Power Moves 005 - Alyssa D'aquino: Crunch Takes On Pilates

Power Moves 005 - Alyssa D'aquino: Crunch Takes On Pilates

Author: Eric Malzone January 5, 2026 Duration: 15:20

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Alyssa D'Aquino, Vice President of Group Fitness at CR Fitness, to discuss a major shift in the big-box gym landscape: the integration of boutique-style Pilates Reformer studios inside traditional gym clubs. Alyssa shares her journey from dancer and behavioral therapist to corporate fitness leader, and explains how CR Fitness is leading the way by making high-end Pilates more accessible through an innovative, inclusive membership model.

Key Takeaways

🚀 The Big Announcement
In 2026, CR Fitness will launch its first-ever Pilates Reformer Studio inside its McKinney, Texas location. This pilot program is designed to bring a boutique Pilates experience into a high-volume gym environment.

💸 Disrupting the Market
While boutique Pilates studios typically cost between $100–$300 per month, CR Fitness is changing the game by including Reformer classes in its Peak Results membership for just $30 per month.

🧘 A "Crunch" Spin on Tradition
The Pilates programming is proprietary and developed in-house to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's built around pre-designed "blocks of work" that allow instructors to maintain the brand's signature energy without sounding scripted or robotic.

🛠️ Solving the Talent Gap
To address the technical demands of Reformer instruction, Alyssa partners with NEDA and ETA to offer in-house certifications. This approach eliminates the typical six-month certification wait and enables rapid, scalable instructor training.

🔥 Universal Appeal
Pilates is no longer limited to a niche audience. Alyssa notes a significant increase in men and athletes using the Reformer for core engagement, performance, and recovery—highlighting the importance of core strength for everything from squats to running.

📈 Expansion Mindset
Following the success of CR Fitness's Hot Studios—which began as a franchise pilot before becoming a corporate standard—the company expects the Pilates Reformer rollout to become the next major trend adopted across franchises.


Eric Malzone has spent over fourteen years working within the fitness world, and in his Future of Fitness podcast, he channels that experience into conversations that feel more like strategic planning sessions than simple interviews. Each episode connects you directly with the people actively reshaping what health and wellness mean today-founders launching disruptive tech, investors spotting the next big trend, and executives steering major brands through rapid change. The discussions move beyond workout tips to explore the real business of fitness, tackling how entrepreneurship intersects with wellbeing, what emerging technologies are actually viable, and where the industry might be headed next. This isn't about generic inspiration; it's a grounded look at the mechanics of moving an entire field forward. By listening, you gain access to unfiltered insights from those making decisions at the highest levels, all through the perspective of a host who is both a seasoned coach and a pragmatic business advisor. Tune in for a clear-eyed view of the innovation, challenges, and opportunities defining the modern fitness landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Future of Fitness
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