If you’ve taken a reformer Pilates class—or 10—you know there’s a reason why so many women (including celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Adele and Margot Robbie) are obsessed with the workout. It probably has something to do with the countless benefits, or the fact that it works muscles that you didn’t even know you had before.
While the practice of Pilates dates back to the early 1900s, in the last year the industry has seen significant growth. Data from fitness class booking app ClassPass attests to this, showing that Pilates is the fastest-growing exercise genre in Australia and New Zealand, experiencing 250% growth in the 12 months to September 2022. Its popularity is 2.8x times that of the next-best genre in Australia, which is yoga.
And as the exercise grows in popularity, so do the businesses offering it. ClassPass reveals the number of Pilates venues working with the app increased by 50% in the last two years, compared to just 20% growth in strength or yoga venues.
Read on for our full list of reformer Pilates benefits, as well as the best reformer Pilates classes in Australia’s capital cities.
What is reformer Pilates?
A Pilates reformer is actually a tool that was created synonymously with the practice itself by Joseph Pilates. So, practicing Pilates with a reformer is how it was meant to be done back in the day! If you ever do Pilates without a reformer, it’s all inspired by moves that were classically done with one.
During the class you will be instructed to use the Pilates reformer for a range of exercises lying, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, and pushing the foot bar. You’ll also incorporate accessories like a shoulder block, Pilates rings, small weights and resistance bands. You can read more about it here.
What are the main benefits?
Regular reformer exercises will lead to greater strength, flexibility and balance, which in turn improve posture, movement and mental health. Here are some of the other benefits:
1. It is a full body workout
2. It builds strength and tones muscles
3. It is high intensity but low impact
4. It creates a stronger core and better posture
Can beginners do reformer Pilates?
Absolutely. All of the exercises in reformer can be modified to all experience levels – even during pregnancy. If you’re early on in your reformer Pilates journey, be sure to book beginner-friendly classes so you can learn the exercises at a manageable pace and with the support of a teacher.
The teachers will explain exactly how to use the board (known as the reformer), but your form and posture is key. Often just a small change in your form will make a big difference to how effectively you’re working, and which muscles you’re engaging. A good instructor will adjust your position manually to make sure you’re performing each exercise as safely and effectively as possible.
Best reformer Pilates classes in Australia
Best reformer classes in Sydney
1. FluidForm Pilates
Where: Bondi, Clovelly, Rosebery, Rozelle, Surry Hills
Price: Single classes from $35
Founded by Kirsten King, FluidForm Pilates is known for its highly personalised and specialised offering. Think small group classes and individual sessions covering everything from reformer and mat Pilates to pre- and postnatal sessions and welcoming mums and bubs classes.
2. Bodylove Pilates
Where: Woollahra, CBD
Price: Single reformer classes from $42
Bodylove Pilates is all about celebrating the joy of movement. Each class’s ethos of ‘mindful burn’ allows you to connect with your body, calm your mind, and challenge yourself with a serious workout. Alongside reformer and mat Pilates, they offer yoga, barre, cardio and a dedicated prenatal program.
3. SOMA Collection
Where: CBD
Price: Single classes from $46
Work in the city? Then you should try SOMA. A luxe workout and wellness hub, complete with personal training sessions, HIIT classes, boxing, reformer Pilates, and yoga – it’s perfect for a pre-, mid-, or post-work sweat session.
4. BodyMindLife
Where: Bondi Beach, Surry Hills
Price: Single classes from $30
Started in 2002, BodyMindLife has been named one of the best Pilates studios in Sydney. While the studios are beautifully designed, with light, and airy spaces, they also offer over 400 classes every week, including yoga and various styles of reformer Pilates.
5. KX Pilates
Where: Alexandria, Balmain, Bella Vista, Bondi, Carss Park, Castle Hill, Collaroy Plateau, Concord, Crows Next, Dee Why, Double Bay, Edmonson Park, Forestville, Gladesville, Glebe, Gregory Hills, Greystanes, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Lindfield, Macquarie, Manly, Maroubra, Marrickville, Miranda, Mona Vale, Mosman, Newcastle, Parramatta, Potts Point, Randwick, Surry Hills, Sutherland, Thornleigh, Turramurra, Wollongong
Price: Single classes from $30
If you don’t live near the CBD, KX Pilates might be a good option for you. With locations all over Sydney, their dynamic take on traditional reformer Pilates is super fun, with three levels to choose from (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and multiple membership options. They are a franchise, which means each studio experience may vary.
