IM=X Pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering Pilates-based, cardio and strength workouts in studio settings, serving health-conscious adults across fitness levels, and known for its proprietary IM=X method, proprietary reformer equipment, and tuition-free staff training and support.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
37
+
23%
23%
Franchise fee
?
$48,000
Investment
?
$85,000 - $340,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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IM=X Pilates and Fitness is a boutique fitness franchise founded in 2003 and headquartered in Clinton, Connecticut. The brand began franchising in 2003 and has expanded into a national network of studios across the United States.
It focuses on delivering a results-driven fitness model built around a proprietary approach to Pilates and full-body conditioning.
IM=X studios offer a unique blend of reformer-based Pilates, strength training, cardio, barre, cycling, and back-wellness programs. The system uses its own patented Xercizer reformer and provides tuition-free instructor training, which helps franchisees build skilled teams without high onboarding costs. The model positions each studio as a comprehensive wellness destination rather than a single-modality fitness space.
What sets IM=X apart is its “Integrated Movement Xercize” methodology. This approach enhances traditional Pilates by adding resistance, cardio, and functional movement to create faster, more noticeable results for members.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a IM=X Pilates franchise is
$85,000 - $340,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
IM=X Pilates offers 2 types of franchises:
Franchise Option
Initial Investment (Low)
Initial Investment (High)
Single Personal Training Studio franchise
$84,900
$221,295
Single Fitness Studio franchise
$151,300
$340,295
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a IM=X Pilates.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$48,000 – $48,000
Initial Equipment Package Lease and Shipping
$6,500 – $8,500
Certification Travel Expenses
$0 – $5,000
Real Estate for 3 Months
$7,000 – $26,000
Real Estate Improvements and Additions
$55,000 – $190,000
Signage
$10,000 – $20,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,000 – $3,500
Marketing and Other Advertising
$10,000 – $15,000
Insurance
$400 – $2,000
Professional Fees
$3,000 – $6,000
Monthly Software Fee (3 Months)
$400 – $600
Extension Fee
$0 – $695
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$10,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$151,300 – $340,295
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IM=X Pilates offers 2 types of franchises:
Franchise Option
Initial Investment (Low)
Initial Investment (High)
Single Personal Training Studio franchise
$84,900
$221,295
Single Fitness Studio franchise
$151,300
$340,295
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a IM=X Pilates.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$48,000 – $48,000
Initial Equipment Package Lease and Shipping
$6,500 – $8,500
Certification Travel Expenses
$0 – $5,000
Real Estate for 3 Months
$7,000 – $26,000
Real Estate Improvements and Additions
$55,000 – $190,000
Signage
$10,000 – $20,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,000 – $3,500
Marketing and Other Advertising
$10,000 – $15,000
Insurance
$400 – $2,000
Professional Fees
$3,000 – $6,000
Monthly Software Fee (3 Months)
$400 – $600
Extension Fee
$0 – $695
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$10,000 – $15,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$151,300 – $340,295
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is IM=X Pilates's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
IM=X Pilates had 37 total units in 2024, of which 37 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
IM=X Pilates provides a robust training structure to ensure franchisees and their teams are well-prepared to operate successfully. The training spans business operations, staff certification, and ongoing professional development, with an emphasis on virtual accessibility and system adherence.
Business Training: Franchisees must complete an online Business Training program prior to opening. It includes eight virtual modules and must be repeated if a manager is replaced, with a $4,000 training fee for new managers.
Instructor Certification Courses: IM=X provides required certification programs covering IM=X® Basic, Advanced, and specialty formats like Tower Barre and Spinal Fitness. Certification is mandatory for all instructors and franchise owners.
Ongoing and Supplemental Training: The franchisor may require additional training for quality improvement, which is provided virtually without charge unless extra hours are needed. Missed training incurs a rescheduling fee of $300.
Territory Protection
IM=X Pilates grants its franchisees a protected territory, typically defined by a radius and based on population size—about 60,000 for Fitness Studios and 30,000 for Personal Training Studios.
Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license another IM=X outlet selling the same or similar services under the same trademarks. This protected territory remains in effect throughout the franchise term unless the agreement is not renewed.
However, IM=X Pilates does not offer an exclusive territory. Customers are free to take classes at any IM=X location, and the franchisor may continue to sell goods and services through alternative channels such as online stores, streaming, and virtual training—even within a franchisee’s protected territory.
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