Summer Pilates Reformer sessions transition to fall packages
Fall semester brings free weeks for Specialty Classes
Summer in College Station brought hot Texas days, intense thunderstorms, and a much needed respite from coursework. But while others looked for a cool-down, Pilates Reformer classes brought the heat. Dozens of Aggies spent their summer evenings with Pilates instructors, focusing on balancing strength with mobility and facing dynamic challenges in Rec Sports Specialty Classes.
“I’m enjoying the Pilates Reformer, which is some new moves and activities,” participant Chantale Deuel said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
Instructor Kourtney Basset led two sessions this summer, getting to know participants and working closely with them to bring their attention to breath and movement throughout the exercises.
“I teach a very classical style of Pilates,” she said. “We add in different props to enhance the work that we do. [The reformer] has springs and pulleys to change the difficulty of each and every movement, so students get to understand a very nice flow, and then they add in challenges with the different props and different springs.”
Lauren Macha ‘25 focuses on balance and core strength as she exercises on a Pilates Reformer with a ball, straps, and box.
As fall approached and the summer season came to a close, Pilates Reformer participants and instructors prepared to wrap up their class sessions.
“The last week is all about assessing how far the participants have come,” Basset said. “They have essentially laid down a really strong foundation of stability, core strength, and are familiar with the reformer. So, now we get to watch what exercises or movements they can execute in the final week to see how they have progressed.”
The coming fall semester promises exciting changes for the Pilates package. Classes are moving from the Southside Rec and PEAP to the Student Rec Center, driving engagement for lots of different student populations across campus. Not only that, but alongside the new, convenient location comes longer sessions and a stronger small group community.
“I really love the fall semester because you get a five week session compared to the summer four week session,” Basset said. “Students get to learn even more progressively. It’s really neat to see how far they can go in five weeks.”
From a comprehensive understanding of the instructor’s teaching style to a motivating kinship with the people at your sides, five weeks of constant class times and familiar faces creates a very personalized experience for participants.
“The community that is built in these small group classes builds a sense of connection that is founded in consistency,” Basset said. “They get to cheer each other on and watch each other grow every single week which is really fun.”
Instructor Kourtney Basset guides a participant through an exercise called the elephant, which is preformed on a Reformer to target several muscle groups.
Pilates Reformer, along with Boxing Bootcamp, will be back very soon. The free week for Fitness & Wellness specialty classes will fall on the last week of August and provide Rec members a chance to explore these unique opportunities at no cost. Register on the website now to make the most of Specialty Class free weeks next week!
“I’m taking Pilates because I’ve done Reformer classes in the past and I like it because it is lower impact,” participant Lauren Macha ‘25 said. “It’s at a convenient time and it’s only twice a week. It’s easy to integrate into my schedule.”
After free weeks, you can integrate Pilates Reformer or Boxing Bootcamp into your schedule by registering on the Fitness & Wellness website or on the Rec Sports App.
Written by: Claire Frazier ‘27
