What Are the Essentials for Starting a Lagree Studio?

Thinking about opening your very own Lagree studio? From finding the perfect space to marketing your studio, building your fitness business from the ground up is hard work—but it’s all about the journey and helping your community tap into their well-being. So what do you need to know as you embark on your Lagree business venture? Here’s our guide!

Finding the perfect location

Selecting the right location is super important for any new business, but especially for boutique fitness. You'll need to consider square footage, nearby competition, demographic factors, visibility, parking, and proximity to complementary businesses. Take your time evaluating all options—and don't rush this big choice!

Do you have enough space?

When it comes to Lagree studios, bigger is often better in terms of space. Plan for somewhere between 1,500 to 4,000 square feet if possible. This gives you room for 4-10 Megaformer machines, plus ample open floor space for mat exercises, stretching, using hand weights, etc.

You also need high ceilings (at least 10 feet) to properly rig up ropes, pulleys, and other equipment. Other must-haves in your space include:

Private changing areas and bathrooms for clients
A lobby or lounge area
Retail space to sell merchandise
Storage room for equipment, towels, cleaning supplies

Converting an existing commercial building into your studio can save money compared to costly new construction. Look for a space with an open layout and high ceilings that only requires minor renovations. This maintains the character of the building while saving your startup budget!

Scope out the competition

Research what other boutique fitness studios exist in the area you’re considering, especially other Lagree locations. Opening your studio in a market with zero competition sets you up for instant success drawing new clients. But a little competition isn't necessarily bad—it shows people in that area are interested in boutique fitness and willing to pay for it. If competitors already exist, look for a neighborhood or suburb lacking in studio options to fill that need.

You can also differentiate yourself from other Lagree studios by offering unique amenities like childcare, specialty class types, or more flexible membership options. This entices new clients from existing studios seeking something fresh and different.

Consider both demographics and average household income as well when choosing your location. Aim for a market with lots of young professionals, families with disposable income, and health-conscious individuals. Check out the hot barre or yoga studios and aim for similar clientele. You know your ideal members better than anyone!

Location impacts operating costs

One major factor to research is the cost of commercial real estate in your potential locations. Rental rates vary widely based on factors like:

Exact City/Neighborhood
Building Size, Condition, and Amenities
Nearby Housing Costs and Incomes
Recent Market Demand and Availability

In a major metro downtown, expect to pay $25-50 per square foot annually for newer, updated space. This cost often includes maintenance fees and taxes too. The lease term also impacts the monthly rate—longer leases of 5+ years may offer a discounted square footage rate.

Upfront costs will include the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit equal to 2-3 month’s rent, maintenance fees, and any required renovations or buildouts. Thoroughly understand all responsibilities for maintenance, trash collection, snow removal, taxes, and insurance before signing a lease agreement.

Equipping your studio

Outfitting your boutique fitness studio with top quality equipment is essential for delivering safe, effective, and results-driven Lagree workouts. Carefully select specialized equipment and accessories designed specifically for this unique workout method. This includes not only equipment for exercising, but also the equipment that you as a business owner needs to run and operate the business! Fortunately for you, Walla provides the best Lagree studio software on the market to make this part a breeze.

Megaformer machines

The Megaformer is the signature piece of equipment in a Lagree studio. This specialized Pilates machine features a sliding carriage attached to resistance cords and pulleys. Clients push and pull the movable carriage to build strength through low-impact, high-intensity movements.

Most standard Lagree studio layouts include 4-10 Megaformer machines, depending on available space. The more machines your studio contains, the more clients you can accommodate in classes. Individual Megaformers cost between $4,000-$6,000 each.

Only purchase Megaformer machines from the official Lagree Fitness equipment supplier. This ensures your equipment meets the strict quality and design standards to deliver safe, effective workouts. No cutting corners here!

Anchor your studio with bars and rigs

In addition to Megaformers, Lagree studios require specialized barres and rigs:

Fixed Barres – Horizontal bars bolted into walls or floors for stability during balance exercises.
Adjustable Barres – Movable vertical bars that can be raised or lowered to customize intensity. Ideal for ballet-inspired stretches and sculpting.
Mat Rigs – Wooden beam structures with eye bolts for attaching resistance bands at different heights. Great for targeted toning and strength training.

Having anchors installed properly prevents equipment from slipping or collapsing during workouts—extremely important for safety!

