Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Jan 2022

Last Updated: 13/01/2022

Business

Reformer Pilates and yoga studio opens in old Harrogate chapel

by Connor Creaghan

| 14 Jan, 2022

A Pilates and yoga studio that aims to bring 'a London feel' to Harrogate has opened in an old chapel on Skipton Road. Alicja Palutkiewicz has launched Empowered Movement Space, which specialises in Reformer Pilates.

A Pilates and yoga studio aimed at bringing "a London feel" to Harrogate has opened in an old chapel on Skipton Road.

Alicja Palutkiewicz, launched Empowered Movement Space, which specialises in Reformer Pilates, after spending years teaching in community centres, halls and gyms across district.

Ms Palutkiewicz, who is originally from Poland and has lived in Harrogate for 14 years, started instructing Pilates in 2015, before qualifying as a yoga teacher a few years later.

Four wellness retreats in the Harrogate district to re-energise mind, body and soul

Seasonal Affective disorder: Ripon therapist’s tips on how to survive the dark months

She said:

"I decided to open this studio to create a relaxed environment for my students where they can come along, socialise, meet like-minded people, move their bodies and clear their mind.

"Also I wanted to be able to teach from one place, have all my equipment stored there and ready to use whenever needed."

The studio, based at The Old Chapel, offers mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates and yoga classes, as well as private one-to-one sessions.

Ms Palutkiewicz said:

"I am a big fan of Reformer Pilates. I have had one Reformer for numbers of years and was teaching private classes only.

"It’s an amazing piece of apparatus and having a space in a studio allows me to have four of them and make it more accessible for everyone to join and try it.

"Also, when I was looking for a Reformer class, I felt there wasn’t one in Harrogate so I had to travel to Leeds to attend one.

"The main difference between mat and Reformer is that you work with your body weight on a mat and against the spring tension on Reformer, so it is more suitable for people with injuries."

Ms Palutkiewicz said the old church in which the studio is based provided lots of space and a "really good atmosphere".

She added:

"I hope my studio will bring a little bit of a ‘London feel’ to Harrogate, as nearly every Pilates studio in London is equipped with Reformers."

Thank you for your interest in this story

Reformer Pilates and yoga studio opens in old Harrogate chapel

Read more: