RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield’s boutique fitness scene is getting a serious core upgrade.
Plank Ridgefield, located at 389 Main Street, is adding a dedicated reformer Pilates room this spring — a move founder and owner Linda Murphy says reflects both rising demand and the studio’s commitment to offering multiple workout styles under one roof.
The Ridgefield studio has been open for nearly a year and a half, Murphy said, while the Katonah, NY, location recently marked just over two years in business. Murphy continues to run her separate retail product business alongside the fitness studios .
Find out what’s happening in Ridgefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.Why Pilates — And Why Now?
Pilates has been around for more than a century. Developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, the method was originally called “Contrology” and emphasized core strength, alignment, breath and precise movement. It gained popularity in the U.S. in the mid-1900s, particularly among dancers in New York City.
In recent decades, Pilates has surged in popularity nationwide, especially as Americans increasingly seek low-impact, strength-focused workouts that support balance, flexibility and injury prevention. According to industry reports from organizations such as the Pilates Method Alliance and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, participation in Pilates has steadily grown over the past decade, with reformer-based classes seeing particularly strong demand in boutique studios.
Find out what’s happening in Ridgefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Murphy sees that growth firsthand.
“I feel like all the different modalities have their moment in time,” she said, noting that yoga and other formats often trend in waves. “Reformers are having a moment. But it’s also one of those things that it’s such an effective workout that I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily trendy. It’s a bit evergreen, and I think it’s going to be here for a while.”
At Plank, members already have access to mat-based Pilates, heated Pilates and strength-infused classes. The new space takes that offering “to the next level with the equipment,” Murphy said .
What Is A Reformer, Exactly?
The reformer is a spring-based apparatus — not just a piece of gym equipment, Murphy noted, but an “apparatus” in Pilates terminology. It uses a sliding carriage, adjustable springs and straps to provide resistance and support, allowing for both beginner and advanced movements.
The Ridgefield expansion will feature six reformers in a dedicated room. Murphy said the studio is bringing in “top of the line” equipment and plans to offer both beginner and advanced classes .
In addition to group sessions, Plank expects to offer private, one-on-one classes — something Murphy says many clients value for the focused attention.
“It is that one-on-one attention, that you’ll make sure you’re maximizing your workout,” she said.
The “Special Sauce” Of Pilates
Asked what sets Pilates apart from a traditional gym workout, Murphy didn’t hesitate.
“It’s all about the core. It’s all about alignment and balance,” she said.
She described how improved balance can have everyday benefits, including preventing falls during icy winter conditions — a relatable example for Ridgefield residents navigating snowy driveways.
Strength training also remains popular, particularly among pre-menopausal and menopausal women, Murphy noted, making reformer Pilates a complementary addition to other fitness routines.
Boutique Fitness, Local Focus
Murphy said she originally opened Plank because she couldn’t find a boutique environment that offered yoga, barre, Pilates and strength training all in one place, “unless you were going to a traditional gym.”
She believes smaller class sizes are key. “The instructors are really paying attention to your form,” she said, adding that proper form helps ensure members get the full benefit of each workout.
The reformer room is expected to open in April. Murphy said renovations will be complete sooner, but equipment delivery has been delayed due to supply chain issues.
As for what comes next, Murphy said she takes an entrepreneurial, feedback-driven approach.
“It really depends upon the feedback, the response from the market, how it’s resonating with your customers, your members,” she said, adding that she focuses on making “iterative improvements as you go.”
For Ridgefield residents looking to strengthen their core — and maybe steady themselves on the next icy driveway — Plank’s newest addition is poised to offer another way to do it, right on Main Street.
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