Reformer Pilates studio at the David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham / Balanced Body

The University of Nottingham has strengthened its reputation as a leader in University sport and wellbeing with the addition of a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio at the David Ross Sports Village. 

The new space, fully equipped with Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformers and Combo Chairs, is supported by a team of Balanced Body trained instructors and marks a first for UK higher education, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion and holistic health.

The decision to introduce a Reformer Pilates studio was driven by a desire to stay ahead of fitness trends and meet growing demand for accessible, high-quality movement experiences. According to the University of Nottingham, the investment was about much more than adding another class to the timetable.

“Our vision was to create a facility that bridges performance, rehabilitation and wellbeing,” says Caroline Martin, Group Exercise Manager at the University of Nottingham. “We identified a gap in our offer and saw an opportunity to deliver something genuinely sector-leading, a studio that supports students, staff, athletes and the wider community. Reformer Pilates perfectly complements our physiotherapy services, athlete development programmes and sports injury clinic, reinforcing our holistic approach to performance and recovery. 

“We were also keen to create a unique space that elevated the holistic training experience, with a look and feel completely different, yet still connected to the rest of the sports facilities. Working with Balanced Body, we put a great deal of thought into the design, that includes bespoke flooring and a visually impressive wood panelling with living wall concept. We believe the whole studio, in both its purpose and design, is unique to the education sector and sets a benchmark for other universities to follow.”

Reformer Pilates is also playing a strategic role in the University’s inclusion and disability support offer, providing a space where movement can be adapted to suit a range of abilities. Beyond its health and wellbeing benefits, the studio forms part of the University of Nottingham’s wider sport’s commercialisation and sustainability strategy, creating new opportunities for income generation through classes, external partnerships and corporate wellness programmes.

Balanced Body was selected as the University’s equipment and education partner following an in-depth evaluation process. “Balanced Body stood out immediately,” explained Tom Sharratt, Health and Fitness Manager at the University of Nottingham. “The equipment is exceptionally well designed, durable, versatile and visually stunning plus their team was fully collaborative from the start. They understood our goals and worked with us to bring our vision to life, from the studio’s layout and bespoke window frosting to the delivery of bespoke, on-site instructor training and future education planning.”

The studio houses 11 Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformers with Towers and Plank Bars, alongside five Combo Chairs, allowing for a wide range of group classes, specialist sessions and rehabilitation work. Balanced Body’s role extended far beyond installation, supporting the University with studio design, instructor training and course development, ensuring the facility would be sustainable and future ready.

As part of the partnership, both the Group Exercise and physiotherapy teams completed bespoke Balanced Body training programmes delivered on site by specialist educators. This included the Group Reformer for Fitness Professionals programme, led by Balanced Body Educator Zoe Watson, and the tailored Pilates Training for Physiotherapists delivered by internationally respected Educator Lindy Royer, PT.

Zoe continues to mentor the Group Exercise team as they refine their practical skills through a limited timetable ahead of a full programme launch in early 2026. The physiotherapy team has already integrated Pilates principles into athlete care and rehabilitation pathways, helping embed equipment-based Pilates across both performance and clinical services.

Caroline adds: “The education support we’ve received from Balanced Body has been exceptional. Zoe’s guidance has given our instructors real confidence, and Lindy’s work with our physiotherapists has inspired new ways of approaching rehabilitation and performance. The training has elevated what we’re capable of delivering, and it’s created real excitement across the team. It’s given us the foundations we need for long-term success, and we’re looking forward to building on it as we work towards becoming an official Balanced Body training centre.”

Speaking about the partnership, Ken Endelman, Founder and CEO, Balanced Body, says:  “From the moment we engaged with the University of Nottingham team, it was clear this project was about more than equipment, it was about creating a model of best practice for University wellbeing. It’s been fantastic to work with such a forward-thinking institution and to see Reformer Pilates being embraced as both a performance and therapeutic tool. The enthusiasm across campus has been fantastic. We very much look forward to supporting the University as it works towards becoming an official Balanced Body education centre.”

Since its launch, the studio sessions have been integrated into the University’s Group Exercise programme via a dedicated booking platform and pricing structure. Classes cater to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced participants, and are complemented by 1-to-1 sessions by the sports injury clinic and physiotherapy teams. Early engagement data has been overwhelmingly positive, with particularly strong uptake among both younger students and older adults.

“Our ambition is to make Reformer Pilates a cornerstone of our health and wellbeing ecosystem,” Caroline adds. “It’s accessible, effective, and offers something for everyone, whether recovering from injury, enhancing athletic performance, or simply looking to move better.”

Looking ahead, the University plans to expand its Pilates provision. Phase Two will explore partnerships with professional sports teams, corporate wellness programmes and local NHS partners, while also developing short courses and workshops to engage a broader audience.

By introducing a purpose-built Reformer Pilates studio and partnering with Balanced Body, the University of Nottingham has not only set a new standard for student and staff wellbeing but also created a model of best practice that other universities might want to emulate.

For more information about Balanced Body studio design, equipment and education, visit: Pilates.com

Balanced Body® is a registered trademark