6. One Playground
Where: Marrickville, Surry Hills, Newtown
Price: Membership from $31.95/week with reformer included
Another wellness centre, One Playground takes a holistic approach to health that sees it offering your usual gym spaces plus classes like HIIT, dance, yoga and more on the timetable. Mat Pilates is available in all locations, and reformer Pilates is available at two of One Playground’s sleek Sydney studios.
7. One Hot Yoga
Where: Potts Point
Price: Single classes from $42
Offering memberships and classes for reformer Pilates and small group classes, along with yoga and specialised individual and modified options, One Hot Yoga’s packed schedule of weekly sessions make booking a class easy. It’s also one of the first in the world to offer hot mat Pilates, and has an elevated Studio Pilates option with full-on equipment for those looking for serious results.
Best reformer classes in Melbourne
1. Love Athletica
Where: Hawthorn East, Malvern, Caulfield
Price: Membership from $50/week.
Love Athletica’s 50min reformer classes combine strength training with props and weights, athletic HIIT bursts to elevate your heart rate, finishing off class with a yoga inspired flow to stretch out all the big and small muscles worked. Conveniently dotted all over Melbourne, you’re sure to find one close by to home or work.
2. Little Mandarin Yoga & Pilates
Where: CBD, Burwood East, Camberwell, Blackburn
Price: First four sessions $99
Little Mandarin combines both mat and reformer classes with aerial yoga (!!). They work hard to curate a space catering to all languages, ages and abilities. If you prefer to practise from the comfort of your own home, you can also give their live-stream classes a go.
3. CorePlus
Where: 24 locations in Victoria
Price: From $30/week
After completing a course in hot yoga training, founder Amy King brought CorePlus Down Under, creating signature classes such as Hot Pilates and a Warrior class that teaches Pilates with a strong foundation of yogic principles. They offer extensive reformer options including athletic, cardio strength, strength, and pre and post natal reformer classes.
4. Universal Practice
Where: Fitzroy, Malvern Road
Price: From $35/class
Universal Practice takes a holistic approach to health, offering yoga, meditation, clinical and reformer Pilates, and strength and conditioning classes. On the ground floor there are three physio consulting rooms and a Pilates studio with nine reformer beds and other specialist equipment such as a trapeze table, Wunda chair and ladder barrel. Upstairs you’ll find strength and conditioning classes, as well as yoga sessions incorporating ropes for alignment and stability.
5. Studio47 Pilates
Where: Sunbury, Pascoe Vale, Tullamarine
Price: From five classes for $50
With a maximum of 8 people in each class, Studio47 Pilates boasts an ever-changing schedule that offer classes like ‘core values’ (a core/ab focused reformer class), ‘peaches & cream’ (a focus on the glutes) and ‘advanced sweat’ (a full body workout with bursts of cardio & no rest).
6. Street Pilates
Where: Cheltenham
Price: $110.00 for 21 days of unlimited reformer (intro offer)
Designed to make you strong, sweaty, and confident on (and off) the reformer, Street’s 45-minute hybrid sessions are curated by founder Annie Counsel. With over 10 years as a high-performance sports coach, Annie’s predilection for Pilates leans towards strengthening rather than stretching, with a ‘take no prisoners’ approach. Street’s tailored sessions offer a fresh alternative to the standard Pilates practice in clinical studios thanks to ample vibes, banging playlists and highly experienced, hand-picked trainers.
7. Upstate Studios
Where: Ascot Vale, Balaclava, Ballarat, Fitzroy, Geelong, Torquay, Newtown, Ocean Grove, South Yarra, Richmond
Price: $55 per week for unlimited reformer, boxing + mat
Upstate Studios is all about positivity and finding a positive state of mind through movement and connection. Their reformer classes range from a more intense Power Burn to your standard Power Reformer and are all full of energy and motivation. Each class is always different, targeting a variety of equipment and muscles, and the music is always on point.
