Opening a yoga studio is a deeply meaningful adventure. You’re not just creating a physical space — you’re building a place for reconnection, transformation, and community. But one essential question comes up for every founder:
What’s the right size for my studio?
This decision will directly impact your day-to-day operations and your long-term success: it influences your fixed costs, your capacity to welcome students comfortably, and how your business can evolve over time.
If it’s too small, you’ll quickly hit a ceiling. Too big, and you risk taking on unsustainable costs in the early stages.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step to choose a surface area that matches your needs, your target audience, and your vision, with practical criteria to help you make an informed decision.
Why studio size is a strategic decision
Many founders underestimate how much the size of their studio shapes their success. Yet it’s not just a matter of aesthetics or logistics — it’s a lever for both client experience and profitability.
A well-proportioned space allows you to:
- Run calm, comfortable classes where every student can move, breathe and relax freely
- Accommodate more students without compromising the quality of teaching
- Ensure smooth daily operations: movement flow, storage, changing areas...
- And most importantly, create a sustainable business model that supports your goals
5 Key criteria for choosing the right studio size
Your geographical area
Where your future studio is located will play a major role in determining the ideal surface area. In city centres or high-density areas, rent is more expensive and every square metre must be justified by high occupancy. In contrast, in suburban or less dense zones, you may access larger spaces at a more reasonable cost.
It’s essential to balance your budget with the local demand. How many other studios already exist nearby? What’s the demographic profile of the local population? Are they willing to travel for classes? What’s the average income in the area? Even a basic market study can make a big difference.
Key points:
- Urban areas = maximum space optimisation, high student turnover
- Suburban or rural areas = more space, but audience needs building
- Benchmark against similar studios in your area to find your ideal balance
The type of practice you offer
Not all yoga styles require the same amount of space. A gentle yoga class (yin, nidra, prenatal) may need less room per person, as movements are slow and mostly floor-based. In contrast, dynamic flow, aerial yoga, or pilates classes require more space per student.
Also consider movement amplitude and the ability to move freely between mats, especially if you want to adjust postures or create a peaceful atmosphere.
General guidelines:
- Gentle yoga: 2 m² per student
- Dynamic yoga: 2.5 to 3 m² per student
- Classes with equipment: 3.5 to 4 m² per student
Always add a buffer for movement, props, and space around each mat. Better to have one fewer student than a cramped, uncomfortable class.
Your target audience
Your space should be designed with your ideal students in mind. An intimate studio won’t appeal to a crowd looking for high energy and community vibes. Likewise, a large cold space may overwhelm beginners looking for calm and connection.
Think about:
- Experience level: beginners prefer smaller groups and comforting environments, while more advanced students can handle larger class dynamics
- Neighbourhood habits: a residential area may favour daytime or family-friendly formats; a city centre may cater to after-work busy flows
- Comfort and privacy expectations: specific audiences (e.g. prenatal yoga, therapeutic sessions) require extra care in space design
Your audience doesn’t just impact the size — it shapes the layout, vibe, and rhythm of your classes.
Your short- and mid-term vision
A common trap: renting a tiny studio “just to start”, only to outgrow it within six months. It's crucial to align the space with your true ambitions from the outset.
Ask yourself:
- Do you plan to teach alone, or will you bring in other instructors?
- Will you offer workshops, retreats or themed classes in the future?
- Could you rent out the space to other professionals?
- Do you need a separate room for treatments, coaching, or one-on-one sessions?
A space that can grow with you saves you from having to reorganise everything too soon. Sometimes, investing slightly more in a flexible space pays off long-term — more so than having to move after just one year.
Don’t forget the supporting spaces
A yoga studio isn’t just a practice room. To create a great experience, you also need to consider transition zones — where students arrive, change, connect, store their things... or simply feel welcome and at ease.
Make sure your plan includes:
- A clear, welcoming reception area, even if it’s small
- Clean, practical and well-signed toilets and changing areas
- A storage zone for mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets, cleaning materials
- A relaxation or tea corner, if this fits your brand and community ethos
A well-designed studio is one where movement flows naturally, everything has its place, and students feel thought of.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common missteps can hold your project back from the start:
- Underestimating the space per student: mats squeezed together make for uncomfortable and distracting classes
- Overlooking service areas: missing storage or changing rooms creates a sense of clutter and disorganisation
- Ignoring legal regulations: check all safety and accessibility norms for public spaces in your area
- Short-term thinking: opting for a space too small “to test things” may limit you just as your studio starts to grow
A space that supports a thriving studio
Choosing the right size for your yoga studio isn’t just about personal taste or budget — it’s a foundational business decision that directly impacts your students’ experience, class flow, and long-term financial health.
To recap:
- Consider your location, your style of teaching, and your target audience
- Plan for 2 to 3 m² per student, more if equipment or movement intensity is involved
- Don’t forget the importance of non-practice areas: reception, changing rooms, lounge...
- Most importantly, think long-term: your space should be able to grow with you
Ready to make the right choice for your yoga studio?
Book a free personalised demo and see how bsport can help you design and run your studio efficiently — from day one and as you grow.
