Fusion Fitness: Not Your Gym's Pilates

Not Your Gym's Pilates

Most everyone has heard about Pilates. Madonna does it. Demi does it. And maybe you or a friend have taken a mat class at the local gym. However, Pilates in its purest form is done on an amazing machine known as the “Reformer,” which practitioners can use to perform hundreds of moves.

“Pilates practiced on a Reformer is better for the back, knees and hips,” says Ariel Hernandez, master instructor and owner of Lake Mary’s Fusion Fitness USA. “It’s unfortunate that many of our clients come to us with back injuries sustained as a result of doing mat Pilates incorrectly.”

Hernandez, who trains Pilates instructors throughout the world, is a firm believer in the power of Reformer Pilates. His studio features six of the deluxe apparatuses, which allows instructors to give personal attention to everyone in a class.

“Pilates trains us to draw power from our core, so the movements and even the breathing are key,” Hernandez explains. “We watch everyone carefully and walk around adjusting them as they complete each move.”

According to Hernandez, who has trained the Orlando Magic, a famous golfer and two tennis-playing sisters, Pilates helps clients gain strength and flexibility, which helps prevent injury.

“Most injuries are the result of muscle imbalance -- we are strong, but we can’t even bend over and touch our toes -- and that’s a recipe for all kinds of problems.”

Fusion Fitness instructors are able to customize Pilates regimens for each individual in the small-group setting. For example, one client may require more resistance for bicep curls, but need help with stretches, which the Reformer easily accommodates.

In addition to helping clients develop longer, toned muscles, Pilates can work wonders for people who have experienced serious injuries or illness. “Pilates is the basis for most of the exercises done in a rehab setting,” Hernandez notes. “I’ve seen clients come in who are hunched over from back pain and within a few sessions they are walking straighter and are pain free.”

The beauty of Pilates, Hernandez believes, is that anyone can do it -- from a professional athlete to a pregnant woman to an 89-year-old grandmother. And for those macho guys who think it’s too easy for them or a “girls only” exercise, Hernandez asks that they give it just one try. “I was in terrific shape the first time I worked on the Reformer,” he says, “and it was a real challenge.”

Clients do not have to be in great shape to take Pilates. “I can promise this will make you stronger and more flexible, no matter where you start,” says Hernandez. “Whether you’re overweight or underweight, weak or powerful, it will help with body alignment, make your muscles leaner and tighter and you will be stronger.”


Hernandez knows this firsthand. He used to be overweight and during that period in his life, he didn’t want to walk into a gym for fear of being ridiculed.

“I was a big boy and had chronic lower back pain,” he explains. “Gyms were intimidating, so I didn’t get the help I needed for a long time. But here at Fusion Fitness, everyone is having a good time just working out. There’s no judgment, only encouragement. We’re like a family.”

That family atmosphere is the foundation of Fusion Fitness, Hernandez says.

“Everybody, including our clients, is very kind,” he says. “We know your name, we know your family. It’s a come-hang-out-with-us-and-get-a good-workout kind of place and when you come to a class, you’ll see someone who’s extremely fit and maybe someone who’s a little overweight, but they all want to get healthier. That’s what matters.”

Hernandez, who is a featured blogger for Pilates Style magazine, wants everyone to experience Pilates for themselves. That’s why he offers the first class for free. And he likes to hire instructors who share his passion for the 80-year-old exercise methodology, which was once called Controlology by founder Joseph Pilates.

“All of our trainers are former clients who were so jazzed by what Pilates did for them and their bodies that they wanted to share it with others,” he says.

In addition to Pilates classes, Fusion Fitness offers personal training (including personal and group “shocks”), a Pilates bar class and TRX. And every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., the studio offers Buddha Boot Camp (a combination of yoga and Pilates) free to the community.

“Bring your kids, bring your friends, it’s open to everyone,” Hernandez says. “It’s a great way to get to know us.”

For more information, visit www.FusionFitnessUSA.com or call 407-804-6005.