Pilates is often seen as something reserved for boutique studios in wealthy neighborhoods. But Emma Stallworthy, founder of Your Reformer, is changing that. After her own health journey led her to discover the life-changing benefits of reformer Pilates, she set out to make the practice more accessible at home and around the world. Born in Melbourne, the company's mission is to “make reformer Pilates practice more accessible, to allow our community to find balance and feel empowered from the many benefits of a regular practice."
We spoke with Emma about how she got started, why accessibility matters, and how she balances running a global business with being a mom.
“Pilates connects breath with movement, so it keeps you fully present. For me, it’s my form of meditation.”
Can you tell us how you first discovered Pilates and what led you to start Your Reformer?
My name is Emma Stallworthy, and I’m the founder of Your Reformer, a global business dedicated to making reformer Pilates more accessible. That includes working with businesses but also, importantly, bringing reformers directly into people’s homes.
My personal connection to Pilates started about 10 years ago. At the time, my husband and I ran a chain of gyms. Life was busy and stressful, and I was also struggling to get pregnant and going through IVF. I was advised to step away from the high-intensity workouts I loved and try Pilates instead.
What I found was exactly what I needed. Pilates gave me strength and empowerment without the stress on my body. It helped me balance my physical and mental health. Not long after I committed to a consistent Pilates practice, I became pregnant. For me, that created a very deep connection to the practice.
We eventually introduced Pilates into our gyms, and I became an instructor myself. I loved hearing how clients from all walks of life were benefiting from it. Then during the pandemic, when Melbourne went into strict lockdown, we hired out our reformers and ran Zoom classes. Clients loved it so much that when lockdowns were lifted, many didn’t want to return the machines. That’s when the idea for Your Reformer was born.
As a mom with a 2-year-old at the time, I also knew how hard it was to find time for myself. Having a reformer at home was a game changer. Those two experiences came together to form the foundation of the business.
In the US, Pilates is often seen as a privilege. Studios can be expensive and inaccessible. How are you working to change that?
That’s exactly why we exist. When we designed our products, we wanted them to be “affordable luxury.” They’re not the cheapest, but they’re far less expensive than many options on the market. We also offer payment plans, so people can invest in their health in a way that feels doable.
Our rental program is another important option. It works for people who aren’t sure if Pilates is right for them, for those who can’t afford to buy outright, or for people who are in transition. Whether they’re moving homes or training to become instructors.
We also focus heavily on accessibility for beginners. If you’ve never touched a reformer, we guide you step-by-step with instruction videos and beginner classes. Having a reformer at home also removes the intimidation of walking into a studio for the first time. You can move at your own pace, in your own space, and build confidence along the way.
What are the main benefits of Pilates?
The list is long. To start, it’s low impact, which makes it gentle on the joints while still being challenging and effective. It builds strength, especially core strength, which is something most of us need since so much of modern life keeps us sitting at desks.
It also helps prevent and reduce back and neck pain. Athletes use Pilates to isolate smaller muscle groups and correct imbalances, which improves performance.
Then there’s the mental health side. Pilates connects breath with movement, so it keeps you fully present. For me, it’s my form of meditation. I’ve never been able to sit still for 10 minutes and meditate, but when I’m on the reformer, I’m focused only on that moment. That mental reset is powerful in a world where stress and anxiety are so common.
You’re a founder, a business leader, and a mom. What does a typical day look like for you?
I have 2 boys, ages 7 and 4, and they’re early risers. Mornings are about breakfast and getting them out the door. Once I’m at work, I’m very focused on my team and what needs to be prioritized. I’m a list-driven person, and I’ve learned over time that prioritization, both at work and in life, is key.
I make sure to carve out time for movement because it’s what keeps me grounded. These days, that often happens at night after my kids go to bed. I’ll do a Pilates session, sometimes followed by a sauna, before jumping back into emails or meetings with our teams in the US, UK, or Europe.
Family time is also sacred. We always eat dinner together and share “high, low, buffalo”. The best, hardest, and funniest moments of our day. It keeps us connected.
Who inspires you as a founder?
I don’t have one single person I always look to. I take inspiration from many places: podcasts, Instagram, conversations. Sometimes it’s just one idea or piece of advice that resonates at the right time.
Closer to home, my husband inspires me. He works in the business too, and although we’re very different, we balance and challenge each other in the best ways. We also work with business advisors who keep us accountable and ask the tough questions. That’s been invaluable.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne?
Melbourne is full of amazing food, but the first place that comes to mind is Chin Chin in the [Central Business District]. It’s Asian fusion and always incredible.
