The Pilates movement has rapidly gained momentum in Bristol, with a growing number of new studios opening throughout the city. From mat-based sessions to advanced Reformer equipment, the practice is reshaping how residents approach physical health and wellness.
One standout studio, RISE Pilates, located in the heart of Bedminster, is at the forefront of the trend, emphasizing the restorative benefits of Reformer Pilates. This form of Pilates involves strength, flexibility, and mobility training using a spring-based resistance machine, offering a low-impact yet highly effective workout.
Founded by Stefani Carley-Smith 11 years ago, RISE Pilates is staffed by a team of Pilates instructors and physiotherapists who specialize in injury rehabilitation and promoting mental wellbeing. The intimate, five-person studio, nestled within Redpoint Bristol, radiates a calming atmosphere, with the scent of floral incense filling the sunlit space.
“We aim to restore the mind-body connection through our practice,” says Carley-Smith. “We keep our classes small so we can really get to know our clients’ backgrounds and goals. Personal experience is at the heart of everything we do.”
Unlike other low-impact exercises such as Yoga, Barre, or HIIT, Pilates focuses on slow, controlled movements that target smaller muscle groups, emphasizing precision and form. Over the past two years, the practice, particularly Reformer Pilates, has surged in popularity, gaining traction on social media and among celebrities.
RISE Pilates has seen an increase in membership, particularly from younger individuals, which Carley-Smith attributes to the influence of social media in promoting the practice. However, she also acknowledges the growing trend of consumerism and aestheticism surrounding Pilates.
“It’s been incredible to see Pilates become more popular, but there’s a flip side,” she says. “I do see the commercial side of it, and while it’s great to have a wider audience, I always come back to the core principles of the practice.”
Before its recent surge in mainstream popularity, Reformer Pilates was primarily associated with rehabilitation. The machines themselves were originally developed to aid the recovery of soldiers following World War II. Carley-Smith’s own journey into Pilates was inspired by the practice’s healing power. After her husband suffered a serious climbing accident and was rehabilitated through Pilates, Carley-Smith decided to pursue a career as an instructor, while her husband pursued physiotherapy.
“Pilates and physiotherapy were the two things that helped him walk again,” she recalls. “It was incredibly motivating, and I knew then that I wanted to become a Pilates instructor. I’ve now been teaching for almost 16 years, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people regain their ability to move.”
As Pilates continues to grow in Bristol and beyond, RISE Pilates remains dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between mind and body, prioritizing personalized care and restorative healing.
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