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17
Jan
The rise and rise of pilates in the Harrogate district
Pilates was first developed by Joesph Pilates in the early 20th century and has continuously evolved through modern technology. But why nearly 150 after his birth is Joesph Pilates’s creation still so popular? And why have we seen an explosion of studios across the district?
Last year four studios set up in this area, already this year another one has opened and two more are planned.
It's popularity might have something to do with the average age of people living here.
Pilates has long been a favourite method of exercise for those in the later stages of life - the Harrogate district has an above average number of people over 65.
Joan Benson is a good example of someone who came to pilates later in life. Talking to The Stray Ferret she revealed that she started attending mat pilates classes in her later 70s.
She added:
Pilates was an unintimidating way for me to move my body and socialise in later life. It keeps me moving muscles that you wouldn't use in everyday life.
And I've found it really helpful for my mental health. It gives me something to concentrate on and a way to relax, it helps to distract me from any health stresses in later life.
Jo Straker, a Harrogate resident in her 50s, said:
I suffered a knee injury a few years back and wanted something that was effective, sustainable and with less impact.
Pilates has been the most-long term exercise that I have done.
It helps with keeping minor aches and pains away and has improved my strength, tone and flexibility.
Others told us that they love how pilates fits into busy modern life. Local resident Anthea Nelson told us:
Pilates helps to reduce my back pain which is really important as a I work at a desk all day.
It’s so easy to fit into busy life, I can do a zoom class within an hour. So, it’s very accessible.
Mat studio at Harrogate Pilates Studio
Pilates is a series of controlled movements which builds core strength and posture.
Resistance can be added either by using your own body weight in mat pilates or by using the springs and straps on a Reformer machine.
But what are the known benefits of pilates?
The Stray Ferret put it to the professionals to find the answers.
Harrogate based physiotherapist Annelize Ferreira, practice principal and director of Harrogate Physiotherapy Practice, told us:
Pilates is a well-organised movement which can help to reduce the body’s pain output and support the development of more efficient movement patterns
Pilates does not just work for the elderly. Sam Blakeley, a local pre and post-natal specialist and matwork pilates instructor, told The Stray Ferret that pilates has always been quite popular:
But it has become more popular in recent years for post-natal recovery. It is a great tool for rehabilitation but also a great way to condition the body for all kinds of exercise because it enhances your core strength.
Pilates can vary in cost, with Reformer classes typically being more expensive than mat.
The growth in Reformer studios in the area reflects the Harrogate district's above average affluency rate.
Individual sessions (studio dependent) typically costs upwards of £20 in the Harrogate area.
Many studios also offer monthly memberships that likewise vary in cost depending on the company and number of classes available within the monthly deal. But typically, these cost upwards of £40.
Fancy giving pilates a go? Well, here is a list of some new pilates spaces in the Harrogate district that have opened in recent years:
- Ebru Evrim, Harrogate - offers Reformer, mat and barre pilates. Stray Ferret subscribers can save 50% off their first month’s membership at Ebru Evrim. See more here.
- Harrogate Pilates Studio - offers Reformer and mat pilates
- Wild Side Studio, near Follifoot - offers Reformer pilates
- Pilates with Olivia, Killinghall, Darley and Hampsthwaite - offers mat pilates
- Bespoke Pilates at The Breathing Room, Harrogate - offers mat pilates
- Classical Pilates Harrogate, Harrogate, to open January 15 2026 - offers mat pilates
- Elethea Studios, Harrogate, to open January 2026 - offers Reformer pilates
- The Pilates Space, Boroughbridge, to open February 23 2026 - offers Reformer and mat pilates
- ReforMR, Baldersby, to open February 2026 - offers Reformer and mat pilates
Can the business of pilates grow even more in this area?
With thousands new homes being built there is no doubt that pilates has room to be more popular than ever within the Harrogate area.
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