Political Movements within Pilates: The Rise of Fitness Reformer Classes
Fitness Reformer Classes
The advent of Fitness Reformer classes marks an unwelcome but probably inevitable attempt by the fitness industry to harness the popularity of the name Pilates by using traditional Pilates Apparatus to deliver high-energy, fitness-style workouts with little or no lip service to the Pilates apparatus, specifically the Reformer. This movement, while drawing on the heritage of Pilates Method Principles or values, in fact diverges markedly from Pilates focus on the individual and mind-body exercise; focusing instead on the apparatus's versatility to enhance general fitness regimens. It represents a distinct departure from traditional Pilates methodology, emphasising strength, speed, cardio, excitement and endurance over the core principles of Pilates.
The Fitness Reformer Approach: A Fusion of Energy and Apparatus
Fitness Reformer classes are characterised by their dynamic and vigorous nature, designed to elevate heart rates, increase muscular strength and endurance, and provide a challenging workout that appeals to fitness enthusiasts often with high volume modern beat-based music and light shows. Unlike traditional Pilates sessions that prioritise precision, control, and mindful movement, Fitness Reformer workouts feature pace, variety, and intensity. This use of the Reformer apparatus caters to a growing demand for workouts that are both efficient, adrenaline-filled and hormone-engaging, combining the instability benefits of Reformer exercises with the energy of a high-tempo fitness class.
Apparatus Adaptability and Innovation
The Reformer, with its springs, carriage, and versatile setup, becomes a central tool in Fitness Reformer classes, adapted to facilitate a wide range of exercises beyond the traditional Pilates repertoire. Instructors may incorporate elements such as jumping, dynamic resistance adjustments, and circuit-style training sequences to challenge participants in new and varied ways. This adaptability underscores the Reformer's potential as a multifunctional piece of fitness equipment, capable of supporting a broad spectrum of exercises that appeal to contemporary fitness trends, but also dismisses the development of the Reformer design to cope with defined Pilates exercises and not any exercise that anyone wishes to try or teach.
Training and Instructor Certification
Instructor certification for Fitness Reformer classes often focusses on understanding the Reformer's mechanics and function but not safety protocols related to its design and use. Instruction is often by those who have never been trained in Pilates themselves but are skilled in the Fitness Industry in the design of high-intensity workout programmes. These programmes focus less on the philosophies underlying traditional Pilates, and more on anatomy, physiology, and the principles of fitness training. Certified instructors are skilled at crafting engaging, challenging, workouts that maximise the Reformer's potential as a tool for fitness rather than solely for Pilates, but critics observe that Safety of the Participant comes secondary to the thrill of the workout.
The Discussion and Its Broader Implications
The rise of Fitness Reformer classes has ignited conversations about the boundaries of Pilates equipment usage and the evolution of fitness practices. Whilst virtually all Pilates enthusiasts express concern over the departure from Pilates in its entirety, proponents of the Fitness Reformer trend advocate for the innovative application of the Reformer to meet modern exercise preferences and goals, and are happy to concede that there is no ‘P’ in Fitness or in Reformer – they are not selling Pilates. This debate highlights the broader dynamics at play in the fitness industry, where tradition often intersects with innovation to cater to diverse participant expectations.
Impact on the Fitness Community
The popularity of Fitness Reformer classes has broadened the appeal of Reformer-based workouts, attracting typically younger individuals who may not have been drawn to traditional Pilates. This trend has not only expanded the market for Reformer apparatus but also introduced a new demographic to the benefits of using such equipment in their fitness routines. Fitness studios offering Reformer classes are increasingly viewed as cutting-edge, appealing to those seeking novel and effective workout experiences and the participants are typically decades younger than the clientele of a ‘Boutique’ Pilates studio.
Take Away
Fitness Reformer classes represent, from a Pilates perspective, an unwelcome but significant shift in the use of traditional Pilates apparatus, aligning more with contemporary fitness demands than with Pilates itself. This movement underscores the evolving nature of exercise preferences and the innovative ways in which classic equipment can be repurposed to meet those needs. As the fitness landscape continues to diversify, the Fitness Reformer trend exemplifies how traditional tools can be transformed to suit the high-energy, varied demands of modern fitness enthusiasts, marking a new chapter in the intersection of fitness technology and workout design.
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk