Barre in the Pilates Studio: Opening a New Revenue Stream with the Ballet Bar on the Reformer

Barre is one of the formats that offers the best return on investment for Pilates studios: You need very little additional equipment, can teach large groups, and appeal to a target audience that values a challenging, aesthetically pleasing workout. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what Barre is, which muscles it targets, what equipment your studio needs, and how to combine Barre with your Reformer to generate more revenue from the same floor space.

What is Barre—and why does it fit into a Pilates studio?

Barre is a group fitness program that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga into an effective full-body workout. The workout is performed at a ballet barre, supplemented by small pieces of equipment such as light dumbbells, small balls, and resistance bands. It is characterized by small, controlled movements with many repetitions that keep the muscles under tension for an extended period of time.

For a Pilates studio, Barre is the natural next step: Its philosophy—body control, posture, core stability—aligns closely with Pilates, and your existing clients already have the right body awareness. Barre expands your offerings without requiring you to reinvent your studio. The boutique and micro-studio trend, which according to the industry association DSSV is growing significantly faster than the overall market in Germany, shows that experience-oriented, well-curated class formats are in demand—and clients are willing to pay premium prices for them.

Which muscles does barre work?

Barre focuses on a high volume of small, precise movements. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), this high number of repetitions primarily improves the muscular endurance of Type I fibers—which fatigue slowly—and trains posture, alignment, and the activation of core stabilizers. It specifically targets the abs, legs, glutes, thighs, and back.

The result is a workout that creates a lean, toned physique, is gentle on the joints, and is ideal for mixed-ability groups—from beginners to advanced participants. It is precisely this accessibility that makes Barre a program that builds long-term customer loyalty.

Barre as a Revenue Stream: The Cost Per Square Meter

The economic appeal of barre lies in the space utilization. A Reformer class is limited by the number of machines. A barre class, on the other hand, requires only one barre station and a small amount of floor space per participant—so you can train more people at the same time in the same space. The following overview illustrates this principle:

Format	Capacity per Area	Investment per seat	Strength
Reformer Class	1 person per reformer	high	Premium price, intensive training
Ballet Barre Class	many participants per room	low (pole + small equipment)	High capacity utilization, low fixed costs
Reformer + Barre Combined	Two formats, one surface	medium	maximum revenue per square meter

The most elegant solution is to combine the two: Reformer sessions in the morning, followed by barre classes at noon or in the evening in the same space. This allows you to consolidate two revenue streams within a single floor plan while also evening out your occupancy rates throughout the day.

Equipment: What You Need for Barre Classes

Barre is intentionally minimalist in its design—and that's exactly what makes the format so cost-effective. It includes the following elements:

Features	Function	Why She Matters
Ballet Bar (Barre)	Balance and Stability During Standing Exercises	must be stable and offer different heights to accommodate all body sizes
Exercise Mats	Floor Exercises and Stretching	non-slip and easy to clean
Small Dumbbells	Additional resistance for the arms	0.5–2 kg is enough for the large volume
Small Balls & Ribbons	Core and Inner Thigh Exercises	Affordable, versatile, easy to store

Combining the Reformer and Barre: Why Sturdy Studio Equipment Is Key

If you offer Barre and Reformer classes in the same space, the success of your concept hinges on the durability of your equipment. Studio equipment is used for many hours every day—and any downtime costs you class spots and, consequently, revenue. That’s why it’s worth taking a close look at the key criteria: frame material, stability, adjustability, and maintenance requirements.

The Hegren TALMA 62 is a reformer built specifically for this kind of continuous use: a 245-cm-long steel frame, a 5-spring system, and manufactured in Greece. In everyday studio use, the steel frame is the key advantage over lighter constructions—it remains stable and retains its dimensions even after years of intensive use, whereas wooden or aluminum frames are more likely to give way under continuous stress. To complement your barre offerings, add the Hegren Stability Bar, a height-adjustable ballet barre (64–103 cm) that attaches directly to the TALMA 62 and enables standing exercises for people of all heights.

