As a studio owner, you’re always looking for fresh ways to attract new members and keep your current clients excited. If barre fitness isn’t yet on your schedule, you might be overlooking one of the most effective, high-value additions you can make.
I’ve seen firsthand how barre transforms not just bodies, but entire communities. It’s more than a trend. Barre is a versatile, low-impact, results-driven workout that appeals to a broad audience and delivers strong business upside.
The Business Case for Barre
Still unsure if barre is worth the investment? Here’s why it’s one of the smartest additions a studio can make:
1. It Attracts a Brand-New Demographic
Barre draws in clients who love controlled, low-impact movement but still want a challenge. It’s approachable for beginners, appealing for older adults, and engaging for seasoned fitness lovers looking to complement higher-intensity training.
2. High Profit Margins With Minimal Equipment
You don’t need a room filled with machines to run barre.
Your essentials:
- a sturdy ballet barre
- light hand weights
- resistance bands
- yoga mats
That’s it!
With low upfront costs and strong demand, barre offers excellent profitability, especially if you already have a functional studio space.
3. Excellent for Client Retention
The combination of strength, mobility, precision, and feel-good flow makes barre incredibly habit-forming. Clients see results quickly and fall in love with the burn, which keeps them coming back week after week.
4. Scalable & Versatile for Your Schedule
Barre blends beautifully with a variety of formats. You can keep your programming exciting with options like:
- Barre Fusion
- Cardio Barre
- Power Barre
- Gentle Barre Flow
This flexibility helps you appeal to different client goals without overhauling your entire schedule.
Getting Started with Barre
Ready to jump on the barre bandwagon? Here's what you'll need to get started:
Equipment
A ballet barre (wall-mounted or freestanding), light weights, resistance bands, sliders, and mats.
Instructor Training
Invest in a reputable barre training program. A well-trained, confident instructor makes all the difference in member experience and safety.
Marketing
Announce your new barre classes creatively:
- social media teasers
- email newsletters
- intro offers or launch-week specials
- in-studio posters and flyers
Members love something “new,” and barre tends to generate its own buzz quickly.
Barre is a Community Builder
One of the most surprising benefits of adding barre to my studio was the sense of community it created. The classes became a place where members could connect, support each other, and celebrate their progress.
Make Managing Barre Classes Simple
A tool like Recess makes launching barre even easier. You can schedule classes, manage bookings, track attendance, and communicate with your members, all in one clean, easy-to-use platform.
When the admin is simple, you can focus on what matters most: delivering an amazing class experience.
The Takeaway
Barre is a smart, high-impact addition to any studio. It’s accessible, affordable to launch, profitable, and builds an incredible community. If you’re looking to diversify your schedule, attract new clients, and increase retention, barre is a perfect place to start.
