The YMCA of Central Kentucky (KY) is expanding its successful Pilates program through its longstanding partnership with Balanced Body®, combining premium equipment, instructor education and progressive programming to create one of the region’s most established community-based Pilates offerings.
Having worked with Balanced Body since 2012, the Pilates program at the YMCA of Central Kentucky in Beaumont has grown significantly in recent years, with the launch of a dedicated Group Reformer program in 2004. Today, members benefit from a comprehensive Pilates experience featuring 12 Balanced Body Allegro 2 with towers, Combo Chairs, EXO Chairs, enabling everything from group classes and circuit training to personalized sessions.
The program has experienced remarkable growth, with 72 weekly Reformer classes now offered across the YMCA of Central Kentucky association following a surge in demand after the pandemic. The Beaumont branch serves as the flagship location, offering 45 of those classes across its 12 Reformers, complemented by 10 Reformers at the Whitaker branch and seven at the High Street branch.
“This program has always been about much more than Pilates equipment,” explains Pam Carey, Healthy Living Director at the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “We wanted to create a place where people of all ages and abilities feel welcome, challenged and supported. Balanced Body has been an incredible partner throughout that journey, providing equipment we trust and educational opportunities that continue to strengthen our instructor team. The result is a program that members genuinely love and one that continues to grow year after year.”
Alongside investing in Balanced Body equipment, education has been integral to this partnership as YMCA instructors have participated in Balanced Body workshops and professional development, while the organization is working towards becoming the first YMCA to serve as an Authorized Training Centre (ATC) for Balanced Body education.
The YMCA believes investing in instructors is just as important as investing in equipment. Regular in-house workshops, ongoing mentoring and nationally recognized education ensures members receive consistently high-quality instruction while creating clear professional development pathways for instructors. The program has also become a pipeline for new teachers, with many instructors beginning as long-term participants before progressing into teaching roles.
Beyond attendance, the Pilates program has become a significant contributor to member engagement and organizational growth. Thousands of participants now take part annually, with many non-members choosing to join the YMCA to gain priority access to classes. Members have also built a strong sense of community around the program, supporting one another both inside and outside the studio.
To support continued demand, The YMCA of Central Kentucky is currently undertaking a major facility renovation that will include a larger dedicated Pilates studio, creating additional capacity and further opportunities to expand programming in the years ahead.
“The YMCA has demonstrated exactly what’s possible when a community organization commits to Pilates as a long-term investment rather than simply adding equipment,” adds Ken Endelman, Founder and CEO of Balanced Body.
“Their focus on education, exceptional instruction and creating an inclusive member experience has resulted in a program that continues to grow while changing lives through movement. We’re proud to support their vision and excited to see the next phase of their expansion.”
For the YMCA, the program’s greatest achievement extends beyond participation numbers.
“We’ve created a community where everyone belongs,” added Carey. “Our average participant is around 53-years-old, but we welcome adults of every age and ability. Whether someone is new to exercise or has been with us for years, our goal is always the same: to help every person move well, build confidence and enjoy the lifelong benefits of Pilates.”
The continued success of the YMCA of Central Kentucky highlights how community organizations can build sustainable Pilates programs through a combination of premium equipment, instructor education and a shared commitment to making movement accessible for all.
For more information on Balanced Body, visit www.pilates.com, and to learn more about the YMCA of Central Kentucky, click here
Balanced Body® is synonymous with Pilates excellence. With a heritage spanning nearly 50 years, the brand is the trusted market leader across the world.
With a philosophy closely aligned to Joseph Pilates’ original principles, the brand is driven to provide top-quality equipment, professional education and resources for a lifelong journey of movement and vitality. Crafted with precision and functionality, the state-of-the-art equipment enhances Pilates practice for instructors and practitioners.
Balanced Body also offers a range of education programs and certifications, empowering Pilates professionals to deliver exceptional instruction. The delivery format and content is constantly reviewed and evolved to ensure it remains aligned to the needs of the market and sets a high-quality standard for other brands to aspire to achieve.
Balanced Body is dedicated to improving lives through the extraordinary practice of Pilates.
nicky@pace-pr.co.uk
