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Pilates: Innovating pilates
Consumer demand is making Pilates an exciting business opportunity for health clubs. Julie Cramer talks to leading suppliers about what’s coming next
The new Technogym Reform has been created by our in-house design and innovation team and reinvents and improves many traditional reformer features, in line with our 40-year legacy of innovation in the health and fitness and wellness markets.
Technogym Reform features sustainable wood, aluminium and vegan leather and comes in three new colourways. It has an easy-to-adjust footbar with nine settings, designed to be thicker for improved grip, as well as adjustable shoulder pads, a headrest and cables.
The innovative, easy cable rewinding and adjustable resistance springs ensure quiet operation and seamless movement transitions without users needing to get off the bed.
These features collectively elevate the overall member experience, comfort and operational efficiency, while the Reform’s sleek design will enhance a club interior’s aesthetic appeal.
We’re releasing new accessories, including tri loops, handles, ankle straps, box, jumpboard and foot straps.
Clubs can also choose to add an extension pad, mat converter, ring, spine corrector, half cylinder cushion, roller, moon box, tower and chair.
These additions enhance versatility and functionality of the Pilates equipment, providing users with a comprehensive and accessible workout experience.
Health clubs can boost Pilates demand by offering themed classes such as ‘Pilates for Runners’ or ‘Stress Relief Pilates’ to attract diverse groups, while hosting workshops and special events, such as ‘Pilates + Brunch’ to create a buzz.
Integrating the Technogym app for virtual classes and personalised programmes enhances accessibility and engagement.
Social media campaigns showcasing success stories and educational content can boost interest. Collaborating with local businesses for cross-promotions and implementing referral programmes can expand the Pilates community, while member challenges with rewards can motivate and retain participants.
More: www.technogym.com
We’ve been innovating Pilates equipment since 1976, enhancing functionality while honouring Joseph Pilates’ original intent. An example is the Infinity Footbar, which spans the length of the reformer frame, providing far greater exercise options.
All equipment is made in-house, giving full control over materials, assembly and quality.
Balanced Body equipment is optimised for the health club environment. Our bespoke instructor training programme is designed specifically for existing fitness professionals, enabling them to design and deliver effective, engaging classes.
As the Pilates industry grows, we’re focused on delivering high-quality solutions that support customer success. This includes refining our equipment – adjusting the placement of the eye hook on our towers, for example.
We’re also committed to education, continuously developing to upskill instructors and activate spaces effectively in a fast-moving, group reformer market.
Expansion of the whole Pilates equipment system is the future. Towers are a natural progressive step and are easily added to reformers. For circuit-style training, the Pilates chair offers a compact yet powerful addition. Both tower and chair provide standing options, giving members variety, challenge and results.
Pilates’ capacity to improve movement, longevity and overall wellbeing boosts retention, satisfaction and new member attraction.
Instead of treating it as just another gym offering, operators can make Pilates a foundational component of members’ fitness routines.
Understand your audience, optimise reformer count for ROI and upskill trusted instructors to expand their value, while leveraging their followings to grow participation.
More: www.pilates.com
We create our Pilates equipment by blending scientific precision with the artistry of movement – from our smooth, quiet carriage ride to the use of orthopaedic cushioning and our patented F2 socket system.
BASI equipment is designed to elevate strength and wellness and also deliver support for an individual’s Pilates practice and rehabilitation, helping them unlock their full potential.
The Pilates market is evolving fast, while group reformer classes and hybrid Pilates-based training is also growing in popularity. We launched our Compact Reformer last year – maximising space usage and minimising hassle. Recently we also launched a new range of accessories – to make Pilates sessions even more complete.
We believe Pilates is set for continued growth and democratisation.
Health club operators are increasingly interested in offering Pilates, creating vast distribution potential, while specialised boutique studios are increasing in numbers and Pilates for rehabilitation is only in its infancy.
Several hybrid forms are emerging and new niche verticals are being created every day, incorporating Pilates-like exercises.
We’ve seen many creative solutions already – from breaking through walls to increase the space for reformer group classes to incorporating reformers and wundachairs in hybrid circuit classes.
Creating workouts specifically for dedicated athletes (be they runners or golfers) or specific target audiences, beyond pre/post natal Pilates, is a logical next step. Also the ‘busy worker workout’ – preventing frequent desk-job injuries, is very likely to be a big hit. Finally, combining group lessons with individual workouts will be attractive – optimising small space usage.
More: www.basisystems.com
We place importance on combining form and function so our reformer range focuses on a smooth, quiet and comfortable performance with a high-end aesthetic.
Reformers are the most identifiable piece of kit in Pilates studios so it’s important they’re durable and can withstand the test of time.
We offer a custom design service so operators can choose bespoke colours of wood or leather and have their branding on the machines.
We also pride ourselves on speed of supply. We stock our products in the UK so lead times are only a matter of days, not weeks, as is typical for the market.