Round out your equipment

Fill out your fitness space with versatile accessories like:

Yoga Mats – Ideal for floor stretches and core workouts.
Ankle & Wrist Weights – Available in multiple sizes for added resistance.
Foam Rollers & Massage Balls – Help release tight muscles and improve recovery.
Resistance Bands, Ropes & Straps – Versatile tools for strength and flexibility training.
Medicine Balls, Kettlebells & Stability Balls – Essential for functional and strength exercises.
Water Bottles, Towels & Cleaning Spray – Keep hydrated, stay clean, and maintain hygiene.

Shop specialty fitness retailers that produce high-quality gear. Expect delivery fees for large equipment, and order well in advance to avoid long lead times. Make sure you have everything on hand weeks before opening!

Caring for your equipment

Maintaining your pricey studio equipment keeps it performing properly while extending its lifespan. Follow all manufacturer instructions for cleaning machines and lubricating moving parts. Perform regular inspections, tightening hardware and replacing worn cords as needed.

Invest in an annual maintenance visit from a professional fitness technician. They'll perform comprehensive servicing and calibration for optimal function. Always document equipment repairs and schedule preventative maintenance in a detailed logbook. Treat your fitness gear well, and clients will enjoy the best, safest studio experience!

‍Building your Lagree dream team

Employing passionate, experienced staff members is critical for your studio to run smoothly and keep clients happy. Bring on both instructors and customer service roles who align with your brand vision.

Specialty training makes Lagree instructors shine‍

It takes intensive training to become a certified Lagree instructor ready to teach specialized Megaformer classes. Requirements include:

Lagree Instructor Training – Successfully complete Lagree Fitness' rigorous program.
Lagree Group Fitness Certification – Maintain a current certificate (renew annually).
CPR & First Aid Certification – Stay up to date with lifesaving credentials.
Teaching Experience – Background in Pilates, yoga, personal training, or group fitness.
Motivating Personality – Inspire and encourage clients with energy and positivity.
Ongoing Education – Commit to continuous learning and skill development.

Vet candidates thoroughly and confirm they meet all qualifications before hiring. Attending their classes firsthand also assesses teaching skills. Choose instructors who balance motivation with proper form and safety. They represent your brand

Staffing your studio

In addition to instructors, consider hiring:

Studio Manager – Oversees daily operations, scheduling, hiring, and accounts, freeing you to focus on strategy and marketing.
Front Desk Staff – Welcomes clients, handles check-ins/check-outs, answers questions, explains memberships, and processes payments.
Additional Instructors – Provide class coverage for vacations, injuries, and schedule expansion.
Maintenance Worker – Ensures studio cleanliness, equipment upkeep, and handles repairs so instructors can focus on teaching.

Start with essential roles to conserve cash. As membership grows, expand carefully, prioritizing quality staff aligned with your brand.

Marketing: Spread the word!

Implementing diverse yet targeted marketing and outreach is crucial for getting the word out about your fabulous new Lagree studio. Begin promoting early, and highlight what makes your studio unique compared to competitors.

Show off with a polished website‍

A professional website establishes credibility and shows you mean business. Work with designers to create a site that showcases your studio's sleek vibe. Display info like:

Location & Contact Info – Make it easy for clients to find and reach you.
Class Types, Schedule & Pricing – Clearly outline offerings and costs.
Membership Options & Online Registration – Streamline sign-ups for convenience.
Instructor Bios & Team Photos – Showcase your team’s expertise and personality.
Client Testimonials & Before/After Photos – Build trust with real success stories.
Blog or News Page – Share updates, tips, and studio happenings.

Enable seamless online booking and payments to grow enrollment. Optimize your site for key search terms so you gain visibility and traffic.

Leverage social media‍

Promote your studio consistently across social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. Share eye-catching photos and videos of classes, instructors, clients, events, and results. Respond to all questions and comments quickly and accurately.

Run occasional social media promotions and giveaways—a free class for liking and sharing! Aim for organic engagement and growth by delivering value first. Capture client testimonials and fun moments to post online. More marketing ideas include:

Flyers & Coupons – Distribute professionally printed materials at local businesses.
Free Demo Classes – Host sessions and invite media coverage for exposure.
Launch Party – Create buzz with local influencers and community engagement.
Wellness Partnerships – Collaborate with spas, shops, and wellness brands for joint promotions.
Event Sponsorships – Support local races or fitness charity events for visibility.
Targeted Ads – Run optimized Facebook/Instagram campaigns with ideal audience keywords.

Track the results of each initiative to determine the best channels for acquiring new clients. Keep marketing consistent, adjusting your plan based on data. The more eyes on your studio, the better!