In the rush to offer the next big fitness trend, it’s easy to overlook the classics. But here’s the truth: one of the most profitable, accessible, and member-loved classes you can offer requires almost no equipment and forms the foundation of the entire Pilates method.
We’re talking about Mat Pilates - the timeless workout that every successful studio should have on its schedule in 2025.
Before you invest thousands in reformers or chase the latest boutique trends, let’s look at why this simple, powerful modality deserves a permanent spot in your lineup.
What Exactly Is Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates is where it all began. Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, it’s a series of controlled exercises performed on a mat, using body weight as resistance. The focus? Core strength, posture, flexibility, and mind-body awareness.
Unlike reformer or wall Pilates, there’s no equipment to adjust - just your client, the mat, and their breath. That simplicity is what makes it so powerful.
💡 Mat Pilates offers the full benefits of Pilates with minimal setup, making it a perfect entry point for both beginners and studios looking to expand offerings quickly.
Why Your Studio Needs Mat Pilates
From both a fitness and business perspective, Mat Pilates is one of the smartest classes you can add to your schedule. Here’s why:
💸 Extremely Low Barrier to Entry
All you need are quality mats and a certified instructor. No reformers, no maintenance, and no upfront capital costs - just a clean, affordable setup.
👥 High Accessibility and Broad Appeal
Mat Pilates is welcoming to everyone - beginners, seniors, and clients recovering from injury. It’s the perfect inclusive class to attract new members to your studio.
📈 Scalable Class Sizes
Without bulky reformer machines taking up space, you can accommodate larger class sizes, maximizing revenue per square foot and improving your studio’s overall profitability.
🧘 The Foundation for Everything Else
Mat Pilates teaches the fundamentals that every other Pilates style builds on. Members who start with mat classes often feel more confident progressing to reformer or wall Pilates sessions later - creating a natural client growth funnel inside your business.
Mat vs. Reformer: A Business Snapshot
Both Mat and Reformer Pilates have immense value, but they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare from a business perspective:
💡 Both have a place in a balanced studio. Mat Pilates attracts and nurtures new members, while reformer classes help retain and upsell your most committed ones.
How to Easily Add Mat Pilates to Your Schedule
Getting started is simple:
Hire or Certify a Mat Pilates Instructor
Ensure your teachers have the credentials and knowledge to lead safe, effective classes.
Streamline the Admin with Recess
With Recess - a free gym management software - you can:
- Add new Mat Pilates classes to your schedule
- Manage bookings and payments
- Automate reminders and track attendance
Recess makes operations seamless, so you can focus on what matters most: your members.
Promote Your New Class
Announce your new Mat Pilates offering across your social media, newsletters, and in-studio signage. Emphasize its accessibility, affordability, and connection to the broader Pilates practice.
The Takeaway: A Smart, Timeless Investment
Mat Pilates isn’t just another class - it’s a strategic addition to your studio’s lineup.
It’s affordable to launch, easy to scale, and accessible to almost every type of member. It helps you attract newcomers, deepen loyalty, and strengthen the foundation of your Pilates program.
In a crowded fitness landscape, sometimes the simplest offering is the one that delivers the biggest impact - for both your members and your business.
