When people think of Reformer Pilates, they often picture a class full of women. And yes – to an extent – women do make up a healthy proportion of those enjoying the strength-based movement that is taking the health and fitness world by storm. It’s no surprise then, that traditionally, Reformer Pilates has been seen as a female-dominated workout. But that perception is changing, and fast. 

A quick scour of the #reformerpilates hashtag on Instagram – with over 2.2 million posts – certainly reflects this female dominated stereotype (go on, take a look).  But is it the whole story? And if not, does this misconception limit how welcome males feel in the Reformer Pilates space? 

At Belgravia Leisure’s Reformer Pilates studios across Australia, it has been revealed that one in five participants are male – and this number is growing. As more men discover the benefits of this low-impact yet highly effective workout, the demographic shift is impossible to ignore. 

It has also been revealed that the average age of Reformer Pilates participants is 43, with half of all Reformer Pilates members over the age of 45 – again reinforcing a movement towards a hugely diverse group of people that enjoy the benefits of this low-impact exercise. 

“Reformer Pilates is an incredible strength and mobility workout that benefits everyone,” says Victoria Goodwin Barlow, Belgravia Leisure’s Group Health and Wellbeing Manager. “It’s not just for flexibility; it enhances core strength, posture and overall fitness. We’re seeing more men embrace it as part of their routine, whether they’re athletes, weekend warriors, or just looking for a balanced approach to fitness.” 

One such convert is 54 year old Antonio Kyriakopoulos, a long-time gym member who has recently begun his Reformer Pilates journey at Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) in Melbourne. 

“Recently, I tried reformer Pilates for first time in my life after witnessing the obvious positive results that a friend had experienced.   

“I was soon addicted thanks to benefits such as being able to stretch my body further, exercising muscles I had never noticed before and of course building my core strength.  

“I also love the fact that even though you don’t feel as if you worked as hard as other fitness classes, you can still feel the intensity on the muscles you worked. I just wish I had of tried it sooner,” concluded Mr Kyriakopoulos.

Belgravia Leisure continues to invest in the versatile and popular program with nine additional reformer spaces launched or in the process of being launched in the last twelve months.

Jarrad Carey, Venue Manager at TRAC, has witnessed firsthand the increasing appeal of Reformer Pilates among a diverse range of members. 

“We introduced Reformer Pilates to provide our members with a dynamic and low-impact workout option that complements our existing health and wellness offerings. It’s been incredibly popular, attracting a diverse mix of individuals—from beginners to seasoned fitness enthusiasts.  

“The versatility of Reformer Pilates, combined with its focus on strength, flexibility, and posture, has made it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. It’s exciting to see so many people from various backgrounds joining, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer something that truly enhances the well-being of our community.”

With its ability to build strength, improve flexibility and support injury prevention, Reformer Pilates is gaining traction as an essential workout for people of all ages, genders and fitness levels. So, if you thought Reformer Pilates wasn’t for you—think again.

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