Classical vs. Reformer Studios: Why Your Studio Type Determines Your Dream Team
- izzyallen558
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Not all Pilates studios are created equal, and that is actually a good thing. The challenge comes when studio owners do not clearly understand what type of studio they are running and end up hiring instructors who aren't a good fit.
Let us talk about why knowing your studio identity is not just about branding. It is fundamental to building a team that actually works.
Classical Pilates Studios vs Reformer Studios: Key Differences
The Pilates world has evolved significantly, and today’s studios generally fall into distinct categories, each with its own philosophy, clientele, and teaching requirements.
Classical Pilates Studios follow the traditional Joseph Pilates method closely. They use the full apparatus such as the reformer, Cadillac, chair, and barrels, and teach exercises in specific sequences. The focus is on precision, classical choreography, and maintaining the integrity of the original system.
Reformer Studios are the boutique fitness phenomenon that has exploded in recent years. Think high energy group classes, music driven workouts, and primarily (sometimes exclusively) reformer based programming. These studios often incorporate contemporary fitness elements and focus on accessibility and enjoyment alongside results
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Hybrid Studios blend elements of both or incorporate other modalities such as yoga, barre, or strength training. They might offer classical private sessions alongside contemporary group reformer classes.
Then there are specialised studios focusing on rehabilitation, prenatal or postnatal training, or specific populations such as seniors or athletes.
Why Studio Type Matters for Hiring Pilates Instructors
Here is where many studio owners go wrong: they hire Pilates instructors without considering whether those instructors align with their specific studio type.
An instructor who thrives teaching high energy reformer flow classes might be completely wrong for a classical studio that values quiet precision and traditional sequencing. Similarly, a classically trained purist might struggle in a boutique reformer environment where clients expect upbeat music and contemporary choreography. This is not about one being better than the other, it is about fit.
How to Hire Instructors for Classical Pilates Studios
If you are running a classical studio, you need instructors who:
Respect the Method: They should have comprehensive training in the classical repertoire and understand the philosophy behind the sequencing. T
Value Precision : Classical instruction requires attention to detail, patience with the learning process, and the ability to teach exercises with specific form and transitions. I
Handle Full Apparatus: They should be confident teaching on all equipment, not just the reformer. Many modern certifications focus heavily on the reformer, leaving instructors underprepared for the full classical toolkit.
Appreciate Private and Semi Private Work: Classical studios often emphasise individualised instruction. Your instructors need to excel at personalised attention and progression planning, not just managing large groups.
What Boutique Reformer Studios Need in Their Instructors
Boutique reformer studios require a different skill set:
Group Management Skills: These instructors need to energise a room, manage 10 to 15 reformers simultaneously, and create an engaging group fitness experience. Cueing needs to be clear, concise, and effective for a room full of people at different levels.
Contemporary Knowledge: While classical foundations are valuable, reformer studio instructors should be comfortable with contemporary exercises, creative programming, and evolving their sequences to keep classes fresh.
Performance Energy: Boutique reformer classes have a different atmosphere. Instructors need to bring energy, work well with music, and create the environment that clients expect when they are paying premium boutique prices.
Scalability Mindset: They need to be excellent at providing modifications on the spot and making a single class work for beginners through to advanced clients simultaneously.
Hiring Pilates Instructors for Hybrid Studios
If you are running a hybrid studio, hiring becomes even more complex. You need instructors who can switch teaching styles depending on what they are delivering, or you need a team with diverse specialities.
Some instructors excel at both classical and contemporary approaches, but they are rarer than you might think. More often, you will build a team where different instructors bring different strengths to your schedule.
Red Flags When Hiring Pilates Instructors: What to Watch For
For Classical Studios:
Instructors who describe Pilates primarily as a workout rather than a method
Lack of familiarity with full apparatus beyond the reformer
Training that is exclusively focused on group fitness formats
Resistance to traditional sequencing or exercise names
For Reformer Studios:
Instructors who seem uncomfortable with contemporary music or upbeat environments
Difficulty teaching large groups or providing modifications quickly
Rigidity about the right way to do exercises
Lack of experience with the choreographed, flowing style that boutique clients expect
Essential Interview Questions for Pilates Instructor Candidates
Beyond certifications and experience, ask questions that reveal teaching philosophy:
“How would you structure a typical class at our studio?” Their answer will quickly show whether they understand your format.
“How do you handle a class with mixed abilities?” This reveals both their teaching approach and whether they are comfortable with your typical class structure.
“What drew you to Pilates teaching?” The difference between someone who loves the precision of the classical method and someone attracted to the fitness or community aspect of boutique studios becomes very clear.
How to Build the Right Pilates Teaching Team for Your Studio
Once you are clear on your studio identity, hiring becomes much more straightforward. You are not just looking for good Pilates instructors; you are looking for instructors who will thrive in your specific environment.
This might mean:
Seeking out instructors with specific training backgrounds
Being upfront in job descriptions about your studio philosophy
Using trial classes that reflect your studio’s style
Checking references specifically about the type of teaching you require
The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Pilates Instructors
Hiring mismatched instructors is expensive. You invest time in training and onboarding, clients bond with them, and then it becomes clear they are not the right fit. The disruption affects your team morale, your client experience, and your bottom line.
Worse still, instructors who do not fit your studio culture often leave once they realise the mismatch, restarting your hiring process and leaving gaps in your schedule.
Finding Pilates Instructor Recruitment Support
Understanding your studio type and finding instructors who match is not always straightforward, especially if you are new to studio ownership. This is where working with recruitment specialists who understand the nuances of different Pilates environments becomes invaluable.
The right recruitment support does not just find certified instructors; it finds instructors whose training, teaching style, and professional goals align with your specific studio vision.
Defining Your Pilates Studio Identity for Better Hiring
There is no wrong type of Pilates studio to run, whether classical, contemporary, or anywhere in between. What matters is clarity about your identity and hiring accordingly.
When your instructors genuinely fit your studio culture and philosophy, everything else falls into place. Classes feel cohesive, your brand strengthens, and clients experience the consistency that builds loyalty and referrals.
Building a teaching team that matches your studio vision? We specialise in understanding the nuances between classical, reformer, and hybrid studios to connect you with instructors who will genuinely thrive in your specific environment.