Workplace Pilates: equipping a wellbeing space for your employees

The simplest way to offer workplace Pilates is to equip a multi-purpose room with a few foldable reformers and accessories, then have sessions taught by a qualified instructor. When it comes to tax and payroll, the rules depend on your country: in France, for example, the social security collection agency URSSAF distinguishes between providing sports equipment, which is exempt from contributions with no upper limit under certain conditions, and funding group classes, which is exempt up to an annual ceiling. Here is how to plan the project, from the payroll rules to storing the machines.

Why include exercise in a workplace wellbeing approach?

A Pilates space contributes to employee wellbeing if it meets a genuine need and is designed with staff input. It is not a “magic” solution: it is one more benefit, alongside the way work itself is organised.

Public health guidance remains the benchmark for physical activity. The French public health website Manger Bouger, for example, recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening, flexibility and balance activities twice a week. Pilates, which works on core strength, posture and mobility, can be one of those activities.

To make sure the space gets used, involve employees or their representatives from the outset: preferred times, format (group classes or open slots) and participants’ level.

What the French URSSAF says (an example)

For employers in France, URSSAF applies two different sets of rules depending on whether you provide equipment or fund classes. The quotations below come from the URSSAF page on benefits in kind relating to sport at work, consulted in October 2026. Outside France, ask your accountant how workplace sports facilities are treated in your country.

Providing sports equipment: no upper limit

According to URSSAF, the exemption covers “providing a gym that you own or rent; changing rooms, showers and sports equipment, with no upper limit”. Reformers installed on your premises and made available to employees fall into this category of shared sports equipment.

Funding group classes: an annual ceiling

Funding “group physical activity and sports classes, sporting events or competitions” is exempt “up to 5% of the monthly social security ceiling (PMSS) multiplied by your headcount”.

URSSAF gives this example for 2026: for €3,500 of group classes open to 15 employees, the exemption is €3,004 (€200.25 × 15 employees); the €496 above the ceiling is liable for social security contributions.

Conditions and exclusions

• Access for all: the equipment must be “accessible, without discrimination, to all of the company’s employees, whatever the type and length of their employment contract”.
• Information: if you organise sessions, you must tell all employees how they work (classes offered, locations, times, how to sign up).
• Exclusion: “individual memberships or class registrations are not exempt from contributions”.

These rules are applied case by case, so have your project checked by your accountant or payroll provider before you launch it.

What equipment do you need for a small workplace space?

For a room that is also used for other things (meetings, workshops), choose foldable reformers and accessories that are easy to store, so the room is free again after each session.

Foldable reformers for a multi-purpose room

Two models from our foldable reformers collection are well suited to this use:

• Aluminium Foldable Reformer: 237 × 74 × 28 cm unfolded, 136 × 74 × 50 cm folded, 68 kg. Several colours (black, grey, orange, white) to match your premises.
• Compact Foldable Reformer: 105 × 55 × 24 cm folded, 32 kg, 5 springs and adjustable armrests. Resistance bands, a ball with pump and a ring included; sitting box sold separately.

Weight matters in the workplace: whoever sets up and puts away the machines must be able to do so safely. Put a simple procedure in place and, if necessary, assign two people to the task.

Arc, box and small accessories

With accessories, you can accommodate more participants than there are machines, with mat exercises running alongside.

The oak arc is easy to move between sessions. The ball and ring fit in a cupboard and add variety to mat exercises.

Personalisation with your company name

Would you like your company name or a custom text on the machines? Personalisation is available and can be discussed as part of your quote: just mention it in your request.

Who should teach the sessions?

If an instructor is paid to teach the sessions, they must meet the qualification rules in the country concerned. In France, as the France Compétences RS7335 fact sheet points out, Article L. 212-1 of the Sports Code reserves paid teaching, leading or supervision of a physical or sports activity to holders of a diploma, title or certificate of qualification that guarantees competence and is listed in the national register of professional certifications (RNCP).

In practice:

• Ask the instructor for proof of their fitness instructor qualification or registration and their Pilates certifications.
• Check that they are trained to use the apparatus (adjusting springs and straps), not just in mat Pilates.
• Check with your insurer that the activity is covered on your premises, and ask the instructor for their insurance certificate.

Our article qualifications to teach Pilates explains what to check.

Practicalities: timetable, storage and maintenance

A well-used Pilates space depends on three simple things: a clear timetable, designated storage and regular maintenance.

• Timetable: fixed supervised slots (at lunchtime, for example) and, if the instructor agrees, open slots for employees who are already trained. Put it up where everyone can see it, which also meets URSSAF’s information requirement in France.
• Storage: a measured space for each folded machine that does not block the room’s exits.
• Clothing: ask participants to wear non-slip socks and provide what is needed to wipe down surfaces after each session.
• Maintenance: check springs, ropes and straps regularly, and replace worn parts. Our installation and care page lists the points to check.

As for logistics, standard delivery is free to 30 European countries and takes 7 to 14 days (estimated). Build this lead time into your launch schedule.

Getting a company quote

From 2 pieces of equipment, volume pricing is available on quotation. Fill in our quote request form with the “company or venue” profile, your company name and your company registration or VAT number. Include the size of the room, the number of stations you want and any personalisation requirements. To see our full offer, visit the professional Pilates equipment page.

Frequently asked questions