Fitness Studio Expands With New Pilates Reformer Classes In Bernardsville

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — A Bernardsville fitness studio, Ride + Reflect, is expanding to add a new Pilates reformer program.

The studio at 11 Olcott Square has been in town for about 12 years. Recently it launched the reformer classes in February after about a year of planning, according to instructor Yvette Lenhart.

Lenhart has been teaching Pilates since 2011. She has multiple certifications and has also taught Zumba, Barre and strength classes at Lifetime in Berkeley Heights.

"I've taught all kinds of different things, but Pilates was my first love, first thing I ever got certified to teach the thing I've been teaching the longest, and I kind of swear by it for my own body," said Lenhart to Patch. "I've seen the benefits myself as I've aged. I've been doing pilates now for almost 25 years, and I've just really been grateful that I have it as part of my own routine."

Before the reformer studio opened in Ride + Reflect, Lenhart said she tested interest with pop-up mat classes last summer.

"We've been planning this for a year, and we finally got all the equipment, we got the space set up, and we launched classes in February," Lenhart said.

Pilates Studio Offerings

Unlike other studios, Ride + Reflect's studio features three reformer/tower combos and a full Cadillac/reformer combo, in addition to a ladder barrel, chair, jumpboards, and a variety of other Pilates training equipment.

Lenhart described the reformer studio as a bright street-facing space with floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Many studios have 10 to 15 reformers in the room and it’s hard for any instructor to watch everybody as they move. I know, I’ve been there. As a student, it can be frustrating to know if what you are doing is correct," said Lenhart.

"Also, the vibe of most new studios is fast-paced with loud playlists. Which can be fun but also makes it hard to focus on form and buliding strength when you are simply trying to keep up," said Lenhart.

She said what Ride + Reflect offers is very different.

"With a maximum of only four students per class, you can expect a more intimate experience and extra special attention. It definitely doesn’t mean it’s an easier workout, but you will find you are building strength by moving with control and accessing the intended muscles with each exercise," said Lenhart.

Classes

They offer a variety of reformer classes five days a week.

Classes include:

Ride + Reflect also offers 50-minute private sessions, thoughtfully tailored to individual needs and personal goals.

More Than Just Core

Lenhart added that a lot of people think Pilates is just a core workout, but she said, "It's very different in that you really do get to access and strengthen deeper core muscles."

She noted that "a lot of workouts don't access the deeper muscles that are really necessary for stabilizing your spine and stabilizing your pelvis in other kinds of movements, whether it's sports, whether it's just day-to-day life, whether it's carrying a baby all day, whether it's your job."

"I feel like a lot of people will talk about unspecified back pain. A lot of people have lower back issues or different things in their hips, and a lot of times when they start taking pilates, they find relief from that, and I think it's because they are strengthening those deeper muscles that are really crucial to support the spine and the pelvis," said Lenhart.

Memberships

The studio offers both memberships and flexible options for those interested.

Ride + Reflect's introductory offer for yoga, HIIT, cycle and Pilates mat classes is $99 for one month of unlimited classes.

Drop-in classes are $35, with class packs and memberships also available.

For the reformer studio, the first class is $35 and a first private session is $95.

Lenhart said she is also putting together community-focused programming, including a Pilates for men series in July aimed at golfers and tennis players.

She said she may add a pre- and post-natal class in September and is considering a summer discount for teachers.

For more information, visit ridereflect.com or follow instagram.com/ridereflect or facebook.com/RideReflect.

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