28 Aug Strengthening Bodies, Elevating Minds: Reformer Pilates at Titan Rec
- The Student Recreation Center’s new Reformer Pilates class is redefining how students connect with their bodies and minds.
- Growing in popularity, the class highlights a real need for community-centered, mindful movement.
- With dynamic, low-impact workouts at an affordable cost, students are exploring fresh ways to stay active and well.
Ever tried stretching your entire body at once, only to immediately question your life choices? Welcome to Reformer Pilates—the workout where your abs shake while your brain tries to figure out what a “reformer” even is.
Reformer Pilates is student wellness at its peak, a brand new fitness class offered at Associated Students Inc.’s (ASI) Student Recreation Center (SRC). Each session brings together 10 to 20 students, starting with light, intentional stretches before evolving into a full-body challenge.
At the center of it all is the reformer, a bed-like platform with a sliding carriage, foot bar and adjustable straps, all designed to support a wide range of motion whether seated, standing or lying down.
“The beauty of our program is that there is so much diversity in who takes our classes,” said ASI Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Madison Lowery. “Everyone is on an equal playing field, coming together for this one practice.”
Whether walking into the SRC for the first time or returning as a regular, students are met with a welcoming, accessible environment. Since launching as a free class in spring 2025, Reformer Pilates has drawn strong interest and will transition to a fixed-price model this fall to meet growing demand.
Low-Impact, High Demand
A group of participants gather after a session, highlighting the strong sense of community built through the class. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Held in the heart of the SRC’s Harvey McKee Fitness Studio, Reformer Pilates is redefining the way students move, connect and care for their bodies. “One thing I appreciate about this class is how its movements and transitions connected to my previous experience with mat Pilates,” shared CSUF student Andrea Ramirez Rivera. Built on core principles like control, breath, and precision, Reformer Pilates offers a low-impact yet highly effective way to connect with the body and rediscover nourishing movement.
“I understand the popularity of Pilates,” said Lowery. “Though I wasn’t originally a practitioner, I knew there was strong demand among students and faculty.”
Just weeks after the program’s launch, every 30-minute introductory session was fully booked, a clear sign of its growing popularity among the Titan community.
“I love how convenient the class has become on campus,” said CSUF student Katy Abbott. “It helps beginners like me feel like they belong in the world of Pilates.”
The rising demand for Reformer Pilates at CSUF highlights its accessibility and beginner friendly atmosphere on campus.
Wellness on the Reformer
Titans participate in a Reformer Pilates session to refine their movements. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Reformer Pilates, an elevated take on mat Pilates, surged in 2024, especially among Gen-Z audiences on Instagram and TikTok, blending aesthetics with function.
“The word ‘reformer’ is a descriptor; it refers to reforming your body through these movements and activating muscles that are being extended,” said Lowery.
By emphasizing control and full-body engagement, Reformer Pilates offers a transformative approach that blends physical conditioning with intentionality.
“Our program instructors are students and people just like you, coming together to connect, explore and create a supportive setting,” shared Lowery.
Backed by research, consistent practice goes way beyond physical benefits—offering therapeutic effects and reducing functional disability, fully embodying the mind-body connection that Lowery describes.
Support Meets Strength
ASI Instructor Andrea Anello demonstrates Pilates exercises for students. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Led by ASI fitness instructor Andrea Anello over the summer, each session features guided movements introducing new techniques and equipment, keeping the experience fresh.
“As soon as students notice improvement in their movements, they gain a sense of power and strength,” said Anello. “The class promotes communal recommendations, so the message is delivered while creating a welcoming environment.”
Anello’s teaching style reflects the beginner friendly atmosphere of Reformer Pilates. Along with its adjustable reformer springs, students are able to customize the experience based on comfort and ability.
“To anyone hesitant to take the class, I would say the machine is there to guide and assist you,” said Lowery. “Though it may look like something you have to work against, it’s the opposite—it works for you.”
Whether students are easing back into movement or deepening their practice, Reformer Pilates offers a steady, supported path forward.
A New Path to Wellness
A student concentrates while performing full-length Pilates stretches. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Reformer Pilates at the SRC has become more than just a class; it’s a wellness resource supporting students through mindful movement and physical care.
As part of ASI’s broader wellness initiative, the class fosters mental and physical balance, blending movement and community with campus resources.
“It’s powerful to see students protect their peace,” said Lowery. “Pilates has become one of the ways they’re choosing to do that.”
This program also reflects the SRC’s ongoing effort to provide wellness experiences that are both accessible and high in quality—designed with student needs at the center.
“The program keeps evolving,” Lowery added. “We’re responding to student demand and delivering what they need.”
To meet that rising demand, the shift to a paid format will offer more personalized instruction and enhanced features, helping Titans reduce stress, build strength or simply try something new.
Your next step toward wellness might just begin on the reformer!
To learn more about group fitness, visit the ASI Website.