LES MILLS REFORMER™: A powerful new way for clubs to capture the growing Pilates market

What is LES MILLS REFORMER?

LES MILLS REFORMER is a brand new group fitness Reformer workout. I’ve choreographed the workout in conjunction with our team of technical advisors, creatives and physios, who were also involved in the reviews, tests and trials. So we've been trialing this for many months across multiple clubs globally and we’ve landed on this incredible workout that’s already delivering impressive results for clubs.

What can clubs and members expect from the workout?

These workouts are 45 minutes, working through four different series. We begin with the foundation series, warming up the body, prepping and priming the glutes and core. Then we move into the front series, focusing on abdominals, a deep core burn, and integrating lower and upper body training. Then we move into the back series, integrating upper and lower body training. The workout finishes with a stretch series. It’s a really well-rounded, full-body workout that builds confidence from the very first class.

What makes LES MILLS REFORMER unique?

There are a few differences between LES MILLS REFORMER and other Reformer workouts. We move to the beat of the music. It's a big part of who we are at Les Mills. The music is our heartbeat. We move into tempo and we set the flow to the music – the transitions are balanced and seamless.

Unlike other Reformer offerings, the Instructor is mostly on a bed doing the workout with members. There'll also be some floor coaching in there, but we've found people learn best by seeing the movement and then following the movement. If we can have our Instructors demonstrating incredible technique, that makes it easier for participants to quickly learn the moves and get the most from their workout.

What gap in today’s fitness landscape does LES MILLS REFORMER fill?

We saw a gap in the market for consistency, so we've created this programming to deliver this across each release. Like all Les Mills workouts, we’ve created an experience that allows members to feel confident by knowing what to expect, because it’s scientifically designed with the Les Mills signature magic.

They also know they're going to get a full-body workout every time. Often in other boutique Reformer classes, you focus on one or two muscle groups in a session. And then the next time you come back, you might work on something different, whereas in this class, you're getting a little bit of everything every single time.

What new audience could LES MILLS REFORMER unlock for clubs?

This workout has made Reformer so much more accessible to a wider range of people. We’ve seen this in our club trials across different markets – so many people are coming in who have never touched a Reformer bed and are trying LES MILLS REFORMER because it's accessible and beginner-friendly, but there's also the opportunity to challenge yourself if you're a Reformer regular.

What role does music play in LES MILLS REFORMER?

This class is deeply rooted in music. The energy of the music sets the tempo, so everybody is moving together and can feed off the shared dynamic. This brings a level of energy that is super unique to LES MILLS REFORMER . You've got your own bed, you're doing your own thing, but you're also aware of the other participants and sharing that energy with them.

The music was selected for this programming to really match the tempo of each exercise. We’ve designed it so the song sets the timing and energy – and it takes participants on a journey through the class. When there's a high, there's gonna be a bit more vibey energy. But depending on the track, things get a little more mindful and internal, helping members feel serene and relaxed.

What makes a great LES MILLS REFORMER Instructor?

Les Mills is known for its coaching – it’s what we’re passionate about. That’s true of all our programming, so it naturally applies to LES MILLS REFORMER. It’s about offering incredible coaching experiences, knowing how to manage a room, how to offer options and how to adjust. It’s all part of the LES MILLS REFORMER coaching model.

Instructors don't need a pre-existing Reformer qualification to teach this class. We've sequenced everything for Instructors, allowing them to bring their authentic selves and their Les Mills coaching to the class. That's what they bring onto the Reformer bed. So if an Instructor is passionate about Pilates, about Reformer, or they’re just excited to try something new, then jump in and try this workout.

How does LES MILLS REFORMER fit alongside other Reformer workouts?

LES MILLS REFORMER is suitable as a lead program for clubs expanding into the Reformer category, or as a complementary addition to existing offerings. It opens up possibilities for clubs and provides greater choice. LES MILLS REFORMER offers a different feel, something light and fun and energetic on the machine – backed by Les Mills’ science, expert coaching, and decades of group training expertise.