Pilates instructor to open business in Winchester City Centre

Ben’s Pilates will open in Staple Gardens on Saturday, June 17. Owner Ben Andrews previously led dynamic reformer Pilates sessions in London and saw a gap in the market in Winchester for his specialist style.

With seven years of experience as a trainer for the reformer machine, which uses springs to give an added and adjustable resistance while exercising, and over a decade working the gym circuit, Ben is confident that his start-up business will be a success.

The personal trainer invested around £15,000 into converting the former office space into a bright and airy space with his orange branding.

The front of house space, before and after the Ben's Pilates transformation (Image: Adele Bouchard)

READ MORE: Hair salon opens in city centre revealing transformation of the former cafe unit

Ben, 33, who now lives in Winchester with his partner, said: “It’s been a lifelong dream. This is actually mine. There are lots of gyms here but we’re trying to create a new kind of specialist class environment with the reformer machines.

“It’s a start-up so people need to meet and trust us but there’s been a lot of interest and walking traffic. Bookings are building, we’ve got a few spaces left for Saturday and the beginners' class is nearly full.

Ben Andrews, owner of Ben's Pilates (Image: Adele Bouchard)

“There’s a gap in the market, we have full trust in how good the service is and we’re confident that we can make a living out of this. It’s the new thing in town that everyone will want to try.

“Pilates really doesn’t discriminate. Any age or gender should take part. It’s all about getting stronger in a safe environment. Some people aren’t sure if it’s for them but it provides key training for elderly people who might have osteoporosis, it’s great for pre and post-natal and for anyone who is looking for something recreationally or to improve in their sport.

“People don’t need to worry how fit they feel. We can adapt to anyone of any ability, all in the same class.”

SEE ALSO: Winchester chocolate shop targeted by window smashing vandals

The reformer machines (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Reformer Pilates focuses on core strengthening like traditional Pilates but with the added resistance of the springs which help people to progress faster.

Ben’s Pilates has seven reformer machines, with 50-minute sessions running from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9-11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Other than someone working front of house, to greet customers at the door, Ben will be leading all the sessions for the first few months before looking to recruit and train two to three more instructors.

Classes start from an introductory offer price of £15 per session, with different packages available. For more information or to book go to benspilates.com/.