Anastasis Tzanis
Why is Reformer Pilates so expensive?
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Reformer Pilates classes are definitely more expensive when compared to many other fitness classes, but they may not be actually cheap when compared to rehabilitation or specialised personal training. Let’s look into:
a. What brings their price up?
b. Why reformer sessions may save you money!?
What makes reformer classes Expensive?
There are 3 main reasons why Reformer Pilates studios need to price their sessions higher than yoga or mat pilates ones.
reformer machines are not cheap
While the price of a yoga mat may go up to £150, the cheapest reformer will start at £1,500. Studios have reformer machines designed for regular use which brings the price up. Aside the reformer, studios like ours have additional equipment: like the Pilates Chair, spine correctors, etc. all of which are more expensive than yoga or mat pilates props.
So assuming you have the space at home and you decide to save money buy purchasing the equipment yourself, you are looking at an investment of £3-7,000.
Reformer Pilates classes are small
Reformer equipment take up a lot of space resulting in reformer classes having significantly less students compared to mat ones.
This means that the students get additional attention. If you feel you don’t need the attention, of course you can opt for regular mat classes but there is no doubt that certain groups: including beginners and those with injuries are better off having someone looking over their shoulder at all times.
We are offering private classes only so our services are more comparable to personal training but we have taught group mat and reformer classes previously and we know the difference in the experience the student has.
Reformer Pilates training is fairly comprehensive
When someone decides to become a Reformer Pilates instructor he first needs to qualify as a mat instructor and then undergo a training that lasts anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. While there are equally long yoga certifications most of them are shorter and cheaper.
As a result there are not as many certified Reformer Pilates teachers making their salaries higher than those of other fitness instructors.
In what way are reformer sessions cheap?
When you realise what you get during a reformer session, you are likely to stop seeing the classes as expensive. As at Perola Bruta we are offering private classes only I will focus on those only, but similar arguments can be made for group classes.
Reformer Pilates is a natural continuation of physiotherapy
It used to be the case that post-operation or when injured you received little to no rehabilitation support. Nowadays the fields of rehabilitation and sports science have grown significantly and as a result it is not uncommon for people to return into normal function weeks or months after an injury or an operation. That is only possible however if someone gets the appropriate support.
In our studio we see clients recovering from ankle injuries, shoulder impingement, lower back pain, ACL or Meniscus tears within months. Yet there are others that come reporting +15 year of lower back pain. How much does it cost to live with pain for years?
You can address your imbalances while looking ace
You know that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Reformer Pilates is not just for those with injuries. If you want to improve your posture and stability of your joints, reformer is great option. But let’s face it:
Reformer exercises are not only fun, they also make you look amazing.
How many other forms of training can you think that are “easy” on the body, and make you look good in the mirror?
Reformer makes training accessible to everyone
Did you know that the reformer bed was developed by Joseph Pilates in hospitals where he was rehabilitating war soldiers? The springs that hospital beds had were used as a resistance to strength the muscles of uncle Joseph’s patients. It is not just soldiers that are need special care.
In certain phases of life including pregnancy, menopause, or as we get older we need to be cautious when exercising. Reformer Pilates allows people to continue training during these critical periods. What is the price of staying active when your body is limited?
To sum up
Reformer Pilates classes are not cheap compared to most other group classes although you do get a lot more out of them.
As for private reformer; given how specialised the training you receive is and how many areas you can address at the same time they may even be cheap!
What matters most is how much you value your health. There are definitely though much cheaper ways to stay fit.