*KX and One Hot Yoga are also available in Melbourne
Best reformer classes in Adelaide
1. Aleenta Health Club
Where: Glenelg, St Morris, Mawson Lakes, Rundle St CBD
Price: From $24/single class
Aleenta Health Club offers four types of reformer Pilates classes, ranging from a beginner’s option (perfect for clients with limitations, pain, pregnancy restriction or injury) all the way to Bodyformer Plus+ which is a class for the experienced and strong client (the class requires a minimum of 20 reformer Pilates classes under your belt).
2. Körpermotus Pilates
Where: Unley
Price: Three reformer classes for $50
Pilates at körpermotus begins with an hour long one-on-one introduction with a personal and bespoke approach to ensure all niggles, previous and current injuries and goals are communicated. They document your posture, mobility and flexibility and co-align your goals and any past issues. They then spend time explaining pelvic floor, core and breathing and begin with exercises to start the application of these and other concepts. Their reformer classes have a maximum of five clients per class.
3. Club Pilates
Where: Unley
Price: Club Pilates is a franchise (meaning each location is individually owned), and prices vary by location. To give you an idea of how Club Pilates membership prices vary, one Redditor who claimed to manage a Club Pilates said in the r/Pilates subreddit that their local studio charges $109 for four classes per month.
Club Pilates offers the benefits of classical Pilates with a twist. Their signature, contemporary reformer class strengthens and lengthens your entire body while taking your balance and coordination to the next level. Creatively flow from the reformer to the springboard, chair, mat and more, ensuring you never experience the same class twice.
4. Form Pilates and Barre
Where: Glenelg, Toorak Gardens
Price: From $40 per class
Form Pilates and Barre is a boutique Pilates and barre studio that specialise in everything from reformer Pilates and clinical Pilates to booty-toning barre. Reformer classes are a maximum of 5 clients per class and follow a group workout setting led by an experienced instructor, with modifications for clients who may need them.
5. Studio Spring
Where: Stepney, Goodwood, Henley
Price:Two-class intro pack $30
The focus at Spring is to create the happiest version of you and by combining the power of movement with authentic social connection. The trainers don’t take themselves too seriously, but the knowledge and expertise of their instructors ensures you will get the absolute most out of your workout. They combine the attention to detail of a PT with the infinite social benefits of group fitness in a non-judgemental space.
*KX is also available in Adelaide
Best reformer classes in Perth
1. Pronto Pilates
Where: Cottesloe and Mount Lawley
Price: Classes from just $5 to $55/m casual plan
The first of its kind in WA, Pronto Pilates is designed to be super affordable and convenient with classes starting at $5 a pop. Their studios come fitted with the latest virtual tech so each class is delivered by master-level instructors on large digital screens, and are open from 6am to 10.30pm, with 20-odd 45 minute classes running every single day. After winning over Pilates-obsessed folks down in Cottesloe, they’ve just expanded with a second spot in Mount Lawley.
2. Strong Pilates
Where: South Fremantle, Highgate, Innaloo
Price: 10 day pass from $50
With multiple locations across WA and more coming, Strong Pilates ties cardio and reformer Pilates together in an innovative way to help you kick all your goals in one membership. Typically, a class will see you switching between rowing, Pilates and resistance moves, keeping your heart rate high while serving up all the strength building benefits too.
3. Heartbeat High
Where: Perth, Shenton Park and Cottesloe
Price: Two weeks unlimited classes $59 intro offer
Known by their Instagram-worthy neon sign and all-round gorgeous studio, Heartbeat High offers 10 different Pilates styles. Their signature open level reformer workout is a 50 min session that will challenge and inspire your movement through creative transitions with an athletic punch.
4. LA Fit
Where: Highgate and Subiaco
Price: From $55/w
Want something a little more intense? LA Fit might be for you. Dubbed Pilates on steroids, this 45 minute fitness class will replace all your personal training, Pilates classes, weights and cardio workouts in just 2-3 sessions a week. Targeting the five key elements of fitness – strength, cardio, endurance, flexibility and body composition – in each and every move, Lagree takes reformer Pilates to the next level.
