The Machine That Makes the Difference
STOTT Reformer Pilates
Every Art of Pilates studio is built around the STOTT V2 Max Reformer. The best machine in the industry, taught by instructors trained in the STOTT method.
The Method Behind the Machine
What Is STOTT Pilates?
Joseph Pilates created the reformer in the early 1900s. Moira Merrithew took that original concept and rebuilt it with modern exercise science, spinal biomechanics, and rehabilitation principles. The result is STOTT Pilates, a method that respects the natural curves of the spine and applies current anatomy research to every exercise.
STOTT is not a brand name you see on a wall. It is a methodology that shapes how our instructors think about movement, how they cue exercises, and how they modify for back pain, arthritis, injuries, and individual body mechanics. It is the reason our instructors complete 600+ hours of training instead of the 60 that franchise studios require.
You do not need to know any of this before you walk in. Your instructor handles the methodology. You just feel the difference in how your body responds to every class.
The V2 Max Reformer
Why This Machine and Not Any Other
Not all reformers are the same. The machines at franchise studios are often stripped-down versions designed to be cheap to buy and easy to replace. The STOTT V2 Max is the opposite. It is the top-of-the-line reformer from Merrithew, built for professional studios that take the work seriously.
- Wider carriage that accommodates all body types comfortably
- Smoother glide that allows precise control during slow movements
- Color-coded spring system with more resistance options than standard reformers
- Built-in vertical frame for standing exercises, arm work, and advanced progressions
- Adjustable head rest, shoulder rests, and foot bar for individual body setup
- Padded carriage and platform for comfort during longer holds
When you use a V2 Max, the machine does not fight you. It moves with you. The springs respond predictably, the carriage tracks smoothly, and every adjustment works the way it should. That precision matters more than most people realize until they try a lesser machine and feel the difference.
The Equipment Gap
What You Get on a V2 Max vs a Franchise Reformer
If you have taken a class at a franchise studio and felt like the machine was clunky, loud, or imprecise, the reformer was the problem. Here is what changes on a V2 Max.
The Instructors Match the Machine
600+ Hours of Training. Here Is What That Means.
Most franchise Pilates studios require their instructors to complete 40 to 60 hours of training before they start teaching. That is enough to learn the basics. It is not enough to understand anatomy, modify for injuries, or adapt a class to 10 different bodies in real time.
Our instructors complete over 600 hours. That training covers musculoskeletal anatomy, spinal biomechanics, exercise modification for dozens of conditions, and the full STOTT exercise library across all equipment. It takes years to complete, and it shows in every class.
When your instructor tells you to change your spring from a red to a blue, they know exactly what that change does biomechanically. When they modify an exercise for your back, they are not guessing. When they push you to a harder variation, they have already assessed whether your body can handle it. That depth of knowledge is what 600 hours gives you. It is the reason Kathy built Art of Pilates around this standard.
You Do Not Need to Know Any of This
The Method Works Behind the Scenes
We are not going to quiz you on STOTT principles before your first class. You do not need to know the difference between a V2 Max and any other reformer to walk through our door. All you need to do is show up.
The orientation class teaches you everything about the machine. Your instructor handles the methodology. And from your first Level 1 class forward, you will feel the difference without needing to understand the science behind it.
The machine feels smooth. The springs respond the way they should. Your instructor sees your body and adjusts on the fly. That is STOTT in practice. It does not matter whether you call it that or not. What matters is that your body gets a better workout because of it.
Where to Try It
STOTT V2 Max Reformers at All Three Studios
Every location has 9 V2 Max machines and instructors with 600+ hours of STOTT training. New clients start with a $31 orientation class.
Common Questions
STOTT Reformer Pilates FAQ
Ready to Try the V2 Max?
New clients start with a $31 orientation class. Feel the difference the machine and the method make from your very first session.
Get in Touch
Questions About Our Equipment or Method?
Fill out the form and we will answer anything you want to know.
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