The Nelson Golf & Sports Club has repurposed an underutilised racquetball court into a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio, The Studio at The Nelson, investing in premium Balanced Body equipment and instructor education to enhance member wellbeing and maximise the use of existing space.

The project was in response to growing Member demand while breathing new life into an area of the Club that had seen declining participation. This forms part of the Club's wider commitment to investing in Member wellbeing and creating facilities that reflect the evolving needs of today's health-conscious members.

The idea for the studio dates back several years, according to Meg Plotsky, director of wellness at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club. "The vision for a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio dates back to 2017," says Plotsky. "I knew Pilates would be a fantastic addition for our Members and something they could benefit from throughout their lives. Although the project was delayed by the pandemic, we never lost sight of the opportunity, and it's incredibly rewarding to finally see that vision become a reality."

With participation in racquetball continuing to decline, converting one of the Club's three courts became an obvious opportunity.

"The court was significantly underutilised, with only around ten Members regularly playing racquetball across all three courts," explains Plotsky. "Meanwhile, many of our Members already had Pilates memberships elsewhere. We knew we had an opportunity to create something that would deliver far greater value."

To bring the vision to life, The Nelson Club partnered with Balanced Body, installing eight Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformers with Towers and selecting the equipment based on its reputation for quality, longevity, customer support and education.

"I've worked in the fitness industry for many years and Balanced Body has always been recognised for producing exceptional equipment backed by outstanding customer service," continues Plotsky. "The instructor's education has been equally valuable. Our trainers gained confidence not only in the exercises themselves but also in understanding how to adapt sessions for members of different ages and abilities."

Less than a year after opening, The Studio has already exceeded expectations, quickly becoming one of the Club's most popular wellness offerings while delivering strong commercial and Membership value.

"The Studio paid for itself within six months!” adds Plotsky. "Financial return was never the primary objective. Our goal was to improve Member satisfaction, support retention, attract new Members and give people another reason to visit the Club. It has achieved all of those things and become one of the most valued amenities we offer."

The benefits have extended beyond traditional Fitness Members, with golfers increasingly discovering Reformer Pilates to improve mobility, balance and performance on the course.

"We're now seeing golfers who had never used our fitness facilities coming into The Studio because they've seen the improvements Pilates has made to their friends' golf games. The response from Members has been incredible and, more than anything else, they simply thank us for creating the space."

For Balanced Body founder & CEO Ken Endelman, the installation highlights a growing opportunity for clubs to rethink how existing facilities are used. "Many Clubs have spaces that no longer reflect how members want to exercise today," says Endelman. "The Nelson Golf & Sports Club has demonstrated that with the right vision, an underused area can become one of the most valuable assets in the building. This isn't simply about installing Pilates equipment; it's about creating a destination that improves the Member experience, supports retention and helps Clubs build a stronger business for the future."

The success of The Studio has reinforced The Nelson Golf & Sports Club's decision to invest in Pilates, providing Members with a dedicated wellness space while demonstrating how existing facilities can be successfully reimagined to meet changing fitness trends.

For more information on Balanced Body, visit www.balancedbodypilates.co.uk.

And to learn more about The Nelson Golf & Sports Club, visit www.thenelsongolfandsportsclub.com.

Balanced Body® and Allegro® 2 Reformers are registered trademarks

Balanced Body® has successfully concluded its highly anticipated Pilates On Tour London event, bringing together a vibrant community of Pilates professionals, educators and studio owners for a dynamic weekend of education, innovation and connection in the UK capital, made even more significant as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Hosted at Convene 155, Bishopsgate, the event delivered an immersive programme of workshops, lectures and hands-on sessions led by world renowned subject expert Presenters. Attendees explored the latest developments in Pilates practice, from movement science and rehabilitation to business strategy and programming, reinforcing Balanced Body’s commitment to advancing the industry through education and excellence, values that have defined the brand over the past five decades.

Pilates On Tour London welcomed participants from across the UK and Europe, creating a collaborative environment where instructors of all levels could deepen their knowledge, refine their skills and engage with like-minded professionals. The event also provided a valuable platform for networking, enabling attendees to exchange ideas, share experiences and build lasting professional relationships.

