The recent opening of The Reformer Pod at FITPOD, which offers group mat and group reformer classes by Stretch Pilates, is an exciting and welcome addition to The Studios at Ballito Lifestyle Centre.

Husband and wife team Stefan and Jenna van der Merwe started Stretch Pilates six years ago. They have branches in Durban North, Hillcrest, Mount Edgecombe, and now at FITPOD in Ballito.

They offer mat and private or semi-private reformer classes, but the ‘first-in-KZN’ group reformer classes have piqued most people’s interest. And rightfully so. Stretch has eight reformer machines in the newly equipped FITPOD studio.

“Our goal has always been to help as many people as possible to move more, move better, and be in less pain,” says Stefan, a qualified dietician and nutritionist.

He and Jenna, a biokineticist, practiced Pilates for many years before opening their Durban North studio. Having completed their BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher training, they have also worked hard to ensure their studios are welcoming, non-threatening, and professionally managed.
The couple met while studying at Stellenbosch and have two children (aged 2 and 9 years). “We opened our first business – a dietetics and biokinetics practice in Durban North – in 2012. At the same time, we were running informal Pilates classes at the local bowling club. The classes became increasingly popular, so we formalized the business in 2018. It grew organically, and we are thrilled to have opened three more studios since then.”

Now with 13 instructors working for them, Stefan and Jenna have big hopes to take the Stretch Pilates brand national one day.
So, what makes Stretch Pilates at FITPOD different from other Pilates studios? Apart from the exciting group reformer classes on offer, Stefan says it is the way they run their classes and their business.

“We are determined to uplift and grow the Pilates industry in SA. We pride ourselves on running a highly professional business. Our clients become part of a community when they join Stretch Pilates. We have proper structures in place to ensure the entire journey – from signing up to achieving your health goals – is a fulfilling one.”

The reformer classes (which are quite different from mat sessions) give you an incredible full-body workout, with the machines offering added support or an extra challenge – depending on your goals and needs. Reformer Pilates is also fantastic for injury rehabilitation – and loads of fun!
“Being able to offer mat and reformer classes is like having two different sports under one umbrella. They are quite different and work your body in unique ways to make you stronger,” says Stefan.

And anyone can do it! Stretch Pilates has a have a wide range of classes on offer – from foundation to intermediate. Find out more about their class schedules on the FITPOD website: www.fitpod.co.za/