How We Built Rise Around You

The Community That Shaped Our Pilates Studio in Keyworth

Before Rise Pilates Studio even opened its doors, we asked a simple question:

“What would your perfect Pilates studio look like?”

Not what we thought people wanted.Not what other studios were doing.

What you wanted.

So we created a community survey and asked local people across Keyworth, West Bridgford, Cotgrave, and Nottingham to tell us exactly what they were looking for in a Pilates studio.

Over 100 people responded, and the answers shaped almost every decision we made when designing Rise.

Here’s what you told us - and how it influenced the studio we built.

Pilates for Everyone - Not Just Experts

One of the first things we discovered was how mixed people’s experience with Pilates actually is.

From our survey:

• 57 people had tried Pilates occasionally

• 32 people practised regularly

• 29 people had never done Pilates at all

That told us something really important.

Many people in Nottingham are curious about Pilates - especially Reformer Pilates - but feel unsure about where to start.

So instead of building a studio that only caters to experienced clients, we designed Rise to be:

• beginner-friendly

• welcoming

• supportive

• and genuinely inclusive

This is why we created Beginner Reformer classes and introduction offers, so people can explore Pilates without pressure.

Because everyone deserves to feel confident walking into a studio for the first time.

Small Enough to Feel Personal

Class size came through loud and clear in the responses.

The majority of people preferred:

Medium-sized classes (6–8 people)

This gives the best balance of:

• personal attention

• great energy in the room

• space to move comfortably

• instructors who can still support your technique

That feedback directly influenced the design of our Reformer studio layout, allowing small group sessions where instructors can still guide each client properly.

It’s one of the reasons Pilates feels so different to a traditional gym workout.

You’re not just another number in the room.

Strength, Flexibility… and Mental Health

When we asked people what they wanted from their Pilates practice, the answers were incredibly consistent.

The most common goals were:

• Strength and toning

• Flexibility and mobility

• Mental health and stress relief

In fact, over 60 people specifically mentioned mental wellbeing.

That’s something we take very seriously at Rise.

Pilates isn’t just exercise. It’s a reset button for your body and mind.

Many of our members come to class not just to build strength, but to:

• decompress after work

• reconnect with their bodies

• take an hour that’s purely for themselves

And that’s exactly the kind of environment we wanted to create.

Reformer Pilates Was the Clear Favourite

When we asked which classes people were most excited about, there was one clear winner:

Reformer Pilates.

It was the most requested class type by far.

But people also wanted variety, including:

• Mat Pilates

• Yoga

• Barre

• beginner-friendly sessions

• and community events

So Rise was designed to offer more than just Reformer classes.

We wanted a studio that could evolve into a place for:

• movement

• learning

• workshops

• social events

• and community connection

Because Pilates should feel like something you’re excited to come back to.

Affordability Matters

One of the most important findings from the survey was this:

Price and value mattered more than almost anything else.

In fact, it was the number one factor people mentioned when choosing a Pilates studio.

That’s something we thought about carefully when creating our pricing structure.

Pilates can sometimes feel exclusive or expensive, especially in bigger cities.

Our goal with Rise was to make Reformer Pilates in Nottinghamshire more accessible, while still delivering high-quality instruction and equipment.

That’s why we offer:

• introductory class bundles

• flexible passes

• membership options for regular clients

So people can build Pilates into their lives in a way that feels sustainable.

Location Really Matters

Another clear takeaway was travel distance.

Most people said they would travel 10–20 minutes for a class they love, with many preferring something closer to home.

That’s one of the reasons opening in Keyworth felt so important.

Keyworth sits perfectly between several communities, including:

• West Bridgford

• Cotgrave

• Ruddington

• Plumtree

• and wider Nottingham areas

For many people, Rise is now a local Pilates studio they can actually get to easily - without battling city traffic or long journeys.

And yes… parking mattered too!

A Studio That Feels Friendly

When we asked what would make someone instantly fall in love with a studio, the answers were refreshingly simple.

People said things like:

• “Friendly people”

• “Kind instructors”

• “A good timetable”

• “Nice décor and atmosphere”

Not fancy equipment. Not intimidating fitness culture.

Just a welcoming space where people feel comfortable.

That’s the feeling we’ve tried to create inside Rise.

A place where:

• beginners feel supported

• experienced clients feel challenged

• and everyone feels like they belong

Building More Than a Pilates Studio

From the very beginning, Rise was never meant to be just another fitness space.

The survey confirmed something we already suspected:

People aren’t just looking for exercise.

They’re looking for:

• connection

• motivation

• encouragement

• and a space where they feel good showing up.

So Rise was built around the idea of community-first Pilates.

That means:

• supportive instructors

• small class sizes

• friendly members

• and events that bring people together

Because movement is powerful.

But movement shared with others?

That’s where the magic happens.

Thank You for Helping Us Build Rise

If you were one of the people who filled out our survey before we opened, thank you.

Your feedback shaped everything from:

• the class timetable

• the studio layout

• pricing options

• class styles

• and the overall atmosphere

Rise was never meant to be built for the community.

It was meant to be built with it.

And we’re only just getting started.

Want to try a class?

If you're looking for a friendly, affordable Pilates studio near Nottingham, we'd love to welcome you to Rise.

Whether you're brand new to Pilates or already love Reformer workouts, there’s a class waiting for you.

✨ Come and move with us.