“Should I start with Mat or Reformer?”
We get this one a LOT, so Barbara’s breaking it down for you.
Her honest answer: it depends on what’s going to keep YOU coming back.
Reformer is a great starting point for most people. The springs support you while you learn proper form and alignment, so you’re not fighting gravity and your own body at the same time. It builds a strong foundation.
But the “best” starting point isn’t really about the equipment. It’s about what makes you excited to show up again. If Mat feels more accessible to you or you love that no-frills challenge, start there. If you want that extra support while you find your form, Reformer’s your move.
Consistency beats “perfect.” Pick the one that gets you back on the mat (or the machine) next week.
Which one are you drawn to? Tell us below 👇
Save this for the next time someone asks you where to start.
📍 Bloor West Village
Retrofit Pilates
Retrofit your body, change your life. Superb instructors and personalized instruction. Welcoming, no Pilates for every body.
Authorized Balanced Body Teacher Training Centre.
20 Years of Changing Lives! At Retrofit Pilates we believe in movement education that is effective, dynamic, empowering and fun. We believe that when we connect mind to body, we are capable of creative, adventurous living. We give you the tools you need to build strength from the inside out so you can feel better and do more. We give you the confid
08/24/2026
“I need to be flexible to start Pilates.”
Nope. Let’s bust this myth right now. 👇
Flexibility is a RESULT of Pilates, not a requirement to walk in the door. You don’t need to touch your toes. You don’t need to do a split. You just need to show up.
Every session meets your body exactly where it is today, and builds from there. Stiff hips? Tight hamstrings? Zero Pilates experience? That’s exactly who this studio is for.
The myth keeps people out. The truth is what gets them stronger.
Tag someone who’s been putting off Pilates because they think they’re “not flexible enough.” 👀
What’s a Pilates myth you believed before you started?
Drop it in the comments, we’ll bust the next one for you.
📍 Bloor West Village, Toronto
08/17/2026
Certified Pilates instructors are in high demand right now.
If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for movement into a career, this is your sign. Retrofit Pilates delivers comprehensive training from Balanced Body, the world leader in Pilates education, right here in Bloor West Village.
Our Fall Mat & Reformer Bundle is here, and individual module registration is open now too.
Whether you’re going all in or starting with one module, this is the season to invest in yourself.
Spots are limited. Link in bio to register 👆
This one comes up a lot, so we figured it was time Barbara answered it properly.
Mat Pilates is all bodyweight work done on the floor. No reformer, no springs, just you, a mat, and a whole lot of core control. Think slow, deliberate movements that build strength from the inside out (your deep abdominals, your back, your pelvic floor) while still challenging your balance and flexibility.
It’s a great entry point if you’re new to Pilates, and honestly still a solid workout even if you’ve been doing reformer for years. Different tool, same principles.
Come try a class and feel the difference for yourself.
📍 Bloor West Village
Link in bio to book
08/11/2026
Have you been looking for the right time to introduce your best friend, work spouse or partner to Retrofit Pilates?
Now is the time. There is still lots of summer left ☀️
For $99, you both get unlimited classes through August 31st. Every class, every instructor, as many times a week as you can make it in.
Bring the person you’re always trying to drag to a workout with you. Sweat together, laugh through the hard sets, grab a coffee after. This is the excuse to finally do it.
Tag them below. Grab your spots before the month runs out. Link in bio.
📍 Bloor West Village
Offer ends August 31st
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
206-2323 Bloor Street W
Toronto, ON
M6S4W1
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am - 12pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 12pm |