Oliver Norburn, who currently plays for Oldham Athletic, launched Pilates YU on Bradshaw Brow after experiencing the benefits of reformer Pilates during his own recovery from injury.
Just over a year since opening its doors, the business has expanded significantly and now offers around 60 classes a week, attracting people of all ages and fitness levels from across the borough.
Based in Bradshaw, the studio employs around 12 instructors and offers a wide range of sessions, including beginner reformer Pilates, partner classes, hot Pilates, hot yoga and hot kettlebell workouts.
The latest stage of the studio’s growth has seen an upstairs renovation transformed into a dedicated hot studio, allowing the business to broaden its timetable and cater for increasing demand.
Pilates YU is based on Bradshaw Brow (Image: Oliver Norburn)
Mr Norburn said the idea for the venture came directly from his experiences as a professional footballer.
He explained: “The reason I ended up opening it was as part of my rehabilitation through previous injuries the reformer was introduced to me.
“I felt like it had a huge benefit on myself, on my body and it’s something that I stuck with.”
While the physical benefits initially attracted him to Pilates, he said one of the biggest successes of the business has been the sense of belonging created among members.
“We’ve turned into doing around 60 classes a week and it’s really busy and built a community of people that seem to love it.
He added: “As well as helping people with their fitness, we’ve managed to build an amazing community.”
The midfielder said Bolton was always the natural place to launch the business despite spending much of his football career playing elsewhere.
Having represented clubs including Tranmere Rovers, Shrewsbury Town, Ipswich Town, Peterborough United and Notts County, his career has taken him across the country.
Despite this, he has continued to call Bolton home.
“In terms of doing it in Bolton at the time, I was actually playing for Notts County.
“I was doing a lot of travelling, and I was still living in the area as my main base.
“It’s where I’m from, and I know the area, and it’s where I’ll probably be for the rest of my life.”
Extension works made space for hot kettlebell workout sessions (Image: Oliver Norburn)
With his playing career now entering its later stages, Mr Norburn said the studio has given him another passion alongside football, and one he hopes will continue to grow in the years ahead.
“I guess with me being at the later stage of my career, it’s nice to have something else to focus on, with it being all related in terms of the fitness world.
“I spend a lot more time at the studio now with me playing local and participating in a lot of classes myself, and I’m down there every day, and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.
“I love being there, I love being part of it and being down there daily.”
After expanding the studio and its offerings, the Reform YU continues to expand its offerings while maintaining the community atmosphere that Mr Norburn says has become one of its greatest strengths.