroline Plambeck's bodyRIOT Visit bodyRIOT

Follow Studio Grow on Instagram @studiogrowco

Connect with Studio Grow on LinkedIn Studio Grow on LinkedIn

Listen on Spotify The Business of Boutique Fitness on Spotify

Watch Studio Grow on YouTube Studio Grow on YouTube

Connected fitness isn't replacing boutique fitness, but it is changing what clients expect from their studios.

In this episode of The Business of Boutique Fitness, Studio Grow founder Lise Kuecker and Heather Garrick explore what boutique fitness studio owners can learn from brands like Peloton, Tonal, and Mirror, and how connected fitness, wearable technology, AI, and personalized training are reshaping the future of the fitness industry.

They break down why community and in-person motivation still matter, how Peloton built loyalty through instructors and digital community, what Tonal gets right about personalization, and what the rise and fall of Mirror can teach studio owners about content, talent, and long-term customer value.

You'll also hear practical ways studios can use wearable data from platforms like WHOOP, Apple Watch, Garmin, and Myzone to create more personalized member experiences, improve retention, and even build new revenue streams.

Plus, Lise and Heather look ahead at hybrid memberships, AI-powered programming, connected health data, longevity, and the growing overlap between boutique fitness and preventative healthcare.

Connected fitness isn't an either/or decision. Your clients can train at home, track their health through wearables, and still deeply value the coaching, accountability, community, and human connection they find inside your studio. The opportunity for studio owners is learning how to make those experiences work together.

If you own or operate a boutique fitness studio, this episode will help you understand where connected fitness is headed, and how to use technology to create a better client experience without losing what makes boutique fitness valuable in the first place.

Catch you there.

With grit and gratitude, Lise

LINKS:

Studio Grow Visit Studio Grow

The Business of Boutique Fitness Podcast Home

Listen on Apple Podcasts The Business of Boutique Fitness on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify The Business of Boutique Fitness on Spotify

Follow Studio Grow on Instagram @studiogrowco on Instagram

Connect with Studio Grow on LinkedIn Studio Grow on LinkedIn

Watch Studio Grow on YouTube Studio Grow on YouTube

746: How to Build a Profitable Fitness Studio Schedule - Using Data, Not Guesswork

745: Energy Hacks - Lighting, Music & Ambience That Boost Retention

Follow along with the free Open Profitably Playbook here: https://training.studiogrow.co/studio... Thinking about opening a fitness studio? Here are the 10 essential steps to take you from idea to profitable grand opening — covering your business plan, labor model, funding, lease negotiation, build-out, brand strategy, hiring, and how to build a waitlist that turns into a packed presale. Whether you're opening a Pilates studio, yoga studio, or any boutique fitness concept, this is the roadmap to opening your doors profitably. Hi... we're Studio Grow. We help boutique fitness studio owners grow their revenue, retain more members, and build businesses that actually scale. And if you're thinking about opening your first studio — we help you launch it profitably from day one. We've worked with thousands of studio owners across 40 countries. We know what works, what doesn't, and exactly what it takes to build a studio that lasts. Here's what we know for sure... the studios that win aren't always the biggest — they're the ones willing to move, adapt, and keep building when others hesitate. 🚀 If you want to start your studio… we got you → https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVC1rUnVReFJmTFRmMHNwUkctYnJtSXxBR3JiS2FsczlVczRndDh5bE1TbEg4ZXNzT3BrYUNzS3dzQ2NBVHZFMUxqb3o2YTVOb0U0SlVyQ05TcnRRWFlMYkRhazZ4dFhnX3FwQVowRGNpWFFFV2MtYnNFb1FYVUVhaFBO&q=https%3A%2F%2Flink.studiogrow.co%2Fwidget%2Fbookings%2Fstudio-discovery%2Fig&v=BGRj4omO-CE

Want to launch a profitable boutique fitness studio? Book a free strategy call with our team and let's map out your next steps → https://training.studiogrow.co/syspst... Why do some boutique fitness studios open profitably while others struggle from day one? In this episode, Alina and Matt break down the biggest mistakes they see new studio owners make and what to do instead. You'll learn how to: -Build a brand worth investing in -Create a financial plan built for profitability -Get your location, landlord, and lease right -Build a pre-sale strategy that actually converts -Avoid procrastination on the decisions that matter -Cut costs without hurting your studio's growth

Want to build a boutique fitness studio that stands the test of time? Book a free strategy call with our team and let's map out your next steps → https://training.studiogrow.co/syspst... This special Best Of episode brings together our top advice on staying relevant in a fast-changing fitness industry. From refreshing your brand and evolving your messaging to building trust, confidence, and a business that grows with your clients, these are the strategies that keep great studios ahead of the competition. You'll learn how to: Recognize when your brand needs a refresh Keep your studio relevant without chasing every trend Build a brand that clients trust and remember Lead your business with greater confidence and clarity Adapt as the boutique fitness industry evolves

