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FITNESS, HEALTH, WELLNESS

features

Specifier:
Getting flexible

With Pilates offerings constantly evolving, what can suppliers offer health clubs wanting to leverage this popular segment of the wellness market? Julie Cramer reports

Published in Health Club Management 2026 issue 3
Group in Pilates class
/ Balanced Body AllegroNextgen Tower
Ken Endelman
Balanced Body / Jeff Mizushima
Ken Endelman
Founder and CEO, Balanced Body

Balanced Body has been committed to continuous innovation for more than 50 years, and now has over 300 Pilates equipment patents worldwide.

What sets our reformers apart are the two elements that matter most: patented Signature Springs and a smooth carriage ride. Each nickel-plated spring is tested ahead of shipping, ensuring precision resistance and long-term durability. Our proprietary wheel system and precision-engineered rails deliver an exceptionally quiet, fluid glide that professionals immediately notice.

Our proprietary wheel system delivers an exceptionally quiet, fluid glide

Select models, including the Allegro 2 Reformer and Metro IQ Reformer, feature integrated transport and storage wheels for mobility and space efficiency.

Beyond equipment, clients benefit from real-person technical support and the online Balanced Body Garage video library for maintenance guidance. We also offer customised instructor training and digital programming support, helping studios deliver measurable results and an elevated client experience.

More: www.pilates.com

CASE STUDY
Balanced Body X University of Nottingham

In partnership with Balanced Body, the University of Nottingham in the UK has strengthened its reputation in university sport and wellbeing with the launch of a purpose-built reformer Pilates studio at the David Ross Sports Village.

Equipped with 11 Allegro 2 Reformer units with Towers and Plank Bars and five Combo Chairs, the dedicated studio is a first for UK higher education.

Designed to accommodate students, as well as members of the surrounding community and competitive athletes, the studio supports performance, rehabilitation and wellbeing, complementing physiotherapy services, athlete development and sports injury programmes.

Balanced Body collaborated on the layout, bespoke finishes and on-site education, with training delivered to both fitness professionals and physiotherapists.

Now embedded in the group exercise programme, the studio offers classes, specialist sessions and one-to-one rehabilitation, while creating commercial opportunities through partnerships and corporate wellness.

Nottingham Pilates studio
Nottingham’s dedicated Pilates studio is a first for UK higher education / Balanced Body / University of Nottingham
John Halls
NELSON PHOTOS
John Halls
MD, Physical Company /Merrithew

Physical is the sole UK reseller of Merrithew, a brand that’s shaped Pilates for over 35 years. Every reformer is a product of decades of innovation, refinement and real-world studio experience. Every box ticked, every question answered, these are bulletproof commercial-grade products with unmatched quality and heritage.

Merrithew’s SPX Max reformers are designed for modern, multi-discipline studios: they can be stacked or stored upright, maximising space without compromising performance.

Add-ons enable class formats to expand from traditional reformer sessions

Add-ons such as vertical frames and Cardio-Tramp Rebounders enable class formats to expand into cadillac classes or dynamic, cardio-driven workouts, supporting the versatility that today’s studios demand.

Meanwhile, Merrithew Connect brings the brand’s Stott Pilates education and class content into one app, giving instructors tools to plan workouts and allowing end-users to stream reformer workouts.

More: www.physicalcompany.co.uk

CASE STUDY
Acai Berry

When superfood retailer Acai Berry opened its flagship in London’s Shoreditch, it saw an opportunity to expand the offering to its fitness-focused clientele by introducing Pilates.

Eyeing an in-store studio, Acai Berry placed its order. The next day, Physical delivered 10 SPX Max Onyx reformers, CardioTramp rebounders and accessories, helping optimise the opportunity to broaden Acai Berry’s customer relationship.

The all-black reformers complement the store’s monochrome, Copacabana-inspired design, creating a space that’s on-brand. The low-profile reformer design ensures safe use during fast-paced classes, while cardio-tramps support the high-tempo sessions Acai Berry’s clientele enjoy.

By combining professional-grade equipment, space planning and programming, the studio brings movement alongside nutrition to create a premium experience, elevating Acai Berry beyond a superfood destination, creating a wider wellbeing experience that resonates with its audience.

