A woman who discovered a passion for Pilates while living in Australia has returned home and opened her own studio in a bid to help others improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Miffy Drysdale, founder of Posey Pilates, officially opened her studio at Albion Mills in Greengates on September 15 after moving back earlier this year.
Just a month later, classes are thriving, with many sessions fully booked and a growing community of regulars already forming around the new business.
Ms Drysdale first tried Pilates while living in Australia and quickly found it offered far more than a workout.
"I thought I'd just give it a go," she said. "I ended up falling in love with it. It wasn't just the physical side of it, it really helped with my mental health as well. It's the only thing I really stuck with and genuinely enjoyed."
Miffy Drysdale at her new Posey Pilates studio in Albion Mills. (Image: Posey Pilates)
Ms Drysdale added: "You get out of your mind, into your body, and leave feeling refreshed and a little bit lighter."
Bringing a passion home
Inspired by her own experience, Ms Drysdale trained as a Pilates instructor in Australia before deciding to return to the UK.
After moving home a few months ago, she spotted an opportunity to bring the benefits of Reformer Pilates to her hometown and create a welcoming space for local people.
"I saw there were studios in the wider area, but I thought I'd just give it a go," she said. "When the space at Albion Mills became available, I went to look at it and it just felt right."
Ms Drysdale believes the popular business hub was the perfect setting for the venture.
"There are so many great businesses there and it already feels like a community," she said. "That's something I really wanted to be part of."
Inside Posey Pilates at Albion Mills. (Image: Posey Pilates)
A Pilates class at Posey Pilates. (Image: Posey Pilates)
More than just exercise
One of the things Ms Drysdale remembers most about the studio where she first discovered Pilates was the sense of community it created.
She said: "The girls would go for coffees afterwards and everyone encouraged each other...I've already started to see that happen here, which is really nice. People come in, get to know each other and chat outside of classes."
Alongside traditional Reformer Pilates sessions, Posey Pilates also offers a popular Stretch & Reset class, which combines movement and breathwork with herbal tea and a relaxing head massage.
The studio currently has seven reformer beds and offers a range of classes throughout the week to suit different schedules.
Reformer beds at Posey Pilates. (Image: Posey Pilates)
Looking ahead
While building a successful business is important, Ms Drysdale says her longer-term goal is to create a hub centred on wellbeing and connection.
She hopes to host wellness events in the future, bringing together local businesses for activities such as breathwork, meditation and social gatherings.
The studio has also been supporting Andy's Man Club through a series of free wellbeing sessions to mark World Mental Health Day, with donations collected for the charity throughout the week.
She said: "I'd love to keep doing things like that, I just want to build a community. Seeing people make friends and enjoy spending time together is the dream."
For those interested in giving Pilates a try, Posey Pilates is currently offering an introductory deal of three classes for £25.
More information can be found at www.poseypilates.com.