“We were thrilled to bring Pilates On Tour back to London during such a milestone year for Balanced Body,” said Ken Endelman, CEO & Founder of Balanced Body. “Celebrating 50 years of innovation with our global community made this event especially meaningful. The energy, curiosity and passion in every session truly reflected the strength and continued evolution of the Pilates industry.”

The comprehensive workshop schedule covered a wide range of topics, including functional movement, injury prevention, athletic conditioning and innovative uses of Pilates equipment. Participants also had the opportunity to experience Balanced Body’s industry-leading apparatus first-hand, gaining practical insights into how equipment can enhance both teaching and client outcomes.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s impact, with many praising the depth of education, the calibre of presenters and the opportunity to connect with a global network of professionals. As Balanced Body marks its 50th anniversary, the success of the London event underscores the brand’s enduring influence and leadership within the Pilates industry.

“Pilates On Tour is about more than education, it’s about community,” added Balanced Body Director of Education, Joy Puleo,  “Celebrating this milestone year alongside instructors who are shaping the future of Pilates made London truly unforgettable.”

Following the success of the London event, Balanced Body remains committed to expanding access to high-quality Pilates education worldwide through its ongoing Pilates On Tour series and comprehensive Balanced Body Education® programmes, continuing its mission into the next 50 years.

For more information about Balanced Body and upcoming Pilates on Tour events, visit https://www.pilates.com/pilates-events-continuing-education/ 

Powered by world-class Balanced Body equipment, Westover Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility (SNF) providing inpatient, outpatient and long-term care services in San Antonio, USA and is uniquely distinguished by its on-site, full-service Pilates studio, redefining what therapy looks like for skilled nursing, long-term care and outpatient populations.

By integrating a full suite of Balanced Body Pilates equipment into its rehabilitation model, the facility is delivering measurable improvements in mobility, posture, balance and overall confidence among patients, including those with complex or chronic conditions.

The Pilates initiative began when Executive Director, Jerry Holyer, experienced the benefits of Pilates first-hand and envisioned the impact it could have on residents. After evaluating equipment and education partners, the clinical team selected Balanced Body for its combined strengths in engineering, clinical functionality and comprehensive Pilates education. Seven therapists including Westover’s inpatient and outpatient Directors of Rehab completed 80 hours of Balanced Body Education, laying the foundation for a fully integrated programme.

“We wanted a solution that would not only improve mobility and reduce fall risk, but also restore confidence and independence in our patients,” explains Brady Donner, director of outpatient services at Westover Hills Rehab. “Pilates has exceeded every expectation. We’ve seen residents improve posture, walk with greater stability and in one remarkable case, a patient who had not walked in three years stood up and walked after just six weeks. Balanced Body has been an essential partner in making this possible.” 

Westover Hills recently completed a six-week case study comparing three groups: traditional therapy, Pilates combined with traditional therapy, and a control group. While the Functional Reach Test, a brief measure of forward-reach balance, showed similar improvements between the Pilates and traditional therapy groups, the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, a quick gauge of mobility and fall risk, revealed striking differences. The Pilates group improved by an average of 10.64 seconds, compared to just 0.68 seconds in the traditional therapy group. These outcomes highlight meaningful reductions in fall risk and superior gains in functional mobility.

Therapists also reported gains in spinal mobility, balance, gait mechanics, core engagement, posture and quality of life measures, including self-esteem and confidence.

Westover Hills’ original gym, equipped with three Balanced Body Clinical Reformers with Towers, five Combo Chairs, Pilates Springboards, a Pilates Arc and other accessories, quickly reached capacity as patient demand grew. To accommodate increased utilisation from both residents and privately paying family members, the facility has commissioned a new dedicated studio space. The expansion will house two additional Clinical Reformers with Towers, a CoreAlign and additional Balanced Body equipment.

