Startup cost
$50k–$500k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Jazzercise Studio
Decision Snapshot
Jazzercise
Idea Score
48
Profit margin
23%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Jazzercise Studio business - Background
Improve the conditioning and overall well-being of your clients with Jazzercise, a franchised cardio and strength exercise program highlighting dance as a workout.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Jazzercise business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a Jazzercise Studio?
Jazzercise is only available as a business through franchising. The organization offers two routes to business operation. One is as an associate instructor for a cost of about $3,000. To fully go into business for yourself, and operate your own Jazzercise center, you must become a franchise owner/instructor. This will cost you between $9,000 and about $38,000, plus 20 percent of your business’s gross revenue.
The franchise fee covers such necessities as general liability insurance, your sound system and music royalty fees and equipment, as well as such variable costs as facility rental and marketing and promotional charges. Here’s the organization’s breakdown of franchising costs.
While you have no cost control over some of these variable costs, such as the franchise fee, you can shop carefully to find a facility. For instance, you might find affordable space at a school, church or community center that will welcome your rent business.
What are the ongoing expenses for a Jazzercise Studio?
Your largest fixed cost is likely to be your rent. That’s why it’s important to run as many revenue-generating classes per month as possible. Also, your franchise fee will escalate accordingly as your business and revenues grow.
Who is the target market?
Jazzercise is seen as being primarily for females, and that’s likely to be your target audience. However, there is some male participation as well. With the diverse types of classes available, it’s possible to offer something for everyone regardless of physical conditioning and skill level.
How does a Jazzercise Studio make money?
You’ll charge a participation fee that can be on an annual, monthly, or per-visit basis. Each franchise sets up its own fee schedule, so make sure you know what the competition charges in your area and what your clients will be willing to pay.
How much can you charge customers?
Since franchises can set their own fees, it can vary considerably. Also, as in many other fields, participants can save on a per-class basis by paying an annual or monthly fee. Therefore, per-class rates can vary wildly from as little as $2.00 to $14.00 or more. See the comments at the bottom of this web page for more information on typical fees.
How much profit can a Jazzercise Studio make?
Your marketing, pricing, and participation will determine your level of profitability. Keep in mind that the rather high 20 percent franchise fee will constrain your profits, but your other operational costs should stay rather low.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Depending on your type of location, consider also offering an after-workout health bar with smoothies, coffee, tea or other nutritious drinks. You might also sell t-shirts, caps and other apparel or merchandise related to your business.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a Jazzercise Studio?
Your business falls into two main group of activities: finding members and conducting classes. Other less regular responsibilities might include exploring new locations and negotiating rent deals with landlords.
Jazzercise offers an extensive variety of class options, including Strike, Core, Fusion, Flip Fusion and many others. This means that you and your associate instructions (if any) will be conducting a lot of classes.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Jazzercise Studio?
Your main challenge and opportunity will be in building a community. Get your clients to attend regularly and to invite their friends. You’ll do this by exhibiting your training expertise, by keeping the classes both fun and effective and by encouraging greater participation and that enthusiastic clients recommend Jazzercise to their friends. Stay passionate about Jazzercise and your enthusiasm will be contagious.
What is the growth potential for a Jazzercise Studio?
There’s plenty of competition for those who want an instructor-led workout. Consider: yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, boot camps, and so many others. Jazzercise is considered a classic regimen, having been around and accepted since the late 1960s. This is both good and bad in that, while it has significant brand recognition it’s hardly a trendy workout in a category that welcomes the latest thing. However, those who embrace Jazzercise maintain their memberships for an average of seven years, which is a lifetime for the fitness/workout category. Here’s the viewpoint of an avid participant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a Jazzercise Studio?
Each of your classes are different and can appeal to a different target audience. For instance, Flip Fusion is best for for muscle work and intense cardio, while Strike emphasizes kickboxing moves and Express delivers a quick, intense workout. What that means is that you have multiple products for sale. Not only is this a full menu for prospective new clients but it also gives you a way to extend offerings to enthusiastic regulars. Be sure to promote all available classes. This will increase your customer demographics by appealing to young and serious fitness fans as well as to those who might be older and farther removed from the exercise habit.
How and when to build a team
With the wide variety of classes you’ll be offering, you might eventually need additional help. When you do, first ask the most accomplished and enthusiastic participants in your classes if they’d care to take the next step. Remember, anyone who teaches a Jazzercise class must first become certified as an associate instructor, so it does involve a financial commitment on their part. However, you can also hire help in other areas, including sales and backroom support, so you can devote more time to your core task of instructing and keeping student morale high.
Part 2 - Is a Jazzercise Studio business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Jazzercise business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Jazzercise Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Jazzercise Studio business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.