Why Reformer Pilates is Gaining Ground in Public Leisure

Let me start with this: I'm not a runner. Never have been. While some people find their peace pounding the pavement, I found mine somewhere very different, at Reformer Pilates.

This time last year, I was struggling with my health and wasn't feeling great about myself, especially when visiting leisure sites and seeing how active and inspiring our clients are. It felt a bit disjointed to talk about member engagement when I wasn't engaging in much movement myself. And that's when I started my personal wellness journey (cliche, I know), losing five stone and reshaping my relationship with exercise and food. 

Along the way, I discovered Reformer Pilates, and it quickly became a game-changer for me. It's not just about strength or flexibility, though you'll gain plenty of both. It's about moving with purpose, tuning into your breath, and walking away feeling better mentally and physically.

That balance of body and mindfulness is something members are increasingly looking for. And this is backed by the stats, according to a study by HFE, 70% of gym goers would participate in Pilates rather than yoga. That's a huge vote of confidence for Pilates as a format, and a clear signal that member preferences are shifting toward slower, more intentional movement that supports long-term well-being.

It's no longer about fitness, it's about feeling good, reducing stress, and staying mentally resilient in a busy world. Honestly, with how passionate I've become about wellness, I sometimes wonder if I should be running my own studio - but I'm just as proud to be helping our customers deliver this experience through our smart, intuitive software.

From Boutique to Mainstream: Why the Buzz Matters

Now, with Technogym entering the Reformer space, the buzz around this format is louder than ever. It's moved beyond boutique studios and is starting to appear in more mainstream environments, including gyms, hotels, and now, potentially, public leisure centres.

So, why should you pay attention?

1. Wellness is here to stay. Reformer Pilates isn't just a passing trend. It sits squarely in the wellness space, an area that's becoming core to member expectations. The demand for low-impact, mindful, and strength-focused movement is growing, especially amongst people who want a sustainable fitness routine that feels good as well as delivers results.
2. It unlocks new revenue streams. Reformer classes often sit around the £140/ month mark. That positions it as a premium product, but it doesn't have to be out of reach. Operators can explore tiered memberships, add-ons, or small group formats that make it more accessible without diluting the value. With the right pricing model, it can bring in a whole new audience.
3. It brings something different to your offer. Let's be honest, members are spoilt for choice these days. From on-demand apps to big box gyms, they're used to variety. Reformer Pilates gives you a unique edge, especially when paired with a calming environment and quality instructors. 
4. It aligns with how your members want to feel. More and more members aren't just chasing fitness goals. They're chasing balance, stress relief, and a sense of belonging. Reformer fits into this beautifully. It encourages mindfulness, precision, and progression, and keeps people like me coming back because they feel the difference, not just see it.

And beyond the physical and mental benefits, there's a strong community element too. People love feeling part of something, whether it's turning up to familiar faces in class each week or being surrounded by others who share their mindset. Reformer sessions can cultivate that sense of connection that many members are looking for today.

The Role of Gladstone

So, how does Gladstone fit into all of this? Well, we're not selling the Reformer machines (though of course, I would love to!), but we are helping you bring these ideas to life. From flexible memberships and class scheduling to targeted communications and usage reporting, our leisure management software is designed to support operators who want to innovate. Whether you're trialling a new wellness class, adding Reformer sessions to your group exercise programme, or looking for smarter ways to engage your community, we help you manage it all through one central platform that's built with your members in mind.

Final Thoughts

Reformer Pilates might not be the right fit for every facility, but it’s definitely something worth exploring. Curious about how Gladstone can support your wellness strategy? Book a meeting here, I'm always happy to chat about Reformer, retention, and what’s next in leisure.