Component	Features	Price (Studio)
Hegren TALMA 62 Reformer	Steel frame, 5-spring system, 245 cm, Made in Greece	4.400 €
Hegren Stability Bar (Ballet Bar)	Height-adjustable from 64 to 103 cm, for standing exercises	446 €

This combination—a durable steel reformer plus a sturdy ballet barre—gives you two class formats from a single setup. The prices listed are approximate and based on our current studio lineup; binding studio and volume pricing is available upon request.

Buying Guide: What Studios Should Consider When Setting Up a Barre

Before purchasing, check three things: First, the stability of the bar—it must hold securely even when multiple people are leaning on it at the same time. Second, the height adjustment, so that participants of all heights can work correctly. Third, check for compatibility with your existing reformer so you don’t have to set up a separate area. As an authorized Hegren dealer, we supply studio equipment with a full manufacturer’s warranty and advise you on setup, layout, and capacity. You’ll find an overview in the Hegren Pilates and Pilates Reformer categories. If you’re planning a new studio, our guide to opening a Pilates studio will also help you.

Here's how to incorporate barre into your weekly schedule

The best way to get started is to take it step by step. Start by offering Barre classes during off-peak hours when your Reformer classes aren’t fully booked—such as late morning or early evening. This way, you can gauge demand without cannibalizing existing revenue. A beginner’s class and a separate class for advanced students have proven effective once the group grows.

Common Mistakes When Introducing the Barre

Too much at once: Start with one or two barre classes per week and expand based on demand, rather than overhauling your entire schedule right away. Unstable bars: A wobbly bar or one mounted too low is a safety hazard and undermines trust. Lack of trainer qualifications: Barre may seem simple, but it requires precise cueing for posture and alignment—invest in thorough training for your team. No clear service profile: Position barre as a standalone offering alongside the Reformer and mat so that clients recognize its added value. Neglected maintenance: Even simple equipment requires regular visual and strength inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Barre and Pilates?

Pilates focuses on controlled movements originating from the core, often on the Reformer or on the mat. Barre incorporates ballet elements and many small repetitions at the barre. Both share a focus on posture and core stability and complement each other perfectly in a studio.

Do I absolutely need special equipment for barre?

The centerpiece is a sturdy, height-adjustable ballet barre. It also includes lightweight dumbbells, small balls, and resistance bands. A barre like the Hegren Stability Bar can be used directly on the Reformer, so you don't need a separate space.

Is Barre a good investment for my studio?

Yes, because Barre requires very little equipment and space per participant and allows for larger groups than a Reformer class. Combined with your existing Reformer offerings, you can increase revenue per square meter without expanding your space.

Why use a steel reformer when Barre manages just fine without one?

A barre alone doesn't require a Reformer—but those who offer both formats get double the use out of the same space. A durable steel Reformer like the Hegren TALMA 62 is the more economical choice for continuous use because it results in less downtime than lighter-weight designs.

How many participants can fit in a barre class?

That depends on the size of your space. Since each person needs only a spot at the barre and a little floor space, barre groups are generally much larger than reformer groups. Make sure to allow enough space for each participant to move safely during standing exercises.

Conclusion

Barre is an obvious and economically attractive way for Pilates studios to expand their offerings: an elegant, low-impact full-body workout that accommodates large groups with minimal additional equipment and increases the utilization of your space. If you combine Barre with a durable steel Reformer like the Hegren TALMA 62 and a sturdy ballet barre, you can generate two revenue streams from a single floor plan—with minimal additional effort. Would you like to add Barre to your studio or plan a suitable setup? Talk to our studio team —we’ll advise you on equipment, layout, and space utilization.

Sources: American Council on Exercise (ACE), “Hitting the Barre: Understanding the Popular Group Fitness Trend”; DSSV – German Association of Fitness and Health Facilities, industry data on the German fitness market. Prices as of July 2026, subject to change.