The energy inside the 2026 Pilates Journal Expo made one thing clear: connected reformer Pilates is no longer a future concept. It is actively reshaping how people experience Pilates today.
Educators, studio owners, and movement leaders from around the world gathered not just to share ideas, but to explore how reformer Pilates can evolve for modern lives without losing the integrity of the method. Across panels, live demonstrations, and hands-on conversations, a consistent theme emerged. Innovation is not about changing Pilates. It is about supporting it more intelligently.
At the center of that conversation was Yvette McGaffin, a long-time Pilates leader and one of the driving forces behind the connected reformer movement.
A Founder’s Perspective Rooted in Real Studios
Yvette McGaffin, Director of Product Marketing, Pilates at iFIT Inc. and co-founder of Reform RX, did not come to connected reformer Pilates from a tech background. She came from studio floors.
After years of running successful boutique Pilates studios across the UK with her husband Neal, McGaffin developed a deep understanding of where people struggle most in their practice. Setup confusion. Resistance uncertainty. Intimidation, especially outside of a studio environment.
“The foundations of Pilates are timeless,” McGaffin has shared. “Breath, control, alignment, intention. Those do not need to change. But the way we support people in practicing them can absolutely evolve.”
That belief led to the creation of Reform RX, a company built on the idea that connected reformer Pilates could enhance safety, confidence, and progression without compromising the method itself.
Reimagining Reformer Pilates Through Connection
When Reform RX introduced one of the world’s first connected reformers, it marked a meaningful shift in the Pilates landscape. Rather than positioning technology as the star, the focus was placed on subtle, intelligent support.
Connected reformer Pilates allows users to feel confident that their setup is correct, their resistance is appropriate, and their progression makes sense for their body. Instead of replacing instructors or classical cues, the technology works quietly in the background, reinforcing good movement habits and reducing friction.
That approach resonated strongly at the Pilates Journal Expo.
Attendees responded most when they could see and feel the equipment in action. Live demonstrations consistently drew crowds, creating “aha” moments around form, alignment, and progression. These moments were not about flashy features. They were about trust.
When people trust the setup, they move better.
Strong Momentum Around the Ultra Reformer Line
Throughout the Expo, the NordicTrack Ultra Reformer line generated sustained interest, particularly among instructors and studio owners seeing the equipment for the first time.
There was notable excitement around the Ultra 1 Reformer, coming soon, with many attendees eager to stay informed as launch approaches. The idea of a connected reformer designed to deliver a studio-quality Pilates experience in the home or private wellness space sparked meaningful conversations about the future of hybrid Pilates training.
At the same time, the Ultra 1 Reformer RX-S, available now, drew consistent engagement. Attendees were especially drawn to how smart resistance, guided programming, and connected feedback work together to support confidence rather than overwhelm.
You can explore the Ultra 1 Reformer RX-S here.
Across both products, the feedback followed a clear pattern. People valued knowing their resistance was right, their alignment was supported, and their progression was guided. That reassurance allowed them to focus fully on breath, control, and precision — the heart of reformer Pilates.
Why Connected Reformer Pilates Matters Now
Beyond equipment, the Expo highlighted a broader shift in how Pilates is being practiced and perceived.
Pilates is increasingly recognized as a foundation for longevity, supporting strength, mobility, recovery, and resilience across all stages of life. It is no longer viewed as niche or supplemental, but as a core movement practice that adapts as bodies change.
There is also growing enthusiasm for hybrid experiences that combine studio instruction with connected at-home training. For instructors, this opens new ways to support clients beyond the studio walls. For practitioners, it offers consistency without sacrificing guidance or quality.
Connected reformer Pilates sits at the intersection of those needs. It allows people to practice with intention, supported by technology that respects both the instructor and the method.
Looking Ahead With Clarity and Purpose
For McGaffin, the future of reformer Pilates is not about disruption. It is about refinement.
“Technology should quietly support great movement,” she has said. “When it does, it builds confidence, consistency, and long-term trust in the practice.”
The momentum coming out of the Pilates Journal Expo reinforced that belief. The community is ready for thoughtful innovation that protects what makes Pilates powerful while making it more accessible and intuitive.
As connected reformer Pilates continues to evolve, one thing feels certain. The method remains the foundation. The movement is growing. And the next chapter is being shaped with intention.
Explore More
If you’d like to go deeper into the vision behind connected reformer Pilates and the journey that led to Reform RX, these resources are a great place to start:
- Reimagining Reformer Pilates: How Reform RX Is Innovating the Future of Movement: A feature from Pilates Journal that explores Yvette McGaffin’s journey from boutique studio owner to co-founder of Reform RX, and how her philosophy shaped the evolution of connected reformer Pilates.
- Milan: The Quiet Luxury of Pilates 2.0: Discover how connected reformer Pilates is redefining premium, intentional movement through design, atmosphere, and experience in one of Europe’s most influential wellness cities.
- Munich: The Performance Heart of Reformer Pilates 2.0: Explore how performance-driven reformer Pilates, precision, and innovation come together in Munich, highlighting the evolution of connected reformer training.
- NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reformer RX-S
Learn more about the connected reformer designed to deliver a studio-quality Pilates experience at home, with guided programming, smart resistance, and thoughtful design rooted in the Pilates method.
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