Expanding a studio from 5 to 15 Reformers requires strategic planning. The timing must align with your occupancy level (75-80% is ideal), your financing must be solid (often through leasing or phased purchases), and your space must be cleverly redesigned. Consider at least 6m² per Reformer, including walking space, ample storage, and a logical layout that supports both group classes and personal training without confusion.
Growth is exciting, but without the right approach, it quickly becomes chaotic. You've probably experienced all those moments when you thought, "We're full, we need to expand!" But then the question arises: when exactly? And how do you do that without blowing your cash flow or losing your existing customers in the chaos of renovations?
The difference between smooth growth and a nightmare lies in the details. Studios that handle this well have one thing in common: they plan far ahead and think strategically about timing, budget, and space. Because you don't just buy ten more Reformers and put them up. You create a new operation that seamlessly integrates with what you've already established.
When is it really time to expand?
The temptation to expand often stems from enthusiasm. You see full classes, waiting lists starting to form, and you think: this is the moment. But enthusiasm alone isn't a business plan. You need hard data.
Look at your occupancy rate over at least three months. If you're consistently between 75% and 80%, you're starting to hit the sweet spot. At 85% or higher, you're already too late—you're already losing potential customers. But below 70%? Then expanding is too early and risky.
Also check your waiting lists. Don't just look at how many people are on them, but more importantly: how many of them actually book when space becomes available? If only 30% of your waiting list converts, you don't have a capacity problem, but a retention problem. If 70% or more book directly when space becomes available, that's a sign that expansion is worthwhile.
And then there's your peak time distribution. Many studios think they're full, but in reality, only the 6:00-8:00 PM classes are full. If your mornings and afternoons still have space, you can often get more out of your existing capacity by scheduling more efficiently or adjusting your pricing.
Practical rule of thumb: if you have to turn down at least three popular time slots per week for three months in a row and you've fully optimized your existing schedule, then expansion is a logical step.
The financial reality: what does such an expansion really cost?
Ten extra reformers sounds simple, but the investment goes far beyond just the purchase price. You have to see the bigger picture, and that's where many studio owners get lost.
A professional reformer for studio use costs between €2,500 and €6,000, depending on the brand and specifications. So, for ten reformers, you're talking about €25,000 to €60,000 just for the equipment.
And don't forget your operating costs. More Reformers means more classes, which means more instructors. If you go from 40 to 80 classes per week, you'll need to double your staffing budget. Plus, you'll have to pay for increased insurance, increased marketing to fill those extra spots, and higher energy consumption.
Financing options that work:
Leasing is popular because it protects your cash flow. Instead of €50,000 upfront, you pay, for example, €1,200 per month over four years. This makes budgeting easier and you can get started sooner. The downside: you'll ultimately pay more in interest.
Phased purchasing is more conservative but safer. First, buy five Reformers, test your new capacity for six months, and then invest in the next five if the numbers are right. This minimizes risk but slows your growth.
Some studios opt for a combination: lease the first batch to quickly launch and scale, and then buy the second batch for cash when the additional revenue comes in. This combines speed with cost-efficiency.
Best choice for phased growth
For studios looking to expand gradually, the Elite Reformer with Tower is ideal. This model combines professional quality with stackability, allowing you to efficiently utilize space during your growth phase. With an excellent price-performance ratio and a 10-year warranty on the frame, you're making a smart long-term investment. View the Elite Reformer with Tower .
Redesigning a space: more than just placing equipment
This is where things often go wrong. Studio owners think in terms of square footage and the number of Reformers, but forget that a well-functioning space is about much more than that.
Start with the basic rule: a minimum of 6m² per Reformer for group classes. This includes walking space around it. For a Reformer approximately 2.4 meters long and 0.7 meters wide, you'll need space all around. Keep in mind that people move their arms and legs in all directions during exercises.
For fifteen Reformers, you're talking about a minimum of 90m² of net training space, but realistically, you'll need 110-120m² if you also include storage space, an instructor's station, and passageways.
Classification strategies that work
The grid layout is classic: rows of three or four Reformers side by side, with clear aisles. This works perfectly for group classes where everyone does the same exercises. It feels structured and organized.
The double-row setup positions Reformers with their heads facing each other, with a hallway in the middle. This maximizes space and creates a pleasant, symmetrical energy in the room. Instructors can easily walk between the rows to correct.
For studios that offer both group and private classes, consider a hybrid layout: a separate area with eight to ten Reformers for group classes, and a separate area with three to five Reformers plus accessories for personal training. This prevents private clients from feeling overwhelmed by large groups.
Practical considerations
Mirrors are essential, but they require strategic placement. Not everyone wants to see themselves constantly, but a mirror facing the wall helps with alignment checks. Consider a mix: one wall with mirrors, the rest neutral.
