(Image: T&A)
A Pilates centre says it has been overwhelmed by demand after opening in Bradford city centre.
Last month, EYRA Pilates opened its third site at the Leisure Exchange, adding to existing studios in Wakefield and Shipley.
The Bradford venue serves as the company's headquarters and features two reformer studios alongside heated mat classes.
Emma Hyndman, one of the founders of EYRA Pilates, said the response from women across the district had exceeded expectations.
"We have experienced such a demand from the ladies of Bradford," she said.
"When we opened, we actually had a huge presale and the ladies made the most of it, so we've had a lot of ladies come through the doors, which has been really good."
Reformer machines inside the EYRA Pilates studio at the Leisure Exchange in Bradford.
(Image: T&A)
Building a community for women
Rather than simply offering exercise classes, EYRA Pilates says it wants to create a welcoming community where women can build friendships and support networks.
Ms Hyndman said the Bradford site had been designed to encourage people to spend time together before and after sessions, with social events already being planned.
She said: "We really want to create a community for women where they can come in, get to know each other and build friendships,"
Ms Hyndman said: "Our goal is to have ladies come in, stop and chat after class, sit down together and then continue those friendships outside these doors as well."
Visitors at the reception area of EYRA Pilates' Bradford headquarters.
(Image: T&A)
From professional dance to Pilates
Ms Hyndman's journey into Pilates began during her training as a professional ballet and contemporary dancer.
"The fundamentals of Pilates come from ballet, so it's always been a huge part of my movement," she said.
After moving into the wider fitness industry, she returned to Pilates around two years ago before qualifying as an instructor.
"Teaching is part of my DNA," she said.
"I've been coaching and teaching people for around 20 years and I enjoy helping people understand how their bodies move."
A motivational sign inside EYRA Pilates' Bradford headquarters.
(Image: T&A)
The EYRA Pilates branding displayed inside the company's Bradford headquarters.
(Image: T&A)
Why Pilates continues to grow
Ms Hyndman believes Pilates has become increasingly popular because it offers a different approach to exercise from traditional gym workouts.
"It's really easy for women to think they have to lift heavy weights all the time," she said.
Ms Hyndman added: "We can strengthen, stretch and stabilise the body in different ways.
"We need that core control because all the fundamentals of Pilates support us now and in the future."
She said the connection between physical movement and mental wellbeing is one of the reasons so many women continue to embrace Pilates.
"I think ladies come in and feel connected with their body," she said.
""Body and mind are connected. They come in and feel like, 'I can do this'.
"It's challenging but it's achievable, and it teaches people how their bodies should be moving."