Group in Pilates class
Acai Berry’s on-brand Pilates studio appeals to its loyal customers / gabevisuals / Gabriel Busch
Ella Verhees
/ Core Health and Fitness
Ella Verhees
Product director, Core Health and Fitness

Our Pilates reformer range is designed specifically for commercial fitness environments across the UK and Europe, combining studio-quality performance with the durability required for high-traffic facilities. Crafted with a premium maple wood frame and a smooth, precision-guided carriage, it delivers a quiet, stable ride suited to everything from rehabilitation and beginners’ sessions to dynamic strength-led classes.

What sets us apart is ease of use in group settings. Adjustable springs, clear settings and ergonomic shoulder rests allow instructors to adapt sessions quickly, keeping classes flowing and accessible to all abilities. The robust build supports consistent, heavy usage without compromising comfort.

What sets us apart is ease of use in group settings

From an operational perspective, the streamlined frame design supports efficient studio layouts, while our wider ecosystem of training and programming resources helps operators launch and scale successful reformer programmes, driving engagement, retention and long-term member value.

More: www.corehandf.com

Pilates equipment layout
Optimal equipment layout can improve traffic flow and class comfort / Core Health and Fitness
CASE STUDY
Fitmula Pilates

We recently supported Fitmula Pilates in the APAC region in upgrading their Pilates studio by installing a suite of our reformers and accessories to replace ageing equipment and expand class capacity. The operator wanted to elevate the member experience while making the space more functional and safe.

We worked closely with them from design to delivery, advising on optimal equipment layout to improve traffic flow, sight lines and instructor access. By selecting durable, low-maintenance reformers and integrating clear instructional signage, we helped reduce setup time between classes and improve user confidence.

A key challenge was fitting multiple reformers into a compact studio without reducing comfort or accessibility. We overcame this through careful spacing, operator training and staggered classes, ensuring equipment was approachable for all abilities. The result was a more enjoyable studio that boosted bookings and member satisfaction. 

Howard Braband
Howard Braband
MD, Gymkit UK / Peak Pilates

As one of the original US manufacturers of Pilates apparatus, Peak Pilates is recognised globally for its range of premium metal and handcrafted wooden reformers, engineered for precision, longevity and smooth, quiet performance.

The Fit Reformer remains one of the most popular choices for studios in the UK, thanks to its versatility, robust construction and user-focused adjustability. Its design options of both vertical and stackable storage also support efficiencies in busy studio environments.

Our latest innovation, Pilates StudioConnect is a professional-grade Pilates system that combines Peak Pilates equipment with guided, on-screen sessions, making it possible to operate a premium Pilates studio 24/7/365 days.

Our latest innovation combines equipment with guided, on-screen sessions

At Peak Pilates UK, we support operators beyond installation. With a showroom and working reformer studio demonstrating proven concepts, alongside design and fit-out guidance, launch and marketing support and industry-leading FitCore group reformer instructor education. UK-based stock, with good supply, employed engineers and dedicated parts availability ensure long-term reliability of the brand, helping health clubs introduce and sustain a high-quality Pilates offering with confidence.

Gymkit UK is a distributor of Peak Pilates.

More: www.peakpilates.co.uk

Pilates class
Adding guided on-screen training can extend your Pilates offering / Tim Steele Photography
Pilates class
Padded extenders enhance user comfort / Emma Clarke Photography
Pilates class
The studio can serve beginners, rehab clients and advanced users /  Emma Clarke Photography
CASE STUDY
Balance Health Nottingham

Peak Pilates UK partnered with Balance Health Nottingham to deliver a 10-bed reformer studio. Founded and funded by a group of 20 local clinicians and leaders and a healthcare building expert, Balance Health Nottingham brings together medical health, fitness and wellbeing under one roof, aiming to make health interventions feel connected, supportive and empowering for everyone, at any stage of their journey.

Peak’s Fit Reformers were specified, combining aesthetics with functional performance in a space that complements Balance Health Nottingham’s uplifting vision. Each reformer is fitted with padded extenders, enhancing comfort and accessibility for beginners, rehabilitation clients and advanced practitioners.