5. Rig Pilates
Where: East Perth
Price: Casual classes from $38
Rig offers reformer Pilates for all levels. From group classes for beginners to advanced movers, the classes are small format, allowing the highly trained instructors to get to know you and understand your goals and needs. If you prefer to work in a smaller setting, or need a bit more attention for your specific needs, they also offer private 1:1, and semi-private 1:2 sessions. These are ideal for injury rehabilitation and prevention, clients with special conditions, or even if you want to take your Pilates practice to the next level and try more advanced repertoire.
6. The Hundred Pilates Collective
Where: Scarborough
Price: From $40 per week
The Hundred Pilates Collective offers 14 beautiful Allegro 2 reformers, as well as a second studio space for mat and yoga classes, reiki meditation and sound healing classes. They have an incredible private roof terrace available to hire for workshops, events and photoshoots, and offer private consultation rooms for clinical nutrition appointments and massage services.
Best reformer classes in Canberra
1. GROUNDUP
Where: Gungahlin, Belconnen and Yarralumla
Price: Memberships from $59.90 p/w
GROUNDUP offers balance between classes designed to strengthen, sculpt and make you sweat (think reformer and mat Pilates, barre and hot yoga) and those designed to help you relax and take a weight off (like mellow yoga for rest days). GROUNDUP is built on the principle of establishing your own personal practice through their line-up of classes.
2. Rebalance Pilates
Where: Greenway
Price: Intro offer – 14 days for $39
Rebalance Pilates’ holistic approach to movement is all about balance, enjoying your workout, loving your body and taking a day off when you feel like it. Whether you’re looking for a full-body workout or something more calming and restorative, they offer 10-minute beginner classes where you can learn to synchronise your balance, move and breathe with the reformer, as well as a bunch of other 45 minute sessions that focus on technique, presence and stability to leave you feeling strong, mindful and centred.
3. Muse Pilates
Where: Campbell
Price: From $35 per class
Muse Pilates Studio are all about inclusivity and empowering through movement, open to clients of all shapes, sizes, ages and experience levels. Their low-impact classes are set in beautiful studio spaces, hosted by instructors that guide you through it all: the reformer, equipment and exercises. They also have advanced classes offering juicy moves and spicy sets, served with a side of sweat.
4. Lucas Studios
Where: Mitchell
Price: Five classes for $50 (introductory offer). Unlimited classes for $60/week
A boutique Studio focused on small group classes as well as private training, Lucas Studios are all about creating an inclusive community that caters to individuals of all fitness levels and health statuses. Combining high energy, personalised attention and a fun environment, reformer classes are designed to strengthen, balance, lengthen and tone.
5. Pilates Canberra
Where: Barton
Price: $35 for one class
Specialising in studio, mat work, reformer and barre, Pilates Canberra is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also wonderfully inspiring to work out in. Their reformer classes run for 45-55mins minutes and offer a group format for learning Pilates with a maximum of six participants. All participants perform the same exercises in a flowing format, however instructors do offer progressions and/or modifications to participants, as they see fit, to provide an effective workout for each individual.
6. Sound CBR
Where: Barton
Price: Casual class for $35
Offering both reformer and mat Pilates, at Sound CBR classes are run by qualified physiotherapists who have an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology. They offer specialised classes just for expecting mamas, perfect to keep on top of your pregnancy fitness.
Best reformer classes in Brisbane
1. Boutique Pilates Method
Where: Windsor
Price: $99 a week for unlimited classes
A fusion of music and movement to spice up your Pilates routine, Boutique Pilates Method allows you to choose your workout on the basis of your preferred speed or BPM (Beats Per Minute) whether it’s a slow 130BPM or sweat-inducing 145BPM, i.e. getting down to business.
2. Vicalates
Where: Teneriffe
Price: $79 a week for unlimited classes
Located in a seriously Instagram-worth space, Vicalates take the original pillars of Pilates – stretch, strength, with control and amplify them into power, precision and play. Their method is what they describe as playful, technical and hardcore, delivering fun and focussed classes.
