The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many lives and businesses.
But this situation has spurred some businesses into looking for alternative services they can offer and this has certainly been the case for local business woman Sophie Hatton.
Southport resident Sophie, a highly trained Pilates teacher set up the first Classical Pilates studio in Southport in February 2019 under the Pilates Works brand. The studio is the only Classical Pilates studio within a 50-mile radius. The studio offers classes for all ages (with clients from 16-86 years), abilities and fitness levels.
Wellness and looking after our health has definitely moved up the list of what is important in our lives given the current situation. Gyms and studios will remain closed for the foreseeable future but that only spurred Sophie to consider offering professional virtual classes.
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Sophie with her entrepreneurial spirit is helping to put Southport on the map.
What is remarkable is that she has had people join her virtual classes from all over the UK, from Cornwall to Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire to Kent and as far afield as the United States and Gibraltar. People are appreciating accessing a highly trained Classical Pilates teacher without having to leave their living rooms. Classical Pilates is what top celebs book into.
So far from the lockdown being a problem for her business Sophie has realised that virtual classes are something that will be popular even when the lockdown is over and has therefore decided to not only continue with virtual classes but she is also planning to expand to include corporate early morning Pilates for businesses that want to help their staff keep well. The difference to joining a virtual class taught by someone local rather than a ‘celebrity video’ is that you are welcomed to the class by name, it is just like being part of a studio class where you can socially interact ask questions and grow fitter.
Sophie said: “A virtual class workout can be incorporated into a busy day without having to leave home. Clients have commented that they like a set time virtual class as it lends structure to their day helping them to keep moving and feel better. We are also offering all classes free to NHS workers. Our contemporary studio in the Mews just off King Street will of course reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”
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