We’re constantly analysing the market and talking with gym operators to ensure our products remain industry-leading and to find ways in which we can evolve the range. We’ve introduced tower and chair add-ons for our machines to offer a greater variety of workouts, as well as more customisation options.
Boutique Pilates studios and micro gyms are helping the Pilates market thrive. The dedication and love for Pilates that was sparked by Reformer (and made it so popular) will naturally guide operators towards other apparatus such as the Pilates chair, ladder barrel and tower/cadillacs.
We’re seeing huge growth in lifestyle-led Pilates classes that focus on wellbeing and mindful workouts. People are looking for a more intimate, comfortable, stylish, ‘Instagrammable’ setting rather than the large classes that are sometimes found in chain health clubs.
Inclusivity is important. More men are also getting into Pilates, recognising its benefits alongside their regular workouts to build stabilising strength, flexibility, endurance and improve overall training performance. Including accessories in a Pilates session can create a more fun workout.
More: www.boxstepfitness.com
Physical is the UK’s authorised reseller of Merrithew – a global leader in Pilates equipment for over 35 years. Its equipment is safe, effective and built to last, using only the highest quality materials and supported with full commercial warranties.
Education delivered under the Stott Pilates umbrella, is another USP for Merrithew. But it’s also about authenticity and member safety. In this booming sector, it’s important to navigate the influx of innovation, ensuring products are safe, effective and rooted in Pilates principles, as well as able to make way for programme innovation. Merrithew’s Cardio-Tramp Rebounder, for example, transforms any reformer into a Pilates cardiovascular machine.
From reformers to barrels to a wide range of accessories, health clubs and studios have what they need to deliver the full spectrum of Pilates programming – and so innovation is often subtle, fine-tuning best-in-class equipment to be better still.
Invented in the 1920s, Pilates is no flash-in-the-pan fitness fad. Entirely adaptable to the individual, enhancing whole-body functional fitness as well as mental wellbeing, this is fitness for life – tried and tested, embraced the world over and unquestionably here to stay. If anything, its future is brighter now than ever as more people prioritise self-care, develop a mind-body understanding and make healthier lifestyle choices to enhance their quality of life.
Marketing and education are key, building awareness among a wider audience of what reformer Pilates is and what it can do. For rehab and older audiences, reformers support movement and help restore mobility. For everyday athletes through to elite sportspeople, spring-loaded resistance means challenging full-body workouts that build strength, endurance and agility. So share the why as well as the what. This will support sustainable growth and maintain interest in the long term; do it right and you’ll also migrate members into mat Pilates, further optimising your response to demand.
We prioritise quality, durability and comfort in every piece of equipment we make and believe that designing equipment that’s easy and safe to use makes a huge difference in performance.
Our products are thoughtfully-crafted to be versatile, supporting everyone from beginners to advanced users. We seamlessly integrate our equipment with our education programmes, enabling health club operators to attract and retain members, create additional revenue streams and offer exceptional experiences that set their facilities apart.
We’re currently refining our reformer designs for a smoother, more dynamic ride and improved exercise flow. Upgrades to our patented Retractable Rope System will enhance control and adjustability.
Our education programmes go hand in hand with our equipment and we’re incorporating advanced training and exercises into new product features. We’re also exploring new materials, design elements, and digital and AI solutions to boost durability, movement efficiency and the overall Pilates experience.
Many of our products are also CE-Certified for clinical use in Europe, trusted by fitness and medical professionals.
I envision it continuing to grow, becoming more accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences and believe the future involves Pilates playing a bigger role, not only in fitness but also rehabilitation, athletic conditioning and active ageing.
We’re committed to providing high-quality, flexible and affordable equipment that supports new users, instructors and small studios, enabling them to expand and adapt as their skills and needs evolve.
Operators can drive growth in Pilates by focusing on quality experiences and making the practice more accessible. Growth isn’t about offering more sessions – it’s about delivering consistent, exceptional results through the right equipment, solid training and science-based methods.
More: www.merrithew.com
Over the last 50 years, there’s been very little innovation in the Pilates industry and it’s remained largely untouched by technology.
We’ve been pioneers by combining the traditional modality with advanced technology and design to introduce the world’s first digitally-connected Pilates reformer featuring an in-built content system that includes more than 300 guided workouts.
The RX Reformer also tracks user movement to the thousandth of a second, offering real-time biometric feedback data to give instant insights. This means users can personalise their workout, tailoring it to their goals and needs.
On the design front, we’ve ditched the hospital-grade feel for something more modern.
Inspired by Formula 1, our reformer is ergonomic and includes push buttons instead of the traditional exposed springs – a safer and less intimidating way to control the resistance.
The reformers allow operators to provide 24/7 access to reformer Pilates workouts. Guests experience a choice of routines and it bypasses timetabling, staffing or minimum number concerns.
