Tribute Brands continues to expand its partnership with Fitness First UK, with the PILAT3S Reformer rollout now spanning five locations, following the latest openings at Marylebone in London and St Albans in Hertfordshire.
The two studios join existing PILAT3S locations at Fitness First London Bridge, Fenchurch Street and Highbury, and are seeing strong consumer interest and high occupancy levels. Two further studios are set to open before the end of the year, taking the partnership to seven locations.
The continued rollout reflects growing demand for Reformer Pilates while demonstrating how the Boutique-in-Gym (B.I.G.) model can be adapted and scaled across different environments and business models. Case studies ongoing in Europe are showing a remarkable 50% retention improvement for members using PILAT3S within their membership.
PILAT3S delivers its dynamic programming centrally through a blended teaching methodology led by instructors and supported by digital screens. The combination supports quality assurance and consistency, while allowing instructors to deliver a personalised user experience. Through the B.I.G. format, operators can integrate the concept within their existing facilities, making use of available space and infrastructure while elevating their group exercise offering.
Marc Diaper, CEO of Fitness First UK, said:
“PILAT3S gives us a practical and scalable way to introduce Reformer Pilates across our clubs without compromising on the quality our members expect.
The PILAT3S Academy plays an important role in that. Rather than relying solely on the external recruitment of specialist Reformer Pilates instructors, we can develop talent already within our teams – upskilling PTs and group exercise instructors through the PILAT3S Academy and certifying them to deliver the methodology. That gives us a more sustainable route to growth, while also creating development opportunities for our teams.“
The PILAT3S Academy provides operators with a structured route to developing their own instructors. Existing fitness professionals can be trained and certified in the blended PILAT3S methodology, reducing reliance on external recruitment and helping remove one of the common operational barriers to scaling Reformer Pilates in the industry.
Looking to elevate your member offering? Discover how the PILAT3S B.I.G. model can work within your business.
