A new pilates studio, run by Yarm-based company Rise Reformer Pilates, has opened on Acorn Road in the space previously occupied by Jules B.

The studio, which opened in late October, offers group pilates sessions, with 10 reformer machines available. Leanne Clack, owner of Rise Reformer Pilates, described the reformer as a machine that enhances the same exercises with built in resistance, making for a “low impact, strengthening yet rejuvenating pilates workout.”

Rise Reformer Pilates was previously based in Yarm – which opened in June 2023. But with increasing demand, the team decided it was ready to expand capacity.

The Yarm studio offers around 45 classes a week. The firm’s Jesmond outpost is starting up operations with more than 30 classes a week, but expects to provide more as the weeks go on.

Clack predicts the Jesmond studio will be busier than in Yarm. She said: “most of our clients are hanging out, meeting at coffee shops, in Jesmond.”

The Jesmond team have a range of experience, with seven instructors in total. One instructor is studying for a Master’s degree in physiotherapy. Another used to be a professional dancer in the West End, and took reformer classes alongside working in London.

Hannah Marram, an instructor at the company, said: “I fell absolutely in love with it. Everyone is so open to it, it’s such a wonderful environment and I love coming here.”

Marram told JesmondLocal that each class, whether for beginners, intermediate, or advanced practitioners, has something unique to offer for everyone. Something each client finds, Marram explained, is that once people start coming regularly, they understand which instructors you prefer, as each have such unique backgrounds and brings that into their choreography.

Originally from Durham, Clack lived in Australia for seven years, where she tried reformer pilates for the very first time. It “changed my life overnight,” she said. Once she moved back to the UK, Clack decided to open her own studio and share reformer with others in Yarm.

Rise Reformer Jesmond is located at 50-56 Acorn Road, Jesmond, and 52 High Street, Yarm. Memberships and classes are available to purchase via the website: https://risereformerpilates.com

Alternatively, contact Rise Reformer Pilates directly via Instagram @rise.reformerpilates