Meet Brooke McDermott of Reformed Pilates & Cycle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke McDermott.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Brooke. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Pilates has been a part of my life for about 15 years. First as a student back in home in New York. I took some intensive courses in classical Pilates in college and later, was fortunate to have a Pilates studio directly downstairs from my apartment. I was a dedicated mat Pilates and yoga student and spent almost every day at the studio but I was resistant to migrate to the Reformer side of the room. One afternoon my mat Pilates class was cancelled and the owner, convinced me to join the small group in the Reformer class and I fell in love.

At my first studio, along with the exercises and workouts, I was introduced to the community aspect of small group fitness. At a time when boutique studios were not as common as they are now and most of your workout options were only available at big gyms, I had a place where I felt at home, where my instructor remembered my injuries, noted my progress and developed a “fit fam” many years before hashtags were a thing. I met two of my strongest Pilates mentors at this time. Patty Maraldo, the owner of the studio and Carla Sacken, one of my other instructors. They probably don’t know it, but their impact on me as a student is something I channel every day as an instructor, so many years later.

I moved to Arizona in 2010 and I chose to become a Pilates instructor. I spent some time in teacher training back in New York, then brought what I learned to Phoenix. I taught small group reformer classes and developed my one-on-one training skills. Music also became an important participant in my classes. I spent most of my early 20’s in the music business in New York. That will always be a part of me and teaching both spin and Pilates became a way for me to keep it alive.

After a few years of teaching, I took a much needed teaching hiatus.

During my break from teaching, I continued my fitness education and got certified to teach Spin, among other things. I also started taking Pilates classes at REFORMED’s first studio in Arcadia. When it was announced that the second studio was opening and there would be a Cycle component, it was my sign to get back in the teaching game.

Over 3 years later, as a full time member of the REFORMED team, it was the best decision I made for myself. I’ve spent this time becoming the best instructor, personal trainer and motivator I can be – and I’ll always be learning. Every part of what I do allows me to find a new strength in myself, from training and mentoring instructors to building up our Ahwatukee studio and community as a Manager, this has been one of the most personally and professionally fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had. I work with clients at all levels in both Pilates and Cycle classes. I am able to keep a full room of people feeling challenged but also successful, strong and motivated. I also have a great group of clients that I train one-on-one. I have helped them build confidence and come back from injuries stronger than they expected. I’m so proud that what I do can make a difference in someone’s life every single day.

Has it been a smooth road?
There will always be bumps in the road!

My challenges were personal. To work in the fitness industry you have to not only have a thick skin but a really good knowledge of who you are personally and then as a trainer. After teaching at the same studio for a few years, the competition and the subjective nature of the business got the best of me. I needed to take a break and dedicate time to myself and my own practice/training. I knew I couldn’t help people find their best self without working hard to find mine.

Once I got back to who I was and what I really wanted to do for my clients, my confidence was back along with my desire to teach and train. When I was ready, the opportunity at REFORMED was right there waiting.

The next struggle for me was dedicating myself to building up a studio. When REFORMED Ahwatukee first opened, we worked hard to fill up classes. I taught all of the Saturday morning classes myself and worked extra hard to grow our spin classes.

Being present was so important to me. I can count on one hand the Saturdays I’ve taken off in the past 3 years. It took time, but with consistency it started to build. Now, Saturday is my favorite day of the week! I never feel like I’m going to work. When I show up to teach my DJ Ride with DJ T-Last, it’s amazing to see most of our staff in class or just around the studio to help out, new instructors filling up Pilates classes and all of our clients buzzing in the studio. I have a moment as I set my own intention before class every week to remind myself how far we’ve come.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Reformed Pilates & Cycle – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Reformed is a locally owned business by Laura Morgan and Peter Morgan. They have 4 studios in Arcadia, Central Phoenix, Ahwatukee and North Scottsdale with a 5th on the way at McCormick Ranch later this year.

Our group reformer Pilates classes as well as our cycle classes are truly suitable for all levels.

Every 50 minute reformer Pilates class has a structured flow to maximize work and provide a full body workout with opportunities to pick up your heart rate along the way… hello burpees! We provide clients with ways to modify as well as level up for just about every exercise.

Our 30 minute Express Rides allow clients to work at their own level using metrics such as actual gear loads and RPM ranges. We balance strength and speed work, along with great music and motivation to get as much work as possible in 30 minutes.

Contact Info:

• Website: reformedpilates.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @brookedermo

Image Credit:
@jessica_rae_photo
@brookedermo

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