3. Power Moves
Where: West End
Price: $89 per week for unlimited classes
With a range of different classes—including reformer, mat and heated Pilates— and held in stunningly designed studios, there’s something for every experience level, all of them featuring cutting edge equipment and innovative techniques.
4. BASI Pilates Academy
Where: Albany Creek
Price: 10 pack for $275
Boasting all the best equipment (including Dynamic Pilates Reformers, Cadillac Towers and the new Avalon System) and some of the top instructors in town, BASI Pilates Academy offers a personalised approach. A unique point of difference? BASI continuously trains up instructors in their teacher training programs, meaning there’s always something for everyone. Inclusive to all, their group classes cater to first time mums, pregnant women, and seniors.
5. Strong Pilates
Where: Milton, Currumbin, Mermaid Beach, Robina, Chermside
Price: $60 per week for unlimited classes
You’ve never experienced a Pilates class like STRONG before. Combining high intensity and low impact, their dynamic Pilates classes will strengthen and lengthen, and range from a challenging Sweat class (think high-intensity, high sweat, high volume) to a beginner option.
6. Pilates Emporium
Where: Bardon, Samford
Price: 10 class pack for $260
Specialising in reformer, Pilates Emporium keep their class sizes small, which allows for a more personalised approach. With a range of membership options and class packs, them team will make sure your Pilates journey is a supported and personalised one.
Best reformer classes in Darwin
1. Encore Pilates & Wellness
Where: Stuart Park
Price: Five reformer and mat classes every week for $85.00
Encore provide Pilates classes not only for fitness, but for pain management and rehabilitation, too. Their reformer classes range from intro to more advanced strength options – all in a super fun, casual environment.
2. Sky Barre
Where: Darwin City
Price: $75 per week for unlimited classes
Sky Barre offer a huge range of classes, from Barre to Pilates, Reformer, HIIT, Boxing and Aerial Yoga. The team pride themselves on getting to know every member by name, exercise and injury history, favourite classes and family – and function as a community of like-minded people who love to support one another.
3. The Pilates Way
Where: Woolner
Price: 10 semi-private session for $440.00
Offering prescriptive semi-private (4:1), duet (2:1) and private (1:1) sessions and mat classes for all ages and fitness levels, The Pilates Way’s reformer sessions are much more specialised. Their Studio Pilates Sessions run for approximately 1 hour and involve client specific exercises with specialised Pilates machines, small apparatus, and mat-work repertoire. All new clients must attend an initial consultation.
4. Fernwood Fitness
Where: Millner
Price: $40 per week for a 12-month contract
A women’s only studio, Fernwood Fitness’ reformer classes go through a wide variety of exercises to promote length, strength, flexibility and balance. The trainers will guide you through a range of movements designed to make you stretch, sweat and strengthen your body and mind.
fernwoodfitness.com.au/clubs/darwin
Best reformer classes in Hobart
1. Happi Studios
Where: Liverpool St, Hobart
Price: 7 classes per week for $66
Happi Studios is a boutique reformer Pilates and indoor cycling studio located in the CBD. Their classes are designed to challenge, with form-focused slower transitions that build strength and offer a full-body workout.
2. Udara Movement Studio
Where: Murray St, Hobart
Price: $60 per week for unlimited classes
Udara’s studio space is incredibly welcoming, and all the trainers are all very conscious of making sure those new to Pilates experience a gentle introduction. The classes offer options for Pilates exercises to make sure everyone is comfortable but can challenge themselves when they are ready.
3. Studio Pilates
Where: Bellerive
Price: 10 workouts for $250
Nestled in the heart of one of Hobart’s beautiful suburbs, Studio Pilates Bellerive is a luxe studio has 12 reformer Pilates beds, polished hardwood floors and the signature Studio Pilates chandelier. Their 40-minute instructor-led reformer Pilates classes are designed by physiotherapists and are low impact but high intensity.
4. Form Plus Pilates
Where: Kingston
Price: $59 per week for unlimited classes
At Form Plus Pilates, the aim is to make it fun so you enjoy your workout and find your flow. They offer an array of Pilates and stretch style classes from cardio reformer to yoga to ensure you find your balance.
