Your Guide to the Best Pilates Studio Booking Software

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Finding the right Pilates studio booking software can feel like a workout in itself. You want something that’s simple for your clients, easy for you to manage, and powerful enough to handle every moving part of your business.

I get it - you’re passionate about Pilates, not paperwork. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the right system to streamline your operations and get you back to doing what you love: teaching, connecting, and helping your clients move better.

What to Look for in a Pilates Studio Booking Software

Before diving into the options, it’s worth understanding what separates good booking software from great software for Pilates studios.

Here are the key features to look for:

- 🗓 Easy Online Booking
Clients should be able to book classes, appointments, and workshops seamlessly - from their phones, laptops, or tablets. The interface should be clean and intuitive, not clunky or confusing.

- 👩‍🏫 Class & Appointment Management
Your software should handle multiple instructors, class types, and private sessions effortlessly. Look for built-in waitlists, recurring bookings, and automatic confirmations or reminders.

- 💬 Client Management
A great system keeps track of client info, attendance history, and payment details. This helps you personalise communication and strengthen long-term relationships - something I’ve found invaluable in my own studio.

- 💳 Billing & Payments
Software that handles payments and automates reminders is a lifesaver. Managing memberships and class packs shouldn’t require manual follow-up. (We’ve all been there - chasing overdue payments between classes!)

- 📊 Reporting & Analytics
To grow your business, you need to know what’s working. Insight into attendance, revenue trends, and client retention helps you make smarter business decisions.

Top Pilates Studio Booking Software Options for 2025

Now, let's take a look at some of the best Pilates studio booking software options on the market this year.

Software
Key Features
Best For
Recess
Free and easy-to-use, unlimited clients and classes, online booking, client management, and payment processing.
Independent instructors and small to medium-sized studios looking for a powerful, free solution.
Mindbody
Comprehensive features including marketing tools, payroll, and a large client network.
Large studios and fitness businesses looking for an all-in-one solution with a strong brand presence.
Acuity Scheduling
Simple and affordable, with a focus on appointment booking and calendar management.
Instructors who primarily offer private sessions and want a straightforward scheduling tool.
Glofox
A complete gym management software with a branded mobile app, marketing automation, and advanced reporting.
Larger studios and fitness franchises that want a premium, customized experience for their clients.

Why Recess is a Great Choice for Your Pilates Studio

While all of these platforms have their strengths, Recess stands out for one simple reason: it gives you everything you need to run your studio - for free.

When I opened my Pilates studio, the overheads felt endless. Between rent, equipment, and payroll, adding an expensive management platform on top felt impossible. Recess genuinely changed that equation.

You can schedule classes, manage clients, take payments, and communicate (all in one place) without paying subscription fees. For small studios, independent instructors, or those just starting out, this can be a massive relief.

And beyond the cost, Recess is incredibly easy to use. The interface is clean, modern, and intuitive. You don’t need to be “tech-savvy” to get up and running. You can set up your classes, take bookings, and start getting paid within minutes.

Gone are the days of clunky, outdated systems that require training manuals. Recess feels like it was built by someone who actually runs a studio - because it was.

Making the Right Choice for Your Studio

Choosing the right Pilates studio booking software is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Think about your unique needs - class formats, number of instructors, client base - and test-drive your top picks.

Here’s what I’d recommend:

- Start with a free trial. Get a feel for the platform’s ease of use before committing.

- Ask your clients. If the booking process feels seamless to them, that’s a good sign.

- Think long-term. The right software will grow with you - supporting new classes, more clients, and additional locations.

Ultimately, the best software isn’t just one that works — it’s one that makes running your studio easier, more enjoyable, and more personal.

If you’re looking for a platform that gives you all the core tools without the cost or complexity, Recess might just be the partner your Pilates business has been waiting for.

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