A key challenge was fitting 10 beds within a configuration that maintains safe circulation, clinical consideration and intuitive class flow. Through layout planning and instructor workflow mapping, we delivered a spacious, safe and enjoyable studio. We are also delivering FitCore Group Reformer instructor education to ensure confident instruction and a sustainable launch.

Melissa Sahed
/ Corevais Pilates / melissa shd
Melissa Sahed
CEO, Corevais Pilates

We offer a wide range of reformers designed to suit different needs and aesthetics. What makes our range distinctive is the level of customisation available. Each reformer can be finished to suit its environment, whether that’s a dedicated studio or a hotel wellness space.

Our most popular model is a foldable reformer with a semi-automatic mechanism that allows one-hand opening and closing, making it practical for spaces where flexibility and storage matter.

Each reformer can be finished to suit its environment

We also support consulting around brand identity, strategic layout and concept development, ensuring the reformers align with the vision.

Our showroom plays an important role in this process. We invite clients to experience the machines first-hand, explore materials and finishes and shape the project with us. We want it to feel immersive and collaborative.

More: www.corevais.com

Reformer equipment
Customisation options ensure reformers blend well with interiors / Corevais Pilates / melissa shd
CASE STUDY
Hotel Dames des Arts

We recently worked with Hotel Dame des Arts, a modern, wellness-focused hotel in Paris. The gym is an important part of the hotel’s appeal, especially for guests who prioritise wellness and the hotel wanted to enhance its fitness space by adding a Pilates bed.

We worked with the team to customise a reformer to sit naturally within the existing design, adapting finishes to match the space and ensuring the proportions, materials and positioning were considered so the machine felt integrated into the environment.

Tom McClelland
/ FOLD
Tom McClelland
Co-founder, Fold

We’re best known for our Original Fold reformer, which was introduced to the UK market in 2024. From the outset, our goal was to challenge the assumption that premium performance and space efficiency couldn’t coexist.

Working with UK-based industrial product designers, we developed the patent-pending Easi-Fold system, which has been engineered to allow operators to optimise space without compromising on the feel of a studio-grade reformer.

Since launching Fold, we’ve supported 200 studios across the UK and Europe in introducing or upgrading reformer Pilates spaces.

We’re building beyond equipment with digital programming, instructor education and an engaged community

What sets Fold apart, is that we’re building beyond equipment, developing a connected Fold ecosystem that combines intelligent product design with digital programming via the Fold App, instructor education through the Fold Academy and an engaged community both online and in person. Fold is not just a reformer, it’s an integrated Pilates platform.

More: www.foldreformer.com

Easi-Fold system
A patent-pending Easi-Fold system helps create flexible spaces / FOLD
CASE STUDY
Energie Fitness

Energie Fitness selected Fold to launch its first dedicated reformer studio with a view to potentially offering it as part of the franchise.

The opportunity was to create a premium, high-performing Pilates environment within a mainstream gym footprint, maximising space efficiency while maintaining studio-grade quality.

Key challenges were ensuring operational flexibility without compromising safety or aesthetics using Easi-Fold reformers to allow for efficient transitions between class formats.

The result is a commercially-strong, adaptable space that positions reformer Pilates as a core growth driver within Energie’s fitness model.

David Bulcock
/ Gym Gear
David Bulcock
Director, Gym Gear

At Gym Gear we focus on designing Pilates equipment that works well in real studio environments, where durability, comfort and flexibility all matter. Our reformers are built using solid oak frames and commercial grade components to provide the strength and stability needed for busy studios, while still maintaining a clean aesthetic that suits modern wellness spaces.

Pilates reformers require more circulation space than traditional gym equipment

Pilates studios often need to balance a premium training environment with efficient use of space, so some of our reformers feature foldable designs with integrated wheels. This allows equipment to be stored easily when a room needs to be used for workshops or other classes.

User comfort and support are central to the design. Adjustable spring resistance allows instructors to adapt sessions to different ability levels, while padded upholstery and smooth carriage movement create a controlled and supportive exercise experience.

More: www.gymgear.com

CASE STUDY
Unity

Gym Gear recently worked with Unity gym in Embsay, Skipton, which wanted to introduce a dedicated Pilates studio within an existing fitness facility. The room had previously been used for general group exercise classes, so the challenge was to create an environment that felt calm and purpose-built while still working within the existing space.

