The Dysfunctional Reformer Session!

What Agile teams can learn from a Pilates class

Imagine an Agile team.

Now imagine them… on reformer Pilates machines.

Everyone is in the same class. — Same room. — Same goal.

But each person is connected to springs.

• Those springs create resistance.
• They also provide support.

Just like in Agile teams.

• Dependencies
• Communication
• Shared goals

They can help you move forward. Or completely mess you up.

When the Team Is Dysfunctional

Picture this:

Everyone is moving… but not together.

• One person pulls too fast
• Another resists the movement
• Someone loses control
• Others compensate

The springs are no longer helping. They are working against each other.

👉 Movements become unstable 👉 Energy is wasted 👉 Progress slows down

The class is happening. But nothing is really working.

When the Team Is Aligned

Now imagine the same group — but aligned.

• Movements are synchronized.
• Control is shared.
• Rhythm is consistent.

The springs are still there.

But now:

• They support the movement
• They create balance
• They enhance coordination

👉 The group flows as one system 👉 Effort becomes efficient 👉 Results improve naturally

Same people, but completely different outcome.

What This Teaches Us About Agile Teams

High-performing teams are not about individual strength. They are about alignment.

Just like in reformer Pilates:

• Movement must be controlled
• Teams must be coordinated
• Effort must be aligned

And most importantly:

👉 Resistance must be balanced — not fought

Key Takeaway

A team is not successful because individuals are strong. A team is successful because their movements are aligned.

Reflection

Take a step back and ask yourself:

• Are your teams pulling in the same direction?
• Are dependencies helping… or creating tension?
• Are you optimizing individuals — or the system?

In Agile, like in reformer Pilates:

You don’t win by pulling harder. You win by moving together.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.