Lighting makes or breaks the atmosphere. Bright fluorescent lighting feels like a gym, too dim feels unprofessional. Dimmable LED panels give you flexibility: bright for intense workouts, softer for stretches and cooldowns.
Sound insulation is often underestimated. With fifteen Reformers, you have fifteen moving platforms, springs that tense, and people breathing. It all adds up. Acoustic panels on the ceiling and sound-dampening floors aren't luxuries, they're essential.
Operational challenges: from planning to personnel
You've got the Reformers, you've got the space, but now the real work begins: making it all run without chaos.
Scheduling is becoming more complex. With five Reformers, you might have ten to fifteen classes a week. With fifteen, you could have forty to fifty classes. This requires scheduling management that goes beyond an Excel sheet. Invest in good scheduling software that prevents double bookings, manages waiting lists, and sends automatic reminders.
Also consider class formats. Perhaps you only offered group classes of twelve people. Now you can differentiate: small groups of six, semi-private classes of four, and private sessions. Each format has a different pricing and profit margin. Small groups are more personalized and can cost more, but you need more class hours to generate the same revenue.
Expanding staff is crucial. An instructor can realistically teach a maximum of twenty to twenty-five hours per week without burnout. If you increase your teaching hours from forty to eighty, you'll need to hire at least one, probably two, additional instructors.
Recruiting good instructors takes time. Plan this at least three months before your actual expansion. Train them in your style and get them used to your client base. Nothing is more frustrating than full classes with no instructor available.
Also consider administrative support. With five Reformers, you might be able to handle everything yourself, but with fifteen, you'll need someone for customer service, scheduling, and cleaning coordination. This doesn't have to be a full-time position, but the tasks do need to be handled.
Customer communication during the transition is often overlooked. Existing customers need to know what's changing. Will you be temporarily closing for renovations? Will new class times be added? Will your rates be changing?
Communicate three to six weeks in advance. Use email, social media, and in-studio posters. Be transparent about why you're expanding (more space, better service) and what customers can expect. If you communicate effectively, customers will feel involved in your growth instead of surprised by changes.
Preventing growing pains: lessons from practice
Studios that expand smoothly do certain things differently than studios that get stuck.
Test your new capacity before investing fully. Some studios temporarily rent additional Reformers to test whether there's genuine demand. Or they start with five new Reformers and observe their growth for six months before ordering the next batch.
Build a buffer into your financial planning. The best studios calculate a "worst-case" scenario: what if it takes three months longer to fill those extra Reformers? Do you have the cash flow to cover that period? If not, your timing might be too aggressive.
Involve your team in the process. Instructors have valuable insights into customer requests, popular times, and missing equipment. If they feel part of the expansion, they'll be more motivated to make it a success.
Retain your existing customers during the transition. The biggest risk when expanding is focusing on growth and neglecting your existing base. Ensure the quality of your current lessons doesn't decline as you scale. Nothing is more valuable than a loyal customer leaving because "it doesn't feel the same anymore."
Marketing for new capacity starts early. Don't wait until you have fifteen Reformers ready to acquire new clients. Start campaigns three months before the launch: "More classes coming soon!", "Early bird registration for new morning classes." This way, you'll build momentum and avoid empty seats after your investment.
For studios with limited space
If you're expanding but space is at a premium, consider the Nubium Reformer . This model can be stored vertically, giving you more space during the day for other activities. Perfect for hybrid studios that also offer yoga or barre. Available in standard and Black Edition. View the Nubium Reformer .
Frequently Asked Questions
How much revenue increase can I expect after expanding from 5 to 15 Reformers?
With good occupancy, you can triple your revenue, but that depends on your pricing and capacity to fill classes. Realistically, you can double your revenue to 2.5x within six to twelve months of expanding, provided you have enough instructors and market effectively.
Do I have to close temporarily during the renovation or can I continue operating?
Phased expansion keeps you running. Renovate one area while continuing to teach in another. A complete closure will cost revenue, and customers may leave. Schedule the renovation during a quiet period, such as the summer holidays, to minimize the impact.
Which reformers are best suited for intensive studio use?
Choose models with a 10-year frame warranty and proven durability. The Elite Reformer, Master Instructor, and Studio Reformer are designed for daily, intensive use and feature professional-grade components that withstand wear and tear under high-frequency conditions.
How do I prevent my instructors from becoming overloaded when expanding?
Recruit new instructors three months before expanding and train them thoroughly in your method. Agree on a maximum number of teaching hours per week (20-25) and build rest time into schedules. Consider using assistant instructors for large groups to help distribute the workload.
What is the minimum space I need for 15 Reformers?
Expect 110-120m² of net training space for fifteen Reformers, including walking space, storage, and an instructor's station. With 6m² per Reformer, plus aisles and peripherals, you have ample breathing room for safe, comfortable, and cramped classes.