We began by planning a layout that allowed instructors to move freely around participants while maintaining clear sightlines during sessions. Pilates reformers require more circulation space than traditional gym equipment, so careful spacing was needed to balance class capacity with comfort and safety.

Another priority for the client was flexibility. The room still needed to host occasional workshops and smaller training sessions, so we installed reformers that can be folded and moved using built in wheels. This allows the space to be cleared quickly when required.

Reformer class
The new studio at Unity can adapt to flexible programming / Gym Gear 

Read more from this issue of HCM magazine

View contents of HCM 2026 issue 3
Sign up for FREE ezines & magazines
How can health clubs best leverage the ever-growing Pilates boom?
HCM magazine
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Strength training is evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences. Julie Cramer talks to innovators about how their products are meeting this demand
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features

Specifier:
Getting flexible

With Pilates offerings constantly evolving, what can suppliers offer health clubs wanting to leverage this popular segment of the wellness market? Julie Cramer reports

Published in Health Club Management 2026 issue 3
Group in Pilates class
/ Balanced Body AllegroNextgen Tower
Ken Endelman
Balanced Body / Jeff Mizushima
Ken Endelman
Founder and CEO, Balanced Body

Balanced Body has been committed to continuous innovation for more than 50 years, and now has over 300 Pilates equipment patents worldwide.

What sets our reformers apart are the two elements that matter most: patented Signature Springs and a smooth carriage ride. Each nickel-plated spring is tested ahead of shipping, ensuring precision resistance and long-term durability. Our proprietary wheel system and precision-engineered rails deliver an exceptionally quiet, fluid glide that professionals immediately notice.

Our proprietary wheel system delivers an exceptionally quiet, fluid glide

Select models, including the Allegro 2 Reformer and Metro IQ Reformer, feature integrated transport and storage wheels for mobility and space efficiency.

Beyond equipment, clients benefit from real-person technical support and the online Balanced Body Garage video library for maintenance guidance. We also offer customised instructor training and digital programming support, helping studios deliver measurable results and an elevated client experience.

More: www.pilates.com

CASE STUDY
Balanced Body X University of Nottingham

In partnership with Balanced Body, the University of Nottingham in the UK has strengthened its reputation in university sport and wellbeing with the launch of a purpose-built reformer Pilates studio at the David Ross Sports Village.

Equipped with 11 Allegro 2 Reformer units with Towers and Plank Bars and five Combo Chairs, the dedicated studio is a first for UK higher education.

Designed to accommodate students, as well as members of the surrounding community and competitive athletes, the studio supports performance, rehabilitation and wellbeing, complementing physiotherapy services, athlete development and sports injury programmes.

Balanced Body collaborated on the layout, bespoke finishes and on-site education, with training delivered to both fitness professionals and physiotherapists.

Now embedded in the group exercise programme, the studio offers classes, specialist sessions and one-to-one rehabilitation, while creating commercial opportunities through partnerships and corporate wellness.

Nottingham Pilates studio
Nottingham’s dedicated Pilates studio is a first for UK higher education / Balanced Body / University of Nottingham
John Halls
NELSON PHOTOS
John Halls
MD, Physical Company /Merrithew

Physical is the sole UK reseller of Merrithew, a brand that’s shaped Pilates for over 35 years. Every reformer is a product of decades of innovation, refinement and real-world studio experience. Every box ticked, every question answered, these are bulletproof commercial-grade products with unmatched quality and heritage.

Merrithew’s SPX Max reformers are designed for modern, multi-discipline studios: they can be stacked or stored upright, maximising space without compromising performance.

Add-ons enable class formats to expand from traditional reformer sessions

Add-ons such as vertical frames and Cardio-Tramp Rebounders enable class formats to expand into cadillac classes or dynamic, cardio-driven workouts, supporting the versatility that today’s studios demand.

Meanwhile, Merrithew Connect brings the brand’s Stott Pilates education and class content into one app, giving instructors tools to plan workouts and allowing end-users to stream reformer workouts.

More: www.physicalcompany.co.uk

CASE STUDY
Acai Berry

When superfood retailer Acai Berry opened its flagship in London’s Shoreditch, it saw an opportunity to expand the offering to its fitness-focused clientele by introducing Pilates.

