London, UK / Aug 3, 2026 / Balanced Body®
The YMCA of Greater Rochester has expanded its successful Reformer Pilates <a href="https://healthylife7.com/ascletis-receives-fda-clearance-to-begin-phase-iii-asc30-programme/” title=”Ascletis receives FDA clearance to begin Phase III ASC30 programme”>programme in response to strong member demand, strengthening its partnership with Balanced Body® through additional equipment, instructor education and innovative Reformer and EXO® Chair programming
Since launching Reformer Pilates at its Schottland Family YMCA in January 2024, the branch has expanded from four to six Balanced Body Allegro Reformers and increased its EXO Chair provision to meet growing demand for classes and personal training. The programme now offers 20 weekly Reformer classes alongside one-to-one and partner sessions at one of the largest YMCA branches in the United States
Rather than offering Reformers alone, the YMCA has integrated EXO Chairs into its programming, enabling instructors to combine multiple Pilates modalities within a single class. The approach provides greater variety for members while giving instructors more creative flexibility to build progressive sessions for different abilities
“We weren’t looking to simply buy Reformers. We wanted to build a programme that would stand the test of time,” explains Lisa O’Connor, Group Fitness Coordinator at the Schottland Family YMCA
“Balanced Body became a true partner, helping us with everything from instructor education to programme development. The addition of the EXO Chairs has been a huge part of our success because they bring even more variety to our classes and keep members progressing. The response has been phenomenal and that success has allowed us to continue expanding.”
Alongside installing equipment, Balanced Body worked with the YMCA to develop its instructor team through education. To date, 13 instructors have completed or are progressing through the Group Reformer for Fitness Professionals course, which equips experienced fitness professionals to confidently and safely deliver engaging group Reformer classes. Many have also undertaken the Pilates Chairs course, expanding their expertise across the Wunda Chair, EXO Chair and Split-Pedal Combo Chair to further enrich the member experience.
Investment in equipment and education has created a sustainable programme that continues to grow. Strong participation has generated additional revenue for the Health & Wellness department, funding further expansion while reducing waiting lists
The programme has also become a valuable differentiator for the YMCA. Existing members benefit from access to premium Pilates instruction within their membership community, while prospective members increasingly view the Reformer studio as a unique wellness offering not typically found in community fitness facilities
“What has been most rewarding is seeing members who had never considered Reformer Pilates become regular participants,” Lisa added. “Our instructors are passionate ambassadors for the programme, introducing new people to Pilates through their group exercise classes and personal training. It’s become a real point of difference for our branch.”
For Balanced Body Commercial Fitness Manager Mark Mailhot, the programme demonstrates how community organisations can successfully grow Pilates through long-term partnerships
“The most successful Pilates programmes aren’t built on equipment alone, they’re built on education, programming and partnership,” said Mailhot. “This example showcases how combining Reformers with EXO Chairs creates a richer, more versatile Pilates experience,” said Mailhot. “Members benefit from greater variety and progression, while instructors have more ways to challenge and engage every participant. That’s the kind of innovation that helps programmes grow and keeps members coming back.”
The success of the Schottland Family YMCA’s Pilates programme is attracting interest across the wider YMCA network, demonstrating how community fitness organisations can build sustainable Pilates programmes through equipment, education and innovative programming
For more information on Balanced Body, visit www.balancedbody.com www.pilates.com, and to learn more about the YMCA of Greater Rochester, visit www.rochesterymca.org
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About Balanced Body®
Balanced Body® is synonymous with Pilates excellence. With a heritage spanning nearly 50 years, the brand is the trusted market leader across the world
With a philosophy closely aligned to Joseph Pilates’ original principles, the brand is driven to provide top-quality equipment, professional education and reith precision and functionality, the state-of-the-art equipment enhances Pilates practice for instructors and practitioners
Balanced Body also offers a range of education programs and certifications, empowering Pilates professionals to deliver exceptional instruction. The delivery format and content is constantly reviewed and evolved to ensure it remains aligned to the needs of the market and sets a high-quality standard for other brands to aspire to achieve
Balanced Body is dedicated to improving lives through the extraordinary practice of Pilates
Press ContactNicky Jobson
nicky.jobson@pace-pr.co.uk
PACE PR
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