What Equipment Should I Buy First When Opening a Pilates Studio?

One of the biggest challenges facing new studio owners is deciding which equipment to purchase first.

With so many apparatus available, it can be tempting to focus on individual products rather than developing a complete equipment strategy.

The most successful studios approach equipment selection with both present needs and future growth in mind.

Start With Your Teaching Methodology

The equipment you purchase should reflect the type of Pilates you intend to teach.

Studios dedicated to Classical Pilates often prioritize apparatus that support the complete Contrology system, while other business models may focus on different class formats or training objectives.

Understanding your educational philosophy is the foundation of every equipment decision.

The Reformer as a Starting Point

For many studios, the Reformer serves as the cornerstone of the equipment plan.

Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of clients and teaching situations.

However, selecting Reformers should not mean ignoring the broader Pilates system.

Building a Complete System

A comprehensive Pilates studio often includes:

• Reformers

• Cadillacs

• Chairs

• Barrels

• Auxiliary apparatus

Each piece contributes to the educational depth and versatility of the studio.

Think Long-Term

Equipment purchases should support future growth.

At ARREGON, many studio owners appreciate the possibility of selecting equipment configurations that allow future expansion as their business evolves.

Planning for growth from the beginning often creates better long-term value than making isolated purchasing decisions.

The ARREGON Perspective

At ARREGON, we help studio owners develop equipment strategies based on their space, teaching philosophy, budget and growth objectives.

Because opening a studio is not about buying machines.

It is about creating a complete environment designed for long-term success.