Eyeing an in-store studio, Acai Berry placed its order. The next day, Physical delivered 10 SPX Max Onyx reformers, CardioTramp rebounders and accessories, helping optimise the opportunity to broaden Acai Berry’s customer relationship.

The all-black reformers complement the store’s monochrome, Copacabana-inspired design, creating a space that’s on-brand. The low-profile reformer design ensures safe use during fast-paced classes, while cardio-tramps support the high-tempo sessions Acai Berry’s clientele enjoy.

By combining professional-grade equipment, space planning and programming, the studio brings movement alongside nutrition to create a premium experience, elevating Acai Berry beyond a superfood destination, creating a wider wellbeing experience that resonates with its audience.

Group in Pilates class
Acai Berry’s on-brand Pilates studio appeals to its loyal customers / gabevisuals / Gabriel Busch
Ella Verhees
/ Core Health and Fitness
Ella Verhees
Product director, Core Health and Fitness

Our Pilates reformer range is designed specifically for commercial fitness environments across the UK and Europe, combining studio-quality performance with the durability required for high-traffic facilities. Crafted with a premium maple wood frame and a smooth, precision-guided carriage, it delivers a quiet, stable ride suited to everything from rehabilitation and beginners’ sessions to dynamic strength-led classes.

What sets us apart is ease of use in group settings. Adjustable springs, clear settings and ergonomic shoulder rests allow instructors to adapt sessions quickly, keeping classes flowing and accessible to all abilities. The robust build supports consistent, heavy usage without compromising comfort.

What sets us apart is ease of use in group settings

From an operational perspective, the streamlined frame design supports efficient studio layouts, while our wider ecosystem of training and programming resources helps operators launch and scale successful reformer programmes, driving engagement, retention and long-term member value.

More: www.corehandf.com

Pilates equipment layout
Optimal equipment layout can improve traffic flow and class comfort / Core Health and Fitness
CASE STUDY
Fitmula Pilates

We recently supported Fitmula Pilates in the APAC region in upgrading their Pilates studio by installing a suite of our reformers and accessories to replace ageing equipment and expand class capacity. The operator wanted to elevate the member experience while making the space more functional and safe.

We worked closely with them from design to delivery, advising on optimal equipment layout to improve traffic flow, sight lines and instructor access. By selecting durable, low-maintenance reformers and integrating clear instructional signage, we helped reduce setup time between classes and improve user confidence.

A key challenge was fitting multiple reformers into a compact studio without reducing comfort or accessibility. We overcame this through careful spacing, operator training and staggered classes, ensuring equipment was approachable for all abilities. The result was a more enjoyable studio that boosted bookings and member satisfaction. 

Howard Braband
Howard Braband
MD, Gymkit UK / Peak Pilates

As one of the original US manufacturers of Pilates apparatus, Peak Pilates is recognised globally for its range of premium metal and handcrafted wooden reformers, engineered for precision, longevity and smooth, quiet performance.

The Fit Reformer remains one of the most popular choices for studios in the UK, thanks to its versatility, robust construction and user-focused adjustability. Its design options of both vertical and stackable storage also support efficiencies in busy studio environments.

Our latest innovation, Pilates StudioConnect is a professional-grade Pilates system that combines Peak Pilates equipment with guided, on-screen sessions, making it possible to operate a premium Pilates studio 24/7/365 days.

Our latest innovation combines equipment with guided, on-screen sessions

At Peak Pilates UK, we support operators beyond installation. With a showroom and working reformer studio demonstrating proven concepts, alongside design and fit-out guidance, launch and marketing support and industry-leading FitCore group reformer instructor education. UK-based stock, with good supply, employed engineers and dedicated parts availability ensure long-term reliability of the brand, helping health clubs introduce and sustain a high-quality Pilates offering with confidence.

Gymkit UK is a distributor of Peak Pilates.

