When Jenny McParland opened Hot Yoga Newry in Ireland 11 years ago, reformer Pilates wasn’t part of the plan. Today, exactly one year after installing Freemotion’s RX Pilates reformers in a purpose-built second studio, she said the move has paid off.
“Our sales have increased,” said McParland. “It’s been amazing. Don’t hesitate — go get it.”
Why Freemotion
McParland researched multiple reformer brands before committing to Freemotion. She explained build quality and client safety set it apart.
“The equipment is so strong and sturdy. You feel so safe on it,” she said. “The springs, the fact that the spine is filled in — clients feel so much more confident and safer on it. It was ahead of any other machine I looked at.”
McParland also highlighted the jump board design, which can be applied and removed mid-class — unlike some competing machines where it must remain fixed for the entire session. The bar that moves along the spine was another factor, giving instructors more creative freedom while keeping classes safe.
Reaching Male Clients
One notable outcome has been engagement from male members, a group that has historically been slower to try reformer Pilates. McParland says explaining the muscular benefits in straightforward terms has made the difference.
“When they’re using a dumbbell, they’re primarily working the belly of the muscle. Whereas when they come on the reformer, it’s the origin to insertion — the whole length of the muscle improves,” she explained. “They don’t want to get injured. They want to keep their fitness and keep lifting weights. So, it’s been a really nice complement that way.”
The machine’s size has also been a factor. One client — a footballer over six feet tall — relocated to Australia after training at Hot Yoga Newry. When he returned home for Christmas, he booked a class immediately. After trying reformers in Australia, he told McParland there was no comparison: the Freemotion gave him more room, and the heavier springs made it a more effective workout.
“We’re here in Ireland — it’s a smaller country. We think that everywhere else is better and bigger,” said McParland. “When people come back from other places and they’re like, there’s nothing that compares to this — it’s just lovely feedback to get.”
Complementing the Existing Studio
McParland said the reformer studio has added to rather than disrupted her existing hot yoga and hot Pilates program. Initially it attracted clients from outside the studio who had used reformers elsewhere. Over the past year, existing members have started crossing over to try it.
“It’s like crossing between the people that do the yoga, do the hot Pilates, and now are coming up and doing the reformer,” she said. “It’s such a complement to everything else that we offer the studio.”
The fit extends to McParland’s broader philosophy. Hot Yoga Newry has always emphasized mindful movement — getting clients out of their heads and into the present moment. She says the reformer delivers the same experience.
“When you’re on the reformer, you don’t think about anything else. You’re completely in your body,” she said. “Your overthinking brain gets a break.”
Instructor Response and After-Sales Support
McParland says her teaching staff have been enthusiastic about the equipment, particularly those who have worked on other reformer brands.
“The girls who have taught at other places and on different machines absolutely love the Reformer RX,” she said. “There’s so much more they can do with it — they can get creative with the classes while incorporating the strength and the resistance element.”
