A new wellness studio has opened in Newman, bringing Pilates, barre and a wider range of fitness options to the Westside as residents seek alternatives to traditional gym workouts.
The Reforma Studio, which launched its first location in Los Banos, has expanded into Newman as its second site. The husband‑and‑wife owners said the idea grew from a need they saw in the Central Valley for a space focused on movement, wellness and community support.
“My husband and I opened The Reforma Studio in Los Banos after recognizing a need in our community for a wellness and fitness space that offered more than just traditional gym workouts,” the owners said. “Health and wellness have always been a big part of our lives and business, as we also own gyms, The Compound, in Los Banos, Firebaugh and Modesto.”
Reforma became a natural extension of that work, they said — a place designed for Reformer Pilates, yoga, barre and Lagree, a high‑intensity, low‑impact workout the owners say they are proud to be the only studio in the 209 offering.
After finding success in Los Banos, the owners began looking for another community that could benefit from the same type of studio experience. Newman quickly rose to the top of the list.
“Newman stood out to us because many residents were traveling to larger cities for fitness classes,” they said. “When the opportunity for a studio space became available, we knew Newman would be the perfect home for our second location.”
The studio currently offers Reformer Pilates — a resistance‑based workout performed on a reformer machine — along with Mat Pilates and barre, which blends ballet, Pilates and strength training. The owners said they hope to add yoga and hot mat Pilates as the Newman location continues to grow.
Beyond the class schedule, the owners emphasized that Reforma is meant to be a welcoming space where people feel supported from the moment they walk in.
“When someone walks into Reforma, we want them to feel welcomed, comfortable and reminded that there are endless possibilities for themselves,” they said. “More than anything, we want people to feel encouraged, supported and surrounded by a community that genuinely cares for one another.”
That sense of community has already taken root. The owners said the response from Newman residents has exceeded expectations.
“The response from the Newman community has truly left us in awe,” they said. “We have felt so much support, love and appreciation from people who are excited to finally have something like Reforma in their hometown.”
For newcomers who may feel intimidated, the owners said most people who walk through the doors are beginners, and every class can be modified to fit individual comfort levels.
“Our instructors are there to guide and support members every step of the way,” they said. “No one should feel intimidated by the difficulty level. The community we are building is incredibly welcoming and encouraging, and we truly want everyone to feel comfortable and successful.”
Residents interested in trying a class or learning more can message The Reforma Studio on social media or call/text 209‑261‑2644.
