“Reformer Pilates is just for girls”: Why you couldn’t be further from the truth
At Satya Sanctuary, we believe in stripping away the stereotypes that keep people from trying practices that could truly support their wellbeing. One of the most common myths we hear is:
Reformer is just for girls, the Pilates Princesses”
Many believe, that Reformer Pilates is aesthetic-focused, trend driven and reserved for a certain type of woman in a matching set and slick back bun.
We’re here to set the record straight:
Reformer Pilates was never created for one kind of person. It was created for everybody including wounded soldiers, elite athletes, everyday movers, complete beginners and anyone wanting to feel stronger, steadier and more connected to themselves.
Let’s explore where Reformer Pilates really comes from, who actually uses it and why it deserves a place in the lives of people far beyond the stereotype.
Let’s go back to where it all began…
Reformer Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, not as a boutique fitness trend but as a healing modality.
During World War 2, Pilates worked with injured soldiers who were bedridden. He attached springs to their hospital beds to help them move again and rebuild strength. Those early contraptions evolved into what we now know as modern Reformers.
So from the very beginning Reformer Pilates was:
designed predominantly for men
adaptable for people with limited mobility
engineered for precision, control and mindful strength
rooted in the belief that every human deserves to feel at home in their body
At Satya Sanctuary, we resonate deeply with Joseph Pilate’s original philosophy: ”movement as medicine4, mind and body unified, and wellness as a birth right, not a luxury”.
Reformer Pilates now
Before Reformer Pilates became a trend on Tiktok and Instagram, it was already a staple for professional athletes around the world. The practice builds strength from the inside out, supporting joints, stabilising the core, increasing mobility and correcting imbalances that traditional training can create.
Here are just a few groups who rely on Reformer Pilates:
Professional Footballers: from Ronaldo to up and coming players, Premier League teams across Europe use Reformer Pilates to prevent injury, improve hip mobility, develop explosive power and enhance balance.
Tennis Players: many professional Tennis players use Pilates to increase rotation through the spine, maintain shoulder health and build unilateral strength to counter sport-specific strain
Rugby Players: Reformer Pilates helps Rugby players such as Sale Sharks build resilient backs, improve hamstring flexibility and enhance deep core stability, crucial for a sport with heavy impact.
Swimmers and triathletes: Pilates helps stabilise the shoulder girdle, strengthen the posterior chain and support controlled, efficient movement through every stroke and stride
Ballet Dancers: while often associated with dancers, the reason isn’t aesthetic, it’s functional. Joseph Pilates set up his school inside the same building as the New York School of Ballet so he fine tuned many of his techniques working with the dances to protect their joints, strengthen turnout and maintain longevity in a demanding art form.
Cyclists and runners: Reformer Pilates is one of the best tools for correcting the imbalances repetitive training creates, supporting injury prevention and improving long term performance.
So no, Pilates isn’t reserved for girls, it’s a secret weapon for strength, longevity and sustainable movement used by some of the most powerful bodies in the world.
Why Reformer Pilates belongs to everyone
Deep Functional strength: the springs create resistance that challenges the body without compressing the joints. This builds strength that supports everyday life: lifting, walking, running, sitting and breathing
Improved mobility and flexibility: controlled movement through full ranges of motion helps release tightness and restore balance
Injury prevention and rehabilitation: because it works in low-impact controlled pathways it’s safe for people recovering from injury or managing long-term conditions
Core stability from the inside out: not the superficial six pack, the deep stabilising core that supports balance and spinal health
Nervous system regulation: focused mindful movement encourages presence, breath awareness and grounding. This is where Reformer meets Satya Sanctuary’s ethos-movement as a gateway to inner steadiness
Empowering Body Awareness: You learn how your body moves, what it needs and how to support it with compassion rather than judgement
Inclusivity by design: Reformers can be adapted for beginners, older adults, neurodivergent individuals, post partum parents and anyone feeling fearful of traditional gym spaces
The Satya Truth: Reformer Pilates is a Practice of Empowerment
Reformer Pilates isn’t about image, trends or being part of a certain aesthetic, it’s about truth, embodiment and care.
At Satya Sanctuary, we teach Reformer Pilates the way it was intended:
with warmth
with inclusivity
with curiosity
with an understanding that every body is different
and with belief that movement is a path back to oneself
There is no “Pilates Body”, no “Pilates Princess” and no hierarchy here. There is simply your body, your breath and a practice designed to support the life you want to live.
So whether you’re new to the practice, returning after injury or wanting to try a new studio we welcome you to join us in our boutique, two-bed Reformer Room to experience the Satya Way. With Intro, Reformer Strong, Signature, Jump and Gentle classes there is something for everyone.
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