How Much Does It Cost to Open an EMS Studio in Poland? Complete Guide
Before deciding to open an EMS studio, you need reliable numbers. Not estimates like "from 50,000 PLN", but a concrete cost breakdown that lets you plan financing and assess return on investment. This guide provides exactly that — based on data from Polish EMS studios opened between 2022 and 2025.
Total investment in an EMS studio in Poland ranges from 180,000 PLN to over 500,000 PLN. The difference comes mainly from location, EMS equipment model, and fit-out standard. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of each cost category.
Location and Rent Costs: How the City Determines Your Budget
An EMS studio requires relatively little space compared to a traditional gym. Minimum area for one EMS set and a reception zone is 40-50 sqm; the optimal studio for 2-3 sets is 70-100 sqm. This space efficiency is one of the greatest business advantages of the EMS model.
- Warsaw (city centre / Mokotow / Wilanow): 6,000-12,000 PLN/month
- Krakow, Wroclaw, Tricity (good location): 4,000-8,000 PLN/month
- Poznan, Lodz, Katowice: 3,000-6,000 PLN/month
- Smaller cities (200-500k residents): 2,000-4,000 PLN/month
EMS Equipment: Miha Bodytec, XBody and Alternatives
EMS equipment is the single largest line item in the startup budget. The Polish market is dominated by two brands: Miha Bodytec (Germany) and XBody (Hungary), though more options exist at different price points.
- Miha Bodytec II (wireless model, premium): 55,000-70,000 PLN per set
- XBody EVO (wireless model): 45,000-60,000 PLN per set
- Mid-range brands (Epulse, Wiemspro, Visionbody): 25,000-40,000 PLN per set
- Used equipment (2-4 years old, reputable brands): 20,000-40,000 PLN per set
An EMS studio with one set operating at 70% occupancy over 6 days a week generates revenue of approximately 25,000-35,000 PLN per month. With proper cost management, this allows reaching profitability within 18-24 months.
Fit-Out, Equipment and Formal Costs
An EMS studio is not a gym — it is a premium space where clients spend 30-45 minutes in close contact with a trainer. Finish quality and atmosphere directly affect the perceived value of the service and the price clients are willing to pay.
- Renovation work (screed, plastering, painting): 15,000-30,000 PLN
- Flooring (sports panel or premium rubber): 8,000-15,000 PLN
- Lighting (design and installation): 5,000-10,000 PLN
- Reception desk, furniture, changing room: 8,000-20,000 PLN
- Air conditioning and ventilation: 6,000-15,000 PLN
- Audio-visual systems and music: 3,000-8,000 PLN
- Additional accessories (mats, rollers, scales, screens): 5,000-12,000 PLN
Monthly Operating Costs and Break-Even Point
- Premises rental: 4,000-8,000 PLN
- EMS equipment lease or depreciation: 2,500-5,000 PLN
- Trainer salary (employment or B2B): 5,000-8,000 PLN
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): 800-1,500 PLN
- Marketing and advertising: 2,000-4,000 PLN
- Software and subscriptions: 400-800 PLN
- Consumables (suits, electrodes, cleaning): 600-1,200 PLN
- Insurance and accounting: 500-900 PLN
Total monthly operating costs: 15,800-29,400 PLN. With an average session price of 150 PLN and costs of 22,000 PLN/month, the break-even point is approximately 147 sessions per month. That is just 5-6 sessions per day over 25 working days — a realistic target already in month 3-6.
Summary: How Much Do You Really Need to Start
A minimalist EMS studio in a smaller city, with one mid-range set and standard fit-out, can be opened for 120,000-160,000 PLN. This scenario suits local markets with lower competition and lower rental costs.
A premium studio in Warsaw or Krakow with two Miha Bodytec sets and high-end fit-out is an investment of 350,000-500,000 PLN. The higher entry price is justified by higher achievable session prices and a larger client market.
Regardless of the model chosen, plan a cash reserve covering 4-6 months of operating costs before opening. This buffer will allow you to survive the client-building phase without financial pressure. Studios that start without this reserve risk closing before reaching profitability — even if the business model is sound.
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