the 2026 reformer pilates studio awards | winners

The KEY Themes Behind This Year's Results

After reviewing thousands of client comments and submissions, several themes emerged consistently across the highest-scoring studios.

Community Matters More Than Ever

The word most frequently used by clients was not "fitness" or "exercise".

It was community.

Clients repeatedly spoke about feeling welcomed, supported and encouraged. Many described their studio as a second home and the friendships they had formed through classes.

The highest-performing studios consistently created environments where people felt they belonged.

Great Instructors Create Great Studios

Outstanding instructors remain the single biggest differentiator between good studios and exceptional studios.

Across the winning studios, clients highlighted:

• Personalised coaching

• Attention to detail

• Encouragement and motivation

• Technical expertise

• Ability to adapt exercises to individual needs

Inclusive Studios Are Thriving

Many of the top-performing studios were praised for creating non-intimidating environments that welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Clients frequently referenced feeling comfortable attending their first class and receiving support throughout their journey.

Experience Drives Loyalty

The best studios are creating experiences that extend beyond the reformer bed.

From studio design and customer service through to events, social activities and member engagement, the most successful businesses are creating strong emotional connections with their clients.

Why These Awards Matter

Independent studio owners work incredibly hard behind the scenes.

They wear multiple hats every day: teacher, marketer, salesperson, cleaner, administrator, recruiter and business owner.

Often, they do this without recognition.

The Reformer Pilates Studio Awards provide an opportunity for clients to say thank you and acknowledge the effort that goes into creating exceptional experiences.

For finalists and winners, these awards also provide a valuable benchmark, helping studios understand how they compare against their peers and demonstrating excellence to prospective clients.

A Message to Every Studio

Whether your studio was recognised this year or not, we want to thank every owner, instructor and team member helping to grow the Reformer Pilates industry.

The quality of submissions we received was extraordinary.

We read countless stories from clients describing how studios had helped them:

• Recover from injury

• Improve physical health

• Build confidence

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Form new friendships

• Develop lifelong healthy habits

The impact that great studios have on people's lives extends far beyond exercise.

That impact deserves recognition.