More: www.peakpilates.co.uk

Pilates class
Adding guided on-screen training can extend your Pilates offering / Tim Steele Photography
Pilates class
Padded extenders enhance user comfort / Emma Clarke Photography
Pilates class
The studio can serve beginners, rehab clients and advanced users /  Emma Clarke Photography
CASE STUDY
Balance Health Nottingham

Peak Pilates UK partnered with Balance Health Nottingham to deliver a 10-bed reformer studio. Founded and funded by a group of 20 local clinicians and leaders and a healthcare building expert, Balance Health Nottingham brings together medical health, fitness and wellbeing under one roof, aiming to make health interventions feel connected, supportive and empowering for everyone, at any stage of their journey.

Peak’s Fit Reformers were specified, combining aesthetics with functional performance in a space that complements Balance Health Nottingham’s uplifting vision. Each reformer is fitted with padded extenders, enhancing comfort and accessibility for beginners, rehabilitation clients and advanced practitioners.

A key challenge was fitting 10 beds within a configuration that maintains safe circulation, clinical consideration and intuitive class flow. Through layout planning and instructor workflow mapping, we delivered a spacious, safe and enjoyable studio. We are also delivering FitCore Group Reformer instructor education to ensure confident instruction and a sustainable launch.

Melissa Sahed
/ Corevais Pilates / melissa shd
Melissa Sahed
CEO, Corevais Pilates

We offer a wide range of reformers designed to suit different needs and aesthetics. What makes our range distinctive is the level of customisation available. Each reformer can be finished to suit its environment, whether that’s a dedicated studio or a hotel wellness space.

Our most popular model is a foldable reformer with a semi-automatic mechanism that allows one-hand opening and closing, making it practical for spaces where flexibility and storage matter.

Each reformer can be finished to suit its environment

We also support consulting around brand identity, strategic layout and concept development, ensuring the reformers align with the vision.

Our showroom plays an important role in this process. We invite clients to experience the machines first-hand, explore materials and finishes and shape the project with us. We want it to feel immersive and collaborative.

More: www.corevais.com

Reformer equipment
Customisation options ensure reformers blend well with interiors / Corevais Pilates / melissa shd
CASE STUDY
Hotel Dames des Arts

We recently worked with Hotel Dame des Arts, a modern, wellness-focused hotel in Paris. The gym is an important part of the hotel’s appeal, especially for guests who prioritise wellness and the hotel wanted to enhance its fitness space by adding a Pilates bed.

We worked with the team to customise a reformer to sit naturally within the existing design, adapting finishes to match the space and ensuring the proportions, materials and positioning were considered so the machine felt integrated into the environment.

Tom McClelland
/ FOLD
Tom McClelland
Co-founder, Fold

We’re best known for our Original Fold reformer, which was introduced to the UK market in 2024. From the outset, our goal was to challenge the assumption that premium performance and space efficiency couldn’t coexist.

Working with UK-based industrial product designers, we developed the patent-pending Easi-Fold system, which has been engineered to allow operators to optimise space without compromising on the feel of a studio-grade reformer.

Since launching Fold, we’ve supported 200 studios across the UK and Europe in introducing or upgrading reformer Pilates spaces.

We’re building beyond equipment with digital programming, instructor education and an engaged community

What sets Fold apart, is that we’re building beyond equipment, developing a connected Fold ecosystem that combines intelligent product design with digital programming via the Fold App, instructor education through the Fold Academy and an engaged community both online and in person. Fold is not just a reformer, it’s an integrated Pilates platform.

More: www.foldreformer.com

Easi-Fold system
A patent-pending Easi-Fold system helps create flexible spaces / FOLD
CASE STUDY
Energie Fitness

Energie Fitness selected Fold to launch its first dedicated reformer studio with a view to potentially offering it as part of the franchise.

The opportunity was to create a premium, high-performing Pilates environment within a mainstream gym footprint, maximising space efficiency while maintaining studio-grade quality.

Key challenges were ensuring operational flexibility without compromising safety or aesthetics using Easi-Fold reformers to allow for efficient transitions between class formats.

The result is a commercially-strong, adaptable space that positions reformer Pilates as a core growth driver within Energie’s fitness model.

David Bulcock
/ Gym Gear
David Bulcock
Director, Gym Gear

At Gym Gear we focus on designing Pilates equipment that works well in real studio environments, where durability, comfort and flexibility all matter. Our reformers are built using solid oak frames and commercial grade components to provide the strength and stability needed for busy studios, while still maintaining a clean aesthetic that suits modern wellness spaces.

