Wānaka’s extensive outdoor community was the motivation for Elise Le Compte to open Reform Wānaka following on from the success of her reformer Pilates studio in Christchurch.

“Wānaka is an incredibly active place and we felt Reform’s dynamic style of reformer Pilates would thrive here,” says Elise. “ Fortunately this opportunity lined up with a family decision to move to the town and Reform Wānaka was born.”

The studio opened in March this year with strong support from a diverse mix of clients ranging from their early 20s to seniors. Private group classes are available and they plan to launch men’s Broformer Pilates shortly.

“We specialise in a dynamic approach to traditional Pilates creating an upbeat fitness experience that is proven to deliver real strength and conditioning results in a safe and carefully controlled environment. Our forte is group classes designed to safely challenge all fitness levels and abilities.”

“Our beginner classes are best to learn fundamental reformer exercises and movement patterns with a significant focus on pelvic and spinal positioning. The intermediate classes are a step up requiring a high level of strength, muscular endurance and control for a high-intensity, yet low impact 55-minute workout.”

Elise’s passion for Pilates was fuelled when she was rehabilitating from serious sport injuries in 2013.

“The strength, mobility and control gains from Pilates were easily the best I had experienced after high-impact sports. After years of self-practice I completed my mat Pilates certification which sparked the flame to teach and I pursued my certificate in Pre & Post-Natal Pilates, dynamic Reformer Pilates and achieved a Diploma in Clinical Reformer Pilates over several years.”

After becoming fully qualified she opened her own studio in Christchurch in 2022.

Reform Wānaka is centrally located in Three Parks and classes are booked online or via the Reform app.

“We’ve created a friendly studio where all fitness levels are welcomed to enjoy the benefits of Reformer Pilates,” says Elise. “We have 11 reformer beds in our modern, spacious and sunny studio conveniently located across the road from the best coffee in town at The Coffee Dojo.  ‘Pilates and lattes’ is our morning motto around the studio.”