Athletes are using Reformer Pilates as their secret training weapon, here's why

Have you tried Reformer Pilates yet? Or maybe you're deep in your Pilates era... Either way, you’ve got something in common with some of the world’s top athletes. Who knows - your planks or pulse holds might even rival LeBron James'.

Strength, control, and precision

Professional athletes across a wide range of sports are turning to Reformer Pilates as a secret weapon in their training toolkit. Once primarily associated with dancers and gymnasts, Reformer Pilates is now making waves in elite sporting circles - valued for its ability to build strength, control, and precision. It's becoming a go-to method for enhancing performance and supporting long-term athletic longevity.

And science backs it up

Pilates has been extensively researched in the fields of exercise and sports performance, with mounting evidence highlighting its benefits for core strength, joint stability, flexibility, and injury prevention. What makes it such a powerful tool - and why more athletes and teams are incorporating Reformer Pilates into their routines - is how seamlessly it complements existing strength and conditioning programs. Reformer Pilates takes a holistic approach to training, honing in on both global movement patterns and the deep stabilising muscles, while promoting joint health and enhancing mobility. A gold-medal combo for performance and longevity.

Recovery, anyone?

Pilates is known for its controlled, intentional movements that build a deeper awareness of how your body functions. This focus on precision can enhance technique, reaction time, and coordination.

That’s also what makes Reformer Pilates perfect for recovery days - it offers a low-impact workout that promotes tissue health, circulation, and alignment without overloading the body. It’s the kind of smart, sustainable training top coaches seek out to support long-term performance and keep athletes performing at their peak.

Designed for everyone

Another reason I love Pilates - it’s truly for everyone. The benefits it brings to how we move are universal, whether you're training for the Super Bowl, chasing a gold medal, or just wanting to feel better in your everyday routine. That same performance mindset can carry through to your next workout or class. And honestly, some days, just getting my little boy out the door for school feels like an Olympic event in itself.

Curious to see what Reformer Pilates can do for you? Whether you're an athlete or just looking to move and feel better, our classes at Virgin Active are designed for every body, with a positive community to support you. With plenty of class styles to choose from, including:

• Reformer Pilates - Foundations
• Reformer Pilates - Align
• Reformer Pilates - Athletic
• Reformer Pilates - Recovery

Come give it a go - you might just find your new favourite way to train.

^{About the author}

^{With nearly 15 years in the health and fitness industry, and a degree in Health Science, Alice is a Pilates trailblazer. She excels as a lead instructor, crafting exceptional and popular Pilates classes, while also hosting workshops and training for inspiring Virgin Active Pilates instructors. As a former IFBB Bikini Model, she graced the pages of Women’s Health magazines and proudly represented the Pilates community as a Lululemon Athletica Ambassador. Alice's mission is to inspire everyone to embrace their bodies through the empowering world and movement of Pilates.}