New wellness hub aims to bring people together on and off the reformer
A new wellness destination opening in Tamworth this July hopes to offer local residents something that’s becoming increasingly hard to find – a place to move, connect and belong.
Created by local entrepreneur Katrina Fox, RFRM HAUS will combine boutique barre classes with an organic wellness café, creating a space designed not just for fitness, but for community.
Located next door to RFRM’s original reformer Pilates studio, where the business first began in 2023, the new concept has been built around a simple idea: the healthiest communities are those where people feel connected.
“We’ve always believed that movement is only part of the experience,” says Katrina.
“People often walk through our doors because they want to improve their fitness, but what keeps them coming back is the people they meet and the friendships they build. That’s what inspired RFRM HAUS.”
At just 29 years old, Katrina has grown RFRM from one independent Pilates studio in Tamworth into a multi-site wellness brand with locations in Solihull and London’s Covent Garden. Despite the expansion, she says investing back into the town where it all started has always been part of the plan.
“Tamworth has supported us from day one, so it felt right that our next chapter would be here too.
“We’re not just opening another fitness studio. We’re creating somewhere people can spend time, whether that’s taking a class, grabbing a coffee, catching up with friends or simply feeling part of something.”
Designed as an all-day destination, RFRM HAUS encourages visitors to stay long after their workout has ended.
Alongside a timetable of boutique barre classes, the wellness café will offer locally sourced food and drinks in a relaxed environment where members, freelancers, parents and local residents can work, meet or unwind.
Katrina believes spaces like these are becoming increasingly important as more people work remotely and look for opportunities to build genuine, face-to-face connections.
“So many adults tell us they’ve struggled to make friends since leaving university or changing jobs,” she says.
“It’s something we hear all the time. We’ve seen complete strangers meet in class and go on to become best friends, business partners, holiday companions and even bridesmaids.
“That’s incredibly special, and it’s something we want to create even more of.”
Beyond supporting individual wellbeing, Katrina hopes RFRM HAUS will also contribute to Tamworth’s growing independent business community.
“When independent businesses create places people genuinely want to spend time, everyone benefits,” she explains.
“People stay in town for longer, visit neighbouring cafés and shops, discover other local businesses and help create a thriving high street. That’s something we’re really passionate about being part of.”
Since launching three years ago, RFRM has become known for its welcoming, inclusive approach to fitness, hosting community events, charity initiatives and brand collaborations while building a loyal membership across the Midlands.
For Katrina, however, success has never been measured by the number of studios.
“It’s measured by the conversations happening after class, the confidence people build, the friendships they’ve made and the feeling they leave with.
“If someone walks through our doors and leaves feeling healthier, happier and more connected to their community, then we’ve done exactly what we set out to achieve.”
RFRM HAUS officially opens this July, marking the next chapter for the independent business that began in Tamworth and continues to put community at the heart of everything it does.