KX Pilates was started by founder Aaron Smith in Australia in 2010. The first KX Pilates studio opened in Melbourne. By 2014, KX Pilates had six company-owned studios and five franchise owned studios in Melbourne, and opened its first Sydney studio. In 2022, KX Pilates opened its studio in Queensland. In 2018, KX Pilates opened its first international studio in Jakarta, with a goal of 500 studios globally with a target of 25 studios in Jakarta by 2026.
The KX Pilates method is a more intense workout than traditional reformer classes as the variety of dynamic moves increases heart rate. There is more exercise flow and less rest between exercises. A KX Pilates franchise costs between $150,000 and $200,000. This includes marketing materials, inventories, training for instructors, support with opening day, uniforms and more.
The first twelve months of running KX Pilates were tough financially and emotionally for Aaron. His family helped, from washing towels to providing emotional support whenever Aaron felt dispirited. With the ten-year anniversary of KX Pilates in February 2020, Aaron discussed the company’s growth and its future plan of expanding internationally.
Aaron learnt everything about starting, growing and franchising KX while on the job, through being an employee and after launching the first studio. He came to understand strengths and weaknesses of different business structures and how important team dynamic and customer service were. After launching KX, he learnt what worked and didn’t through trial and error. Any gaps, he bridged through experts and applied lessons to his business.