UniActive is offering students free reformer pilates classes throughout Mental Health Month.
Forbes reported in 2022 that pilates is the fastest-growing exercise genre in Australia and New Zealand.
Wollongong Studio Pilates instructor Amal Paleka believes social media and celebrity influence are the main reasons for pilates rise in popularity.
“There was a period of time where a lot of celebrities were posting about reformer and how to achieve that toned, pilates figure,” Miss Paleka said.
“I think, particularly for young people, pilates sort of became a trend online and it has continued to grow ever since.”
Unlike a lot of exercise trends on social media, Miss Paleka believes pilates will remain popular in the fitness industry.
Amal Paleka during one of her reformer pilates classes, 2024.
“Pilates was made to be a workout for everyone,” Miss Paleka said.
“Pilates enables you to target those muscles that don’t often get attention, so you can strengthen your body in a whole new way.”
UniActive Health & Fitness Manager Claire Rayner explains there is a strong market for pilates at UniActive.
“We chose to purchase the reformer beds as a way to diversify our pilates offerings,” Miss Rayner said.
“UniActive had mat pilates on the timetable for about two years and we found these classes were always booked out.
“Like everything in fitness, once you master mat people are looking for the next thing.”
Reformer pilates is a more advanced full-body workout that uses a specialised machine with a sliding carriage, springs, and pulleys.
Although reformer is more challenging, Miss Rayner is encouraging students of all fitness levels to try the free classes.
“Our classes are quite small and are very beginner friendly,” Miss Rayner said.
“The pilates instructor is more of a coach, who is there to guide and improve your movements.
“The reformer beds have adjustable resistance bands which can accommodate for each individual, no matter where they are in their pilates journey.”
The free Mental Health Month classes will conclude on October 30.
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