The Protagonist Journal
Reformer, strength, and the science of better.

Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Coach’s Cues That Fix 80% of Form

Coach’s Cues That Fix 80% of Form
Walk into any studio and you’ll hear cues like “pack your lats”, “keep ribs down”, or “long spine”. They might sound cryptic at first—but these simple phrases solve most of the common form issues we see. At Protagonist, we rely on five go-to cues that align your posture, activate the right muscles, and make movement more efficient. Master them, and 80% of your technique problems disappear. Small cues, big results.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Reform RX vs a Regular Reformer: What You Feel on Day One

Reform RX vs. a Regular Reformer: What You Feel on Day One
Step onto a traditional reformer and you’ll notice the springs, the glide, the challenge of balance. Step onto a Reform RX and you’ll feel all that – plus a smoother ride, rock-solid stability, push-button resistance, and a touchscreen feeding you real-time data. At Protagonist Zurich, where Switzerland’s first Reform RX machines live, the difference is immediate: no spring fiddling, no wobble, and feedback that makes every rep more intentional. It’s Pilates, elevated.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Hybrid Reformer: Why Video Pace + Live Coaching Makes You Learn Faster

Hybrid Reformer: Why Video Pace + Live Coaching Makes You Learn Faster
Ever wished you had two coaches at once—one to show you how, and one to make sure you’re doing it right? That’s what Hybrid Reformer feels like. The Reform RX screen sets the pace with clear, on-demand demos, while your live coach gives personal cues and corrections. The result: cleaner reps, faster learning, and fewer “am I doing this right?” moments. It’s high-tech guidance plus human touch, working in sync to make your form click sooner.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Train With Someone: Why a Partner Makes You Better

Train With Someone: Why a Partner Makes You Better
Workouts hit differently when you’re not doing them alone. A partner keeps you accountable, pushes you to work harder, and makes the whole experience more fun. At Protagonist Zurich, we see it daily: when two people commit together, consistency skyrockets and results follow. From partner drills that fire up intensity to shared goals that build community, training with someone doesn’t just add company – it elevates your performance.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Runners & Riders: Reformer + Strength for Endurance

Runners & Riders: Reformer + Strength for Endurance
Logging endless miles builds stamina—but it doesn’t always build durability. That’s where Reformer Pilates and Strength training come in. For runners and cyclists, these sessions add the missing pieces: control, alignment, and power. Stronger glutes, a more resilient core, and improved flexibility mean fewer injuries, smoother stride mechanics, and more efficient pedal strokes. The result? You run or ride faster, longer, and with less strain.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Week One, Lessons: What Members Loved & What We Tweaked

Week One, Lessons: What Members Loved & What We Tweaked
Opening week at Protagonist Zurich was electric. Members praised the small, focused classes, the crossover benefits of Reformer + Strength, and the instant adjustments and data on our Reform RX machines. At the same time, their feedback helped us fine-tune the details – from clearer coaching on metrics, to playlist timing, to adding a buffer between classes. The takeaway? Week One validated the concept and proved the power of listening early. Our promise stands: keep iterating, keep improving, keep building sessions around you.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Built for Work: Space, Light, Surfaces—Why the Room Matters

Built for Work: Why the Room Matters
Every detail of our studio was designed with performance in mind. From shock-absorbing floors that keep you stable, to bright natural light that energizes, to ventilation that keeps air fresh—you feel the difference the moment you step in. At Protagonist Zurich, the space itself is part of the training: neutral, uncluttered, and purpose-built so nothing distracts you from the work. Because when the room is built right, you can push harder, focus deeper, and train smarter.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Strength, Minimal: Why Benches + Bodyweight Are Enough

Strength, Minimal: Why Benches + Bodyweight Are Enough
Forget the jungle of machines. At Protagonist Zurich, our Strength sessions prove that you don’t need endless equipment to get seriously strong. With just benches, free weights, and bodyweight, we train the fundamental movement patterns—push, pull, hinge, carry—that build real-world strength and resilience. Add tempo, holds, and smart programming, and suddenly “minimal” delivers maximum results. Simple tools, serious gains.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Levels That Make Sense: BASE → BUILD → PEAK (+ QUICKIE)

Levels That Make Sense: BASE → BUILD → PEAK (+ QUICKIE)
No more guessing games or one-size-fits-all classes. At Protagonist Zurich, we’ve built a clear system: BASE for foundations, BUILD for steady progress, PEAK for pushing limits, and QUICKIE when time is tight. Each level matches your experience, energy, and goals—so you walk in knowing you’re in the right place, and walk out feeling accomplished, not overwhelmed. Progress isn’t random here; it’s designed.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Reformer for Men: If You Lift or Play, You’ll Like This

Reformer for Men: If You Lift or Play, You’ll Like This
Think Pilates is just stretching? Think again. The reformer was built for strength, stability, and control—and if you lift, run, or play sports, it’s the missing piece that makes you stronger and more resilient. From improving squat depth and shoulder mobility to bulletproofing your core, Reformer Pilates delivers carryover you’ll feel in the gym and on the field. Check your ego at the door, bring your strength, and discover why the best athletes in the world already swear by it.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Reform RX, Explained: How the Screen Turns Effort Into Decisions

Reform RX, Explained: How the Screen Turns Effort Into Decisions
Our Reform RX smart reformers aren’t just sleek machines—they’re your personal dashboard for progress. With real-time metrics like power output, heart rate, and range of motion, the screen transforms effort into insight. You see when to push harder, when to adjust, and how your body is really performing. Paired with live coaching, it means every session is smarter, safer, and more effective. At Protagonist Zurich, data isn’t a gimmick—it’s your edge.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Why Reformer × Strength: Two Tools, One Method

Why Reformer × Strength: Two Tools, One Method
Pilates or weights? At Protagonist Zurich, we don’t make you choose—we fuse them. Reformer builds control, alignment, and range; Strength adds raw power and capacity. Together, they cover each other’s gaps, making you stronger, more mobile, and more resilient than either alone. The result: a method that works for beginners, busy professionals, and athletes alike—one system, two tools, zero compromises.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

From Strategy to Repetitions: Sara’s Jump from Consulting to Building a Training Lab

From Strategy to Repetitions: Sara’s Jump from Consulting to Building a Training Lab
From late nights in Zurich boardrooms to early mornings coaching on Switzerland’s first smart Reformers, Sara’s journey is about more than a career change. She took the precision, structure, and data-driven mindset of consulting and applied it to fitness—creating Protagonist Zurich, a training lab built on method, metrics, and measurable progress. It’s strategy turned into sweat, and a vision turned into a community.

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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Christoph Gross Christoph Gross

Be Protagonist: Why All Our Sessions Are Built Around You

Be Protagonist: Why All Our Sessions Are Built Around You
No one comes to the studio with the same story. That’s why every class at Protagonist Zurich is designed around you—not a generic script. With the power of Reformer Pilates, the intensity of Strength training, and real-time feedback from our Reform RX machines, each session adapts to your goals, your energy, and your needs on the day. The result: efficient, personal, and progress you can feel (and see).

Protagonist Zurich | Reformer Pilates & Strength Boutique Studio

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