NY Studio: A Decade in Motion
NY Studio provides specialist Pilates classes alongside individual and duet sessions tailored to each client’s needs.
This July marks a major milestone for NY Studio as Owner Kara celebrates 10 years since establishing her dedicated studio space here on the park. We last featured Kara in 2022, when she shared her ambitious 10-year business plan. Now, a decade after opening the studio doors here, I caught up with her to see how far that vision has come.
Taking the leap
Like many business owners, Kara still remembers the uncertainty of those early days.
“The unknown,” she laughed. “That’s what I remember most. I was a school teacher before Pilates. I’d spent a year training and then taught Pilates for four years before becoming self-employed. Teaching wasn’t new to me, neither was running a business, but building a business alone certainly was.”
Although she was confident in her teaching ability, stepping out on her own brought a whole new level of responsibility.
“It was tiring and there was extra pressure. Largely stemming from isolation rather than the workload, this required a complete shift in how I approached my work.”
From village hall to specialist studio
Since those early days, both the business and the Pilates industry have evolved dramatically.
“When I started, we only offered mat work classes,” explained Kara. “My 10-year plan always included creating a fully equipped Pilates studio.”
Initially, she had just one reformer for individual sessions. By lockdown, that had grown to three. Meanwhile, online classes helped keep clients moving during restrictions. However, what followed surprised even her. Fast forward to 2026 and Pilates has become the go-to exercise.
“When NY Studio first opened, most people had never even seen Pilates equipment! After so many years in the industry, we are now evolving further. It’s a really exciting time seeing huge changes in the Pilates industry, largely due to social media. What we pride ourselves on after almost 15 years is the quality of what we offer.”
Despite the growing popularity of reformer-based fitness, Kara is keen to highlight what makes NY Studio different.
“It’s important to say that I teach Pilates, not reformer fitness. What clients are paying for is my expertise as a fully trained Pilates Master Teacher. Everything I teach on the equipment transfers back to movement on the mat and into everyday life.”
Understanding movement
One of Kara’s biggest strengths is helping people look beyond the latest fitness trend and understand how their bodies actually move.
“People often arrive with an idea of what Pilates is,” she explained. “Quite often they’re mislead. Pilates is the study of movement – it’s the foundation of all exercise. We can use the equipment in the studio to help clients better understand this.”
For some, specialist equipment can feel intimidating. For others, it’s simply stepping outside their comfort zone. However, Kara’s approach focuses on the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all method.
“We’re all built differently. Understanding movement is at the heart of what I do. To help someone change the way they move, you first have to observe how they move.”
That attention to detail allows her to work with a wide variety of clients, from athletes looking to improve performance to new mums rebuilding strength after pregnancy.
Most importantly, she also specialises in