Homegrown Business: Reform Pilates with Founder and Owner Marlene Amado

Reform Pilates is a Classical Pilates studio located in downtown Vancouver. They offer a variety of classes and programs designed based on years of experience in order to give tailored transformations that are not achievable in larger studios. We spoke with Marlene Amado, the founder and owner, to learn more about them.

Reform Pilates

What is your business called and what does it do?

Reform Pilates is a leading voice in Classical Pilates training, bringing the original Pilates vision to anyone wanting impactful and effective Pilates workouts.

What made you want to do this work?

Recognizing that there were ample Pilates studios, I felt there was a need for a supportive and inclusive space that offered people a clear, authentic Pilates experience.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

I wanted to provide education and industry-leading Pilates workouts to the average person.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

My clientele varies from younger students who need relief from studying and want to improve their posture to older clients wanting to slow the ageing process or prevent osteoarthritis. We see women who want to address pelvic floor health and athletes who want to prevent injuries.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

My business makes money by selling in-person Pilates Programs. We have programs for anyone starting out, experienced practitioners as well as for people who are looking for relief from back pain. We also sell small props and lifestyle items that align with our philosophy of living healthier lives and minimizing our ecological footprint.

Where in Vancouver can we find your profession?

You can find others in our Profession in Vancouver by searching for Classical Pilates.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

The best question a person could ask a member of our profession when comparing services is how big class sizes are and if they teach a progressive, levels-based approach. In my opinion, class size should be minimal to ensure maximum learning and support. There should also be a focus on progressions and growth instead of keeping people in the same cycles whether it’s physical or mental repetition and stasis.

Reform Pilates

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part about what I do is create an immersive experience to help people discover better movement and a better state of mind. I wish I could help more people have access to the power of awareness-based physical and emotional health.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

My favourite joke about my profession is when I tell people that I teach Pilates, most people ask me if it’s like Yoga.

What are your social media channels?

My social media channels are Instagram and Twitter as well as YouTube.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Vancouver business that you love?

Another Vancouver business that I love is Japan Shiatsu. They are fantastic at what they do and in my experience, they go above and beyond my expectations. I wish there was a way to make shiatsu more accessible from a preventative health standpoint.