There’s a new fitness option on the way for Eastern Suburbs mums, with Des Renford Leisure Centre (DRLC) in Maroubra getting its own dedicated Reformer Pilates Studio.
Randwick City Council is expanding the centre’s health and wellbeing facilities with a new purpose-built studio in DRLC’s ground-level atrium. The project was approved by Council in February 2025 and will feature 13 reformer beds, creating a dedicated space for small-group Reformer Pilates classes.
For local mums trying to fit exercise around work, school drop-offs, kids’ activities and everything else that fills the week, having another quality fitness option close to home is very welcome news.
Why Reformer Pilates Has Become So Popular
Reformer Pilates has become one of Sydney’s fastest-growing fitness activities, and it’s not difficult to understand the appeal.
Using a specialised reformer machine with a moving carriage, springs and straps, exercises can be adapted to provide different levels of resistance and support.
It’s a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility, balance, posture and mobility, making it suitable for people across a wide range of fitness levels.
For mums who may not necessarily want a high-impact gym workout, Reformer Pilates can provide a challenging full-body session without all the jumping and pounding associated with some other forms of exercise.
It can help participants:
- Build strength
- Improve flexibility and mobility
- Work on balance and posture
- Increase confidence with movement
- Support recovery and injury prevention*
- Improve overall fitness and wellbeing
*Anyone managing an injury or health condition should seek appropriate medical advice before starting a new exercise program.
A Workout That Can Actually Fit Into Mum Life
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the new studio is simply having it right here in Maroubra.
Finding time to exercise can be difficult enough without adding a long drive across Sydney to the equation. Having Reformer Pilates available at an established local leisure centre makes it much easier to incorporate a class into an already busy day.
Classes will run for 45 minutes, which could make them particularly appealing for mums looking for an effective workout that doesn’t take over the entire morning or evening.
And because the new studio is part of DRLC, Reformer Pilates will sit alongside the centre’s existing gym, swimming pools and group fitness facilities.
It means locals will have even more choice when it comes to finding a style of exercise that works for them.
Never Tried Reformer Pilates? That’s Okay
If you’ve looked at a reformer machine and wondered what on earth you’re supposed to do with all those springs and straps, you’re definitely not alone.
The good news is no previous Reformer Pilates experience will be required.
Qualified instructors will guide participants through the movements and help newcomers become familiar with the equipment, making the new studio accessible to beginners as well as those who already regularly practise Pilates.
With just 13 reformer beds, classes will also be relatively small, allowing instructors to provide more individual guidance and support.
Participants will need to be 16 years or older, so this could even become a fitness activity for mums to enjoy alongside their older teenagers.
More Ways for Local Mums to Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing
We spend plenty of time talking about keeping kids active, but finding something that helps mums stay active matters too.
Whether it’s rebuilding strength, improving flexibility, taking some time away from a computer or simply having 45 minutes in the week that is entirely about your own wellbeing, regular movement can make a big difference.
And sometimes the hardest part isn’t motivation – it’s finding something convenient enough to actually become part of your routine.
The addition of a dedicated Reformer Pilates Studio at DRLC gives Eastern Suburbs residents another option close to home, alongside swimming, gym workouts and traditional group fitness classes.
Construction Is Underway
To celebrate the beginning of construction, Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker recently toured the site, offering a first look at the space that will become the new studio.
The project forms part of Randwick City Council’s ongoing investment in recreation and wellbeing facilities and responds to growing community demand for a greater variety of health and fitness programs.
Once complete, the studio will further strengthen Des Renford Leisure Centre as a local destination for exercise, recreation and wellbeing.
And for busy Eastern Suburbs mums looking for a new way to get stronger, move more and carve out a little time for themselves, those 13 new reformers in Maroubra could be a very welcome addition to the neighbourhood.
What We Know So Far
Where: Des Renford Leisure Centre, Maroubra
What: Dedicated Reformer Pilates Studio
Studio: 13 reformer beds
Class length: 45 minutes
Experience: Beginners welcome
Minimum age: 16 years
Membership, casual attendance and class booking options will be available through DRLC. As these details can change over time, we recommend checking directly with Des Renford Leisure Centre or Randwick City Council for the latest information before booking.
Why Pilates Is One of the Best Workouts for Your Body (And Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start)
