First pilates studio to open in Northamptonshire celebrates turning 25

The first fully equipped pilates studio to open in Northamptonshire is celebrating turning 25.

Northants Pilates, an award-winning fitness business set up in November 1997, still has clients attending classes who have been there since the very start.

It was Karen Grinter who set up the studio, with a wish to accommodate all levels of ability and fitness ambition with a highly-trained team of teachers – and still to this day she does this, but now with the help of her son.

Karen’s son Daniel was seven when she first set up Northants Pilates, located in Abington Avenue, and he is now helping to run the business aged 32.

Talking about Northants Pilates turning 25, Karen said: “I’m amazingly proud and I see this as an extraordinary achievement for a small business like mine.

“Not only has my business lasted this long, but most of my clients have stuck by me this whole time – it makes me want to weep.

“The difference is that when you buy a gym membership, you’re just paying to get in the door and use the facilities, but we offer small, hands-on classes and are committed to getting to know our clients.”

The founder says the business is “evolving” and her son is bringing something new to what they offer.

Karen finished her first training course with pilates author Lynne Robinson in October 1997. Shortly after, Lynne went on television and “the pilates trend went mad”.

“I made sure to get to know medical and fitness professionals from the start,” said Karen. “Knowledge withstands the test of time, and it’s key to get to know the systems and how you can best help someone.”

After the business began, it quickly became embedded in Northants Cricket after an invitation from Kirk Russell, who was the Northants physio at the time – ahead of moving to the England cricket team.

Karen regularly taught members of the team, including Australian opening batsman Matthew Haydon and England spin bowler Graeme Swann.

Since then, Northants Pilates has changed “massively” and Karen stands by the fact you can “tell the difference between someone who is invested in what they do and someone who is not”.

She said: “Engaging with the people who visit you is paramount to create an environment they want to return to.”

Northants Pilates thrived during lockdown due to the “incredible loyalty” of clients, and they were rewarded with a Rose of Northamptonshire award for their commitment to keeping classes going, and people as active as possible.

They also ran health webinars during lockdowns to raise money for local charities, including educating attendees on looking after your spine, HRT and the menopause, and hormone health.

In the first year of the pandemic, they raised in excess of £1,600 for the Hope Centre.

Karen says “as you just get on with things, you do not realise how quickly time passes”. She described having been open for 25 years as “bonkers” and it makes her feel “very lucky”.

With a team of eight teachers, including Karen and Daniel, the business is continuing to thrive.