Pilates reformers require more circulation space than traditional gym equipment

Pilates studios often need to balance a premium training environment with efficient use of space, so some of our reformers feature foldable designs with integrated wheels. This allows equipment to be stored easily when a room needs to be used for workshops or other classes.

User comfort and support are central to the design. Adjustable spring resistance allows instructors to adapt sessions to different ability levels, while padded upholstery and smooth carriage movement create a controlled and supportive exercise experience.

More: www.gymgear.com

CASE STUDY
Unity

Gym Gear recently worked with Unity gym in Embsay, Skipton, which wanted to introduce a dedicated Pilates studio within an existing fitness facility. The room had previously been used for general group exercise classes, so the challenge was to create an environment that felt calm and purpose-built while still working within the existing space.

We began by planning a layout that allowed instructors to move freely around participants while maintaining clear sightlines during sessions. Pilates reformers require more circulation space than traditional gym equipment, so careful spacing was needed to balance class capacity with comfort and safety.

Another priority for the client was flexibility. The room still needed to host occasional workshops and smaller training sessions, so we installed reformers that can be folded and moved using built in wheels. This allows the space to be cleared quickly when required.

Reformer class
The new studio at Unity can adapt to flexible programming / Gym Gear 

Read more from this issue of HCM magazine

View contents of HCM 2026 issue 3
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How can health clubs best leverage the ever-growing Pilates boom?
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PureGym Group has announced that group chief financial officer, Alex Wood, is taking over the ...
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Independent operator, Fitness Worx Gyms, is introducing private blood testing as a service to members. ...
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International industry lobbying associations are calling for physical activity and strength training to be deeply ...
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Global group exercise specialist, Les Mills, is inviting operators to sign up to its Workout ...
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Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch ...
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Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, is gearing up to unveil its most significant redevelopment ...
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Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of ...
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Peloton has made the strategic acquisition of Pilates start-up, Skōp, to support the expansion of ...
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Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept ...
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The 20th State of the Industry Report from LeisureDB has revealed a resilient, expanding and ...
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Purpose Brands has announced its entry into the Italian market, having sold the franchise rights ...
Opinion
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Strength training has moved from the margins to the mainstream.
Opinion: Building smarter strength spaces for today’s operators
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: Reaching the people most gyms miss: Bedford Gym & Swim Campaign delivers 410 new members
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members.
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: Supporting long-term health: why whole body vibration belongs in clinical settings
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer.
Company profiles
Company profile: Escape Fitness Ltd
Escape Fitness has driven fitness innovation for 20+ years. Founded by engineer Richard Januszek and ...
Company profiles
Company profile: Panatta Srl
Panatta's mission is to create machines that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and competitive in price ...
Supplier Showcases
Supplier Showcase - From nightclub to health club
Supplier Showcases
Supplier Showcase - Future-proofing
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Featured press releases
Alliance Leisure Services (Design, Build and Fund) press release: Alliance Leisure completes £15m transformation at Doncaster Dome
Alliance Leisure are excited to announce the completion of works to the Lagoons at Doncaster Dome, on behalf of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, funded by City of Doncaster Council.
Featured press releases
BLK BOX press release: Inside the build: Aberdeen Sports Village
When Aberdeen Sports Village set out to upgrade its gym offering, the goal was to create a more motivating, versatile and high-performing training environment for its diverse member base.
Directory
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Oakworks Inc: Spa and beauty equipment
Hot tubs
MSpa International Ltd: Hot tubs
Water experiences and hydrotherapy solutions
Aquaform s.r.l.: Water experiences and hydrotherapy solutions
Lockers
Crown Sports Lockers: Lockers
Fitness tracking platform
SpiviTech: Fitness tracking platform
Industrial washing machines
Miele Company Limited: Industrial washing machines
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Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
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Newmark
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22-23 Jun 2026
WX Wakefield , Wakefield, United Kingdom
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21-24 Sep 2026
The Langham Huntington Pasadena , Pasadena, United States
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06-08 Oct 2026
Messe Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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22-22 Oct 2026
QEII Conference Centre, London,
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26-29 Oct 2027
Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre, Cologne, Germany
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