We’re now exploring new integrations with additional wearable technology to provide deeper insights into user progress and recovery.
There’s no doubt reformer Pilates is booming, bringing more choice to consumers than they’ve experienced before. There’s also a growing demand for flexible workout environments that cater to users’ time, availability and preferences while still fostering a sense of community.
We’re committed to bringing reformer Pilates to new verticals and spaces where it hasn’t traditionally been available, helping more people experience the benefits of this transformative workout.
Our technology is designed to integrate into hybrid studio models, allowing users to engage in reformer Pilates in a way that suits their lifestyle – whether that’s dedicated boutique spaces, within larger health club environments or on-the-go in hotels.
We’ve seen an increased interest in the system from buyers in the hotel space, particularly with the rise of people shaping their holiday around fitness and wellness travel, whether that’s marathons, Ironmans or other sports challenges, or a stay at a wellness-focused property.
More: www.reformrx.co.uk
For over 25 years, Peak Pilates has honoured Joseph Pilates’ original equipment designs, blending them with modern technology. The result is a versatile line of equipment from handcrafted sustainable wood to advanced metal, all of which offers superior performance, safety and adaptability.
We provide a package of premium equipment and expert instructor education. Partnering with both boutique studios and major fitness chains, we focus on helping operators boost member engagement, achieve better results and build a more successful Pilates or fitness offering.
Peak’s handcrafted, contemporary reformer designs enhance any studio space with style and function, while our FitCore instructor training programme ensures teams can deliver consistent, high-quality sessions that will inspire member satisfaction, loyalty and studio growth.
We recently launched a range of accessories to elevate the Fit Reformer experience. These include a platform extender and carriage mat, which expands functionality of the reformer. We’ve also developed an exclusive on-demand pilates workout – Studio Connect – in conjunction with US Pilates expert and celebrity trainer Meghan Fittler, enabling studios to maximise use of their facilities between scheduled instructor-led classes.
The future of the Pilates market looks incredibly promising. With continuous innovation in product development and more dynamic, flexible training options, engagement is rising across both home and professional settings. Demand is growing rapidly, as seen in the surge of customer enquiries and instructor certifications with Peak Pilates. As awareness of holistic fitness continues to spread, Pilates is well-positioned for sustained growth and broader global adoption.
Operators can diversify offerings beyond just the mat and reformer. Offering innovative styles such as cardio Pilates with small equipment training will ensure studios are keeping the schedule dynamic and inclusive. Demand is also increasing for other classical equipment pieces, in particular tower Pilates.
More: www.peakpilates.co.uk
We offer scalable, cost-effective solutions for health clubs and studios aiming to grow with demand. Designed in the UK, our modular designs let operators start small and expand easily without needing to reinvest in entirely new systems. Whether adding a few Reformers or building a full studio, our equipment adapts to any space and membership base. Clubs benefit from lower upfront costs, fast UK delivery, great customer service and versatile equipment that suits both group classes and personal training sessions.
We’re focused on refining adaptability and producing equipment that evolves with users over time. From backward-compatible accessories shaped by market trends to quick-adjust systems, our innovations aim to make our equipment more intuitive, versatile and future-ready. Whether for clubs, gyms or home use, we’re committed to delivering solutions that grow with demand and keep pace with how people practice Pilates.
The future of Pilates is both inclusive and global. As awareness of the method continues to grow and equipment becomes more affordable, Pilates will remain a practice for all bodies and abilities, not just the flexible or elite. We expect growth well beyond traditional studios, with Pilates becoming a staple in gyms, corporate wellness spaces and rehab settings around the world.
Operators can grow Pilates by offering flexible, high-quality experiences that fit a wider range of users. With Align-Pilates’ equipment, for example, can easily tailor setups for group classes, rehab or private training – maximising both space and investment.
More: www.align-pilates.com
Our signature product is the Original Fold Reformer. The bed’s foldable design enables it to be both space-saving and compact, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and studio-quality design. We launched it to expand the accessibility of Reformer Pilates by making it available at home, but since then we’ve witnessed substantial growth in the commercial market. Operators recognise the advantages of our compact Reformer bed, which easily fits into smaller, unique spaces or mixed-use studios.
Beds can be folded and stored against the wall or even built into a bespoke storage. This allows operators to build a Pilates Reformer offering without compromising other popular classes.
We also recently launched our own range of grip-socks which are essential for Reformer classes.
We’re currently working on new products to add to our range, as well as some exciting developments to our signature Fold bed. These include innovations in features, new colourways and finishes, as well as enhancing our digital experience.
With internet searches for ‘Reformer Pilates’ up 50 per cent, and a continual compound growth rate of 14 per cent in the UK, we’re part of a global Reformer Pilates market that’s projected to reach US$521m by 2031. We expect to see the Pilates market continue to grow on an international scale.
More: www.foldreformer.com
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