Pilates is a form of exercise which uses bodyweight to target the core, which includes all the posture muscles and the pelvic floor.
Reformer Pilates takes this a step further by using special machines to increase the difficulty of the exercises by introducing an element of resistance.
The new facility, called Etiré Reformer Pilates Studio, opened on Monday, August 18, and is owned and operated by Sophie Crane, from nearby Cuddington.
As well as being a qualified Pilates instructor, Sophie is also a beautician, and runs her own online sweetshop business.
“I don’t like not being busy,” the 25-year-old said.
Sophie’s new exercise studio is open seven days a week, and classes can be booked for up to six people, thought she also offers more private one-to-one and one-to-two classes.
Etire Reformer Pilates Studio can cater for one-to-one classes, right through to groups of six (Image: Sophie Crane) “I’ve been doing Pilates myself for three-and-a-half-years, but I’ve always been interested in the fitness industry,” she added.
“At the start of this year, I decided to take the leap and train as a Pilates instructor, and now I’ve opened the studio.
“Pilates helps with strength and flexibility, and it’s really good for your core.
“You use your core for most of it.
“It’s also great for your pelvic floor, so it’s especially good for women who have had children.
Tramps are used to add a cardiovascular element to some oof Sophie’s classes (Image: Sophie Crane) “It’s also great for posture and spinal mobility. These are the main benefits.
“With Pilates on a mat, you’re just using your bodyweight.
“Our machines have resistance springs, which effectively adds weight.
“It makes each exercise that little but harder, which help to build strength a bit quicker.”
Sophie offers a variety of class types, include classic Pilates, spicy Pilates, and high energy tramp Pilates, which uses trampolines to add a cardiovascular element.
Sophie added: “I had a lady in the other week who does mat Pilates regularly, and she was shocked how different it was, but also sort of the same.
“I offer a wide selection of class credits, packages, and memberships, giving people the choice to pick which is best suited to them.”