Want to build a more profitable boutique fitness studio? Book a free strategy call with our team and let's map out your next steps → https://training.studiogrow.co/syspst... This special Best Of episode brings together our top advice on improving studio profitability—from fixing hidden profit leaks and increasing prices with confidence to optimizing your schedule and building stronger member retention systems. If you're ready to grow a healthier, more profitable studio, this is the perfect place to start. You'll learn how to: Identify and eliminate hidden profit leaks Raise your prices without losing members Build stronger retention systems that increase lifetime value Optimize your class schedule for higher profitability Test new classes and grow your studio strategically -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi... we're Studio Grow. We help boutique fitness studio owners grow their revenue, retain more members, and build businesses that actually scale. And if you're thinking about opening your first studio — we help you launch it profitably from day one. We've worked with thousands of studio owners across 40 countries. We know what works, what doesn't, and exactly what it takes to build a studio that lasts. Here's what we know for sure... the studios that win aren't always the biggest — they're the ones willing to move, adapt, and keep building when others hesitate. 🚀 If you want to grow your studio… we got you → https://link.studiogrow.co/widget/boo... If you want better systems and strategy… we can help → https://studiogrow.co/wp-content/uplo... If you're planning to launch your studio… start here → https://studiogrow.co/wp-content/uplo...

Want to build a more profitable boutique fitness studio? Book a free strategy call with our team and let's map out your next steps → https://training.studiogrow.co/syspst... This special Best Of episode brings together our top advice on improving studio profitability—from fixing hidden profit leaks and increasing prices with confidence to optimizing your schedule and building stronger member retention systems. If you're ready to grow a healthier, more profitable studio, this is the perfect place to start. You'll learn how to: Identify and eliminate hidden profit leaks Raise your prices without losing members Build stronger retention systems that increase lifetime value Optimize your class schedule for higher profitability Test new classes and grow your studio strategically

The right partnerships won't make or break your studio—but they can become revenue sources you never imagined, from free team perks to five- and six-figure deals. Most owners underestimate just how broad "partnership" really is, and how much money is sitting on the table.

Lisé Kuecker and Alina Cooper break down how to build boutique fitness partnerships that actually pay in Episode 739: Turning Studio Partnerships Into Real Revenue.

• Start small and local: coffee shops, salons and restaurants make low-cost, high-return referral partners when you're early
• Get the timing right: you need steady memberships, solid SOPs and a ready team before partnerships become a distraction instead of a boost
• Stack the revenue tiers: move from goods-in-kind to big giveaways, affiliate profit-shares, in-house pop-ups and brand collabs
• Go where the real money is: corporate and real estate partnerships can drive 30% of revenue—or capital contributions in the hundreds of thousands
• Protect and nurture the relationship: align on values, track the data, build in exit clauses, and add one partnership at a time

Every strong partnership starts with two questions: what do your clients actually need, and what can you genuinely do for the partner in return. Nail that alignment, invest in the relationship, and you build a revenue stream that compounds for years. Episode 739 shows you how.

Catch you there.

With grit and gratitude, Lisé

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

https://open.spotify.com/show/04zR1tRiRhQUdIfvLbh60N

https://www.youtube.com/@studiogrowco/videos

Episode 738: The Smart Way to Run Special Sales – Timing, Execution & Pricing

00:00 – Welcome and Intro

01:02 – Strategic Not Reactive

02:34 – Avoid Discount Addiction

03:29 – Reasons to Run Sales

05:52 – Value-Add Offers

08:57 – Timing and Cadence

11:31 – Urgency and Communication

14:10 – Pricing Psychology

15:45 – Testing and Simplicity

17:55 – Measuring Success

20:30 – Key Takeaways Wrap

Ep 737: The Studio Exit Playbook

Selling your studio isn't a decision you make when you're ready to leave — by then, you've already lost your negotiating leverage. In this episode, Matt Hanton sits down with Lise Kuecker to walk through the complete exit playbook: how to build a studio buyers actually want, when to start preparing (hint: 18–24 months minimum), and what really happens after the papers are signed.

They cover:

• Why buyers acquire assets, not burnout — and what makes a studio truly turnkey
• The numbers that drive your multiple: profit margins, clean books, and recurring contracted revenue
• The most common deal killers, from lease transfer language to financing that falls through at the underwriter
• The emotional side of exiting — identity, transition planning, and what to do with yourself the day after the sale

Whether you're opening your doors next year or eyeing an exit in five, the planning starts today.

When your lead coach quits, it can feel like your best friend just dumped you—and the panic of "I can't do this without them" hits before the schedule gap even sinks in. But losing a key instructor is a normal part of studio growth, and handled right, it's a leadership and systems upgrade hiding in plain sight.

