Pilates reformer is taking hold as a top trend on social media.
Not only is it listed as the No. 2 fitness trend on TikTok, the market for the low-table exercise machine is exploding, expected to reach US $11.8 million by 2031, according to Future Market Insights.
That’s no surprise to fitness studio owner Kelly Punzo, who was an early adopter. The Newmarket fitness enthusiast was among the first in York Region to be certified on the reformer close to 25 years ago.
“I’ve watched it kind of grow and evolve,” says Punzo, who has been operating her multi-discipline Function Studios Inc. for women since 2008.
The reformer uses the concept of pilates, typically performed on a mat, which leverages bodyweight for resistance, maximizing and refining exercising. The reformer takes it a step further. It functions as a resistance training device that uses a platform with a foot bar along with straps and springs, that teaches proper movement while keeping the body aligned, with a focus on core strength.
Adina Conn, district manager of the York Region Club Pilates location on Leslie Street in Newmarket, explains that pilates is low impact and low intensity, so it’s gentle on the joints and accessible to everyone. The reformer machine adds in the benefit of guiding the user to do the exercises properly. It is often used for rehabilitation because it also includes cardiovascular, strengthening and functional training aspects, she adds.
The machines are used in classes that are designed for different levels of users and are led by instructors. And every studio adds their own spin on their approach.
“It’s really safe on the joints,” says Conn. “We really take for granted that we just breathe automatically versus how to be in tune with how to breathe.
“Here we’re really getting into how to decompress stress, not only on our joints, but mentally.”
Sure, she says, the pilates reformer appears to be going through a popular moment given the social media attention boosted by high-profile celebrities, including Kourtney Kardashian. But to Conn, the benefits from the basic pilates principals of control, breathing, concentration and precision of movement with a focus on a strong core are clear.
Punzo has long been training other instructors on the use of the machines, which are used for group and private classes. And she’s been developing her own style along the way, building her business into a top-rated pilates studio with 12 reformers, among its many fitness options.
“I think its so good for your joints. It’s good for your core, it’s good for your back. It teaches you proper movement and alignment. There are so many benefits,” says Punzo, who believes it can be beneficial to all demographics.
“As we’re aging, we’re thinking about the loss of balance and it improves that. It’s so beneficial to your body.”
In addition to providing the benefits of pilates, key to the reformer, she says, is how it teaches the user a healthy approach to training. Recognizing the value of core strength, pilates has become a popular workout style at Function Studios, which offers more than 150 weekly classes of a variety of exercise styles and abilities through a team of 35 staff members and trainers.
Punzo says the classes are tailored for different demographics and she takes pride in the active aging program geared for women 60 and up. That includes reformer classes for older women who may be experiencing back or joint issues that offer a gentle approach to the full-body workout, as well as row, pump, TRX/tabata, yoga, riding, stretch and strength classes and Zumba classes.
“We just want people to feel comfortable here,” says Punzo. “We want people to feel good, have fantastic workout.”