“Westover Hills is pioneering what the future of rehabilitation can look like,” says Ken Endelman, founder & CEO of Balanced Body. “Their clinical commitment, paired with evidence-based Pilates programming, is producing life-changing results for patients who often have limited mobility or chronic conditions. We are proud that our equipment and education are integral to the incredible outcomes this team is achieving.”

With the upcoming expansion and continued partnership with Balanced Body, Westover Hills aims to broaden access to therapeutic Pilates, offering enhanced programming for long-term care residents, skilled nursing patients and outpatient clients seeking movement-based recovery.

“This is just the beginning,” adds Donner. “Pilates is not only improving physical outcomes, it’s restoring hope, confidence and independence. That’s what rehabilitation should be.”

For more information about Balanced Body visit pilates.com, and to learn more about Westover Hills Physical Therapy visit www.sportsmedsa.com/westover-hills-physical-therapy

Balanced Body®, Balanced Body Education®,  Pilates Arc®, Balanced Body Clinical Reformers® and CoreAlign® are all registered trademarks.

Pilates Springboards™ is a trademark

Balanced Body UK has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new sales professionals, Shyam Lakhani and Steven James, as the brand continues to build its presence and support the growing Pilates community across the UK.

Shyam Lakhani joins the team as UK Commercial Sales Manager. Based in Leicestershire, Lakhani will work closely with operators across the UK commercial fitness sector, expanding Balanced Body’s Pilates equipment and education customer base, positioning the brand as a trusted, best-in-class partner through expertise, integrity and innovation.

Lakhani brings international commercial experience from a leading US-based chemicals manufacturer, where he covered a global territory. In his new role, he will focus on consultative partnerships, supporting customers with equipment and education that will deliver outstanding customer experiences that drive commercial success.

Steven James joins Balanced Body UK as UK Sales Account Manager. In his position, James will support independent Pilates businesses and individual enthusiasts, helping them to optimise their training spaces with equipment and education solutions tailored to their specific needs. He will also be responsible for managing customer relationships and building long-term partnerships through high standards of service and support.

Based in Nottingham, James brings a background in account management and sales roles across the fashion and automotive sectors. He is passionate about contributing to the continued growth of Pilates in the UK and supporting a thriving community as the discipline becomes an established part of the nation’s fitness landscape.

Both new joiners will work alongside Katherine Ryzhova, Balanced Body Business Development Manager, UK, forming a dedicated UK-based team to support customers on the ground, across both boutique and commercial Pilates environments.

Commenting on the appointments, Balanced Body Director of Sales Bill Auvil says: “Sam and Steven bring complementary experience, energy and a shared commitment to serving the Pilates community at the highest level. As Pilates continues to grow in the UK, having a strong, knowledgeable team on the ground is essential. Shyam and Steven will help us deepen relationships, better support our customers, and strengthen Balanced Body’s presence as the leading Pilates equipment partner in the UK.”

The appointments reflect Balanced Body’s ongoing investment in the UK market and its commitment to supporting Pilates studios, fitness operators and professionals, with premium and customized equipment and education solutions, via long-term partnerships.

To find out more visit: www.balancedbodypilates.co.uk

Balanced Body® is a registered trademark

The University of Nottingham has strengthened its reputation as a leader in University sport and wellbeing with the addition of a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio at the David Ross Sports Village. 

The new space, fully equipped with Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformers and Combo Chairs, is supported by a team of Balanced Body trained instructors and marks a first for UK higher education, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion and holistic health.

The decision to introduce a Reformer Pilates studio was driven by a desire to stay ahead of fitness trends and meet growing demand for accessible, high-quality movement experiences. According to the University of Nottingham, the investment was about much more than adding another class to the timetable.

“Our vision was to create a facility that bridges performance, rehabilitation and wellbeing,” says Caroline Martin, Group Exercise Manager at the University of Nottingham. “We identified a gap in our offer and saw an opportunity to deliver something genuinely sector-leading, a studio that supports students, staff, athletes and the wider community. Reformer Pilates perfectly complements our physiotherapy services, athlete development programmes and sports injury clinic, reinforcing our holistic approach to performance and recovery. 

