One year ago, Studio52 opened its doors as Uttoxeter’s first dedicated Reformer Pilates studio.
At the time, it felt like a huge step. Bringing Reformer Pilates to Uttoxeter, creating a studio from scratch and building a community around something I have loved and taught for more than 20 years.
Fast forward 12 months and Studio52 looks quite different.
We’ve grown, learnt and evolved.
And perhaps most importantly, we’ve become much more than a Reformer studio.
Back to where it all began
My own Pilates journey actually started with Mat Pilates over 25+ years ago, long before Reformer Pilates became as popular as it is today.
So while the Reformer was a huge part of the vision when Studio52 opened, I’ve always believed that Pilates is much bigger than one piece of equipment.
Over our first year, that belief has really started to shape the direction of the studio.
Today, Studio52 offers Mat, Reformer and Wunda Chair Pilates, giving our members the opportunity to experience different parts of the Pilates method and, more importantly, understand how they can complement each other.
Introducing the Wunda Chair
Our newest addition has been the Wunda Chair.
It might be smaller than a Reformer, but don’t let that fool you!
The Wunda Chair challenges strength, stability, control and balance in a completely different way and has allowed us to start introducing even more of the Pilates repertoire into the studio.
We’ve also launched Reformer X Wunda Chair classes, combining the two pieces of equipment within one session.
For members who have become comfortable and confident on the Reformer, it’s another opportunity to progress, challenge their bodies differently and experience another side of Pilates.
Pilates isn’t about fancy moves
As Studio52 has grown, one thing hasn’t changed — our approach to teaching.
You won’t find us changing everything every week just to create something new for Instagram.
We believe in the fundamentals, repeat movements, build strength, improve control and progress exercises when you’re ready.
Because that’s where progress happens.
Pilates isn’t about performing the fanciest exercise in the room. It’s about learning how your body moves and gradually becoming stronger and more confident within it.
A studio built around community
But if there’s one thing I’m most proud of from our first year, it isn’t the equipment or even the number of classes we’ve added.
It’s the community that’s grown around Studio52.
People who walked through the door nervous about their first class are now familiar faces several times a week.
Friendships have formed. Members encourage each other. Our instructor team has grown. And somewhere along the way, Studio52 has become a place people genuinely enjoy spending time.
That was always what I wanted.
Not an intimidating fitness space.
Not somewhere you feel you have to look or move a certain way.
Just really good Pilates, taught well, in a studio where people feel welcome.
So, what’s next?
We’re only one year in.
There is still so much I want to develop, learn and bring to Studio52.
Our first year was about establishing ourselves and bringing Reformer Pilates to Uttoxeter.
Year two is about building on that foundation.
Mat. Reformer. Wunda.
Different equipment. Different challenges. The same Pilates principles.
We’re incredibly proud to have been the first dedicated Reformer studio to open in Uttoxeter — but I’m even prouder of what Studio52 is becoming.
We’re not standing still.
We’re continuing to learn, evolve and hopefully lead the way in what a dedicated Pilates studio can offer our local community.
And after everything that’s happened in our first 12 months…
I can’t wait to see where year two takes us.
Thank you to every single person who has walked through our doors, booked a class, recommended us to a friend, supported us or simply cheered us on.
Happy 1st Birthday, Studio52. 💚
Fi x
