A guide from UNITY studio in Embsay, Skipton.

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Reformer Pilates and wondering what it actually is or whether it’s for you, you’re in the right place.

At UNITY Embsay, our mission is simple: movement that builds stronger, healthier, more capable humans. Pilates fits that mission perfectly. It’s controlled, purposeful, low-impact and incredibly effective, whether you’re brand new to exercise or already smashing Strength and HYROX classes in the main gym.

Let’s break it down.

so, what is pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise designed to strengthen your body with an emphasis on core stability, posture, mobility and controlled movement. It’s mindful, precise and deeply functional, helping you move better in everyday life.

Originally developed by Joseph Pilates, it was used for dancers and rehabilitation long before it exploded into mainstream fitness. Today, it’s a staple for athletes, postnatal women, desk-workers, runners, lifters…pretty much anyone with a body.

What makes Pilates different?

Pilates is unique because every movement combines:

Control – no fast or frantic motions, just intentional work
Breath – coordinated breathing to help activate deep core muscles
Alignment – ribs, pelvis, shoulders and spine working in harmony
Precision – quality over quantity, always
Flow – movements link together smoothly, creating rhythm and ease

This means you’re not just doing exercises, you’re learning how to move better overall.

Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates

At UNITY Embsay Studio in Skipton, we offer both.

Mat Pilates

A floor-based class using your own bodyweight plus small props like balls, rings and bands.
Perfect for building foundational strength, mobility and control.

Reformer Pilates

Performed on the Reformer, a spring-loaded machine that adds resistance, support and challenge.
Great for sculpting, lengthening, increasing strength and improving technique.

Think of Mat as the foundation and Reformer as the upgrade both are brilliant and completely accessible.

Who is Pilates for?

Everyone. Truly.

Pilates is ideal if you want to:

Improve posture
Strengthen your core
Reduce back pain
Increase mobility
Build lean, functional strength
Enhance athletic performance
Support recovery from injury
Reduce stress and reconnect with your body

You don’t need to be flexible, fit or coordinated. You just need to show up and move.

Why Pilates is so powerful

Pilates strengthens the muscles that support your spine, hips and shoulders; the areas that dictate how well you move throughout life.

This leads to:

Better stability in lifts and sport
Reduced injury risk
More body awareness and confidence
A stronger, more resilient core
Improved balance and coordination
A calm, mindful hour where your body does exactly what it needs

If you want longevity, Pilates is a game-changer.

Pilates at UNITY Studio

Our brand-new studio in Embsay, Skipton offers:

Small class sizes for personalised coaching
Expert instructors who break things down clearly
A welcoming, inclusive space
Mat & Reformer sessions for all levels
Beginner-friendly pathways so you feel confident from day one

Whether you’re looking to complement your gym training or start a movement routine that feels good on your body, Pilates at UNITY Embsay is the perfect place to begin.

Want to try a class?

We’d love to welcome you into the studio.

You can explore our timetable and book your first session here.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our purpose built pilates Studio in Embsay, Skipton.

We have a large carpark with free parking and are situated next door to Clean Eats cafe. We keep our classes small so our instructors can provide you with the attention needed. We limit our reformer pilates classes to 5 people and our mat pilates classes to 12 people. We also stock grip socks, which are essential for all reformer pilates classes.