“We were also keen to create a unique space that elevated the holistic training experience, with a look and feel completely different, yet still connected to the rest of the sports facilities. Working with Balanced Body, we put a great deal of thought into the design, that includes bespoke flooring and a visually impressive wood panelling with living wall concept. We believe the whole studio, in both its purpose and design, is unique to the education sector and sets a benchmark for other universities to follow.”

Reformer Pilates is also playing a strategic role in the University’s inclusion and disability support offer, providing a space where movement can be adapted to suit a range of abilities. Beyond its health and wellbeing benefits, the studio forms part of the University of Nottingham’s wider sport’s commercialisation and sustainability strategy, creating new opportunities for income generation through classes, external partnerships and corporate wellness programmes.

Balanced Body was selected as the University’s equipment and education partner following an in-depth evaluation process. “Balanced Body stood out immediately,” explained Tom Sharratt, Health and Fitness Manager at the University of Nottingham. “The equipment is exceptionally well designed, durable, versatile and visually stunning plus their team was fully collaborative from the start. They understood our goals and worked with us to bring our vision to life, from the studio’s layout and bespoke window frosting to the delivery of bespoke, on-site instructor training and future education planning.”

The studio houses 11 Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformers with Towers and Plank Bars, alongside five Combo Chairs, allowing for a wide range of group classes, specialist sessions and rehabilitation work. Balanced Body’s role extended far beyond installation, supporting the University with studio design, instructor training and course development, ensuring the facility would be sustainable and future ready.

As part of the partnership, both the Group Exercise and physiotherapy teams completed bespoke Balanced Body training programmes delivered on site by specialist educators. This included the Group Reformer for Fitness Professionals programme, led by Balanced Body Educator Zoe Watson, and the tailored Pilates Training for Physiotherapists delivered by internationally respected Educator Lindy Royer, PT.

Zoe continues to mentor the Group Exercise team as they refine their practical skills through a limited timetable ahead of a full programme launch in early 2026. The physiotherapy team has already integrated Pilates principles into athlete care and rehabilitation pathways, helping embed equipment-based Pilates across both performance and clinical services.

Caroline adds: “The education support we’ve received from Balanced Body has been exceptional. Zoe’s guidance has given our instructors real confidence, and Lindy’s work with our physiotherapists has inspired new ways of approaching rehabilitation and performance. The training has elevated what we’re capable of delivering, and it’s created real excitement across the team. It’s given us the foundations we need for long-term success, and we’re looking forward to building on it as we work towards becoming an official Balanced Body training centre.”

Speaking about the partnership, Ken Endelman, Founder and CEO, Balanced Body, says:  “From the moment we engaged with the University of Nottingham team, it was clear this project was about more than equipment, it was about creating a model of best practice for University wellbeing. It’s been fantastic to work with such a forward-thinking institution and to see Reformer Pilates being embraced as both a performance and therapeutic tool. The enthusiasm across campus has been fantastic. We very much look forward to supporting the University as it works towards becoming an official Balanced Body education centre.”

Since its launch, the studio sessions have been integrated into the University’s Group Exercise programme via a dedicated booking platform and pricing structure. Classes cater to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced participants, and are complemented by 1-to-1 sessions by the sports injury clinic and physiotherapy teams. Early engagement data has been overwhelmingly positive, with particularly strong uptake among both younger students and older adults.

“Our ambition is to make Reformer Pilates a cornerstone of our health and wellbeing ecosystem,” Caroline adds. “It’s accessible, effective, and offers something for everyone, whether recovering from injury, enhancing athletic performance, or simply looking to move better.”

Looking ahead, the University plans to expand its Pilates provision. Phase Two will explore partnerships with professional sports teams, corporate wellness programmes and local NHS partners, while also developing short courses and workshops to engage a broader audience.

By introducing a purpose-built Reformer Pilates studio and partnering with Balanced Body, the University of Nottingham has not only set a new standard for student and staff wellbeing but also created a model of best practice that other universities might want to emulate.

For more information about Balanced Body studio design, equipment and education, visit: Pilates.com

Balanced Body® is a registered trademark