Caroline Plambeck and Lisa Taylor walk through how to stabilize, communicate and rebuild when a key instructor leaves in Episode 736: What to Do When Your Lead Coach Quits.

• Stabilize before you react: in the first hour, go operational—get the facts, keep the decision circle small, and hold the announcement
• Lean on your bench: a trained pipeline of instructors lets you cover classes without panic-hiring out of desperation
• Communicate with calm: tell your team first, keep it factual and professional, and celebrate the outgoing coach on the way out
• Replace the role with structure: redistribute responsibilities and strengthen your processes instead of cloning one irreplaceable person
• Build a bench that lasts: cross-train your team, define roles and KPIs, and make the lead coach position sustainable long term

A strong studio doesn't run on one irreplaceable person—it runs on systems any strong coach can step into. Pause the emotional reaction, look for the opportunity in the change, and you'll come out steadier than you went in. Episode 736 shows you how.

Catch you there.

With grit and gratitude, Lisé

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

https://open.spotify.com/show/04zR1tRiRhQUdIfvLbh60N

https://www.youtube.com/@studiogrowco/videos

Enterprise partners that serve boutique fitness—from tech providers and wellness platforms to recovery brands and corporate wellness programs—have a major opportunity ahead. The businesses that understand how studios are evolving will be positioned to grow alongside them.

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Why hybrid fitness is becoming the new industry standard

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How AI, wearables, and personalization are reshaping member expectations

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The growing demand for wellness, recovery, and longevity services

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Why community a critical retention driver

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How to reduce friction and create more value for studios

Timestamps:

00:00 – Boutique Fitness Outlook

00:41 – Hybrid Fitness Wins

03:06 – AI & Personalization

05:20 – Tonal Pop-Up

07:50 – Holistic Wellness & Recovery

12:06 – Community Drives Loyalty

13:15 – Future-Proof Strategies

15:09 – Wrap-Up

Subscribe to The Business of Boutique Fitness for ongoing insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of boutique fitness.

Learn the best ways to keep clients coming back from Caroline Plambeck and Connor McGarry in Episode 734: 7 Client Retention Strategies Every Studio Owner Should Know.

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Extend the honeymoon phase: nurture members through a 90-day journey

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Embrace the loyalty loop: ensure the client journey never ends

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Rescue lost sheep: proactively reconnect with members before they disappear for good

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Reignite dormant demand: win back expired intros and canceled members

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Cultivate a third space: foster community, belonging and consistency

Retention is your most predictable path to revenue you can count on. Maximize it.

The leap from boutique fitness studio founder to multi-unit CEO demands a different playbook. Scaling successfully requires changing how you think, lead and plan.

Start with four non-negotiables every enterprise CEO must address early. Alina Cooper and Lisa Taylor walk through them in Episode 733: What Fitness Enterprise CEOs Must Plan For.

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Become an architect: Shift from operator to planning for your future business needs

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Create capacity: Identify personnel and infrastructure requirements for growth

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Clarify capital: Know what you need, when you need it and what each dollar is for

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Engineer culture: Deliberately reinforce values, feedback and accountability

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Anticipate change: Forecast market shifts, industry evolution and consumer pivots

Your business is only as scalable as you are, so invest in your personal leadership development and always be learning. Get the essential framework in Episode 733.

Catch you there,

Lise

Scaling your studio without an informed strategy is a huge gamble. And in today's saturated boutique fitness market, the cost of guessing wrong can cost you more than a million dollars.

To reduce risk, don't rely on your instincts. Discover why a feasibility study is vital with Heather Garrick and Lisa Taylor in Episode 732: How Smart Fitness Brands Scale.

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Dig into data: make decisions based on numbers, not hope or emotions

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Know your market: understand demographics, income and wellness spending

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Study the competition: evaluate pricing gaps, fill rates and underserved niches

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Model the money: create best, base and worst-case financial scenarios

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Fix first: address operational weaknesses before opening another studio

Know the realities of your market first so you can build a business that thrives. Investing in data makes every decision wiser and every risk smaller. Episode 732 is your starting point.

Catch you there,

Lise

Your studio's brand isn't your name, logo or aesthetics—it's your people. That means if your team isn't performing at its highest level, neither is your business.

To fix what's wrong, Alina Cooper and Matt Hanton break down Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team in Episode 731: The Anatomy of a High-Performing Studio Team.

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Build a strong foundation: foster vulnerability-based trust so people feel connected

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Reframe conflict: invite honest, productive debate to drive better outcomes

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Cultivate commitment: establish alignment by explaining the why and consequences

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Implement accountability: set expectations and create a culture of ownership

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Highlight results: paint the big picture; share collective goals, targets and data

You don't have to tackle all five dysfunctions at once. Start with trust as the base. And be patient—change doesn't happen overnight. Adopt a proven framework in Episode 731.

Catch you there,

Lise