The question of whether to offer mat pilates, reformer pilates, or both is one of the earliest strategic decisions a pilates studio owner faces. The answer depends on your space, budget, instructor qualifications, target client profile, and local market.
Both formats are thriving in Switzerland — but they attract different clients, require different investments, and deliver different margins.
The Core Differences
Mat pilates is the original format — all exercises performed on the floor, using only body weight with minimal props. Reformer pilates uses a sliding carriage, springs, and pulleys to add resistance and support, enabling a wider range of movements and progressive loading.
From a client perspective: mat pilates feels more like a challenging fitness class; reformer pilates feels more like precision training with therapeutic and corrective dimensions.
Space and Equipment Requirements
Mat pilates requires very little: a quality mat per person (CHF 60–120 each), optional props (blocks, bands, circles), and approximately 4–5 m² per participant. A 60 m² studio can run a mat class for 12–15 people.
Reformer pilates requires roughly 4 m² per machine plus clearance, significantly more capital (CHF 2,800–5,500 per reformer), and a ceiling height of at least 2.8 m. A 60 m² studio fits 6 reformers comfortably.
Key insight
Hybrid studios that offer both formats in the same space need careful scheduling — reformers cannot be moved quickly, so mat-only sessions typically use a separate area or are scheduled at different times.
Revenue Potential Compared
Mat and reformer classes have very different revenue profiles.
- Mat group class (12 clients at CHF 25): CHF 300 per session
- Mat group class (12 clients at CHF 30): CHF 360 per session
- Reformer group class (6 clients at CHF 40): CHF 240 per session
- Reformer group class (6 clients at CHF 50): CHF 300 per session
- Reformer private (1 client at CHF 120): CHF 120 per session
Which Clients Choose Which
Mat pilates tends to attract: clients new to pilates who want to try it affordably, fitness-focused clients who want a challenging workout, clients who prefer group energy, and those on tighter budgets.
Reformer pilates tends to attract: clients with specific rehabilitation needs (back pain, post-surgery, injury recovery), clients who value precision and personal attention, those willing to pay more for results, and experienced pilates practitioners seeking progression.
Key insight
Many studios find that mat pilates acts as a feeder for reformer: clients start on mat, develop an appreciation for pilates, then upgrade to reformer when ready for more.
Instructor Qualifications
Mat and reformer pilates have different certification requirements. Mat certification is typically a shorter programme and the entry point for most instructors. Full reformer certification requires additional training — usually 80–150 additional hours beyond a comprehensive mat certification.
Ensure any instructor you hire for reformer classes holds a full apparatus certification, not just a mat certificate. The difference in technique, cueing, and safety management is significant.
Building a Combined Offering
Many successful Swiss pilates studios offer both, using them strategically: mat classes for volume and accessibility, reformer for premium revenue and differentiation. StudioPlan supports multiple class types, different pricing tiers, and separate capacity settings for each format — so scheduling and booking management works seamlessly regardless of which combination you choose.