Newham is now home to a Reformer Pilates studio - LA Pilates
Friday 15th September, 2023
Sports stars, celebrities, influencers and actors - they're all said to be fans of it. Reformer Pilates – which uses a sliding ‘bed’ with springs for resistance – is the way to work out like the stars.
Now people in Truro can give it a go at a specially kitted out studio in Newham.
Lucy Angell opened her new base in Riverside House, Heron Way, last year and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
LA Pilates has seven reformers that help users to strengthen and condition their body – whatever their ability.
Former dancer and teacher Lucy, who has been doing Pilates since she was 14 years old, set up her own business five years ago in Penryn and Carnon Downs because she wanted to share the benefits of this unique exercise.
Lucy badly injured her back in an accident in 2013 and credits Pilates with helping her recovery.
“It was amazing for me,” says Lucy, adding that within two months of attending reformer Pilates classes her pain lessened and she felt her body changing. “My goal was always to get stronger and that was certainly what happened. I went on to run the Truro half marathon in 2018.”
Lucy set up her Pilates business, originally as a sideline while she worked in the hospitality industry, but soon realised she could make it work full-time.
After the success of her Penryn studio, Lucy decided to look for a spot closer to home in Truro. After months of looking and waiting, the chance came to be based in Newham.
“It’s working out so well,” says Lucy. “There’s a great community here now and it’s easy for everyone to get to. It’s a great location – we’ve even got free parking!’
People of all ages and abilities can take part in LA Pilates’ sessions. Because there are just seven machines, classes are small and intimate – perfect for people who don’t fancy big groups or going to the gym.
“It’s a very inclusive way to exercise,” says Lucy, adding that her clients range in age from teenagers to people in their seventies. “I love it because you can have any level of fitness or ability in the class.
“It can help in so many ways, especially if you’re on a rehab journey.”
Following her passion means that Lucy gets plenty of job satisfaction from watching her clients develop and improve their fitness.
“For me, it’s about being able to allow people to do what they want in life, whether that’s something as simple as being able to go for a walk and not be in pain,’ says Lucy, who recently became a mum. She manages to run her business and look after her three-month-old daughter. “I don’t do things by half!” says Lucy. “I just love seeing happy faces. It’s why I do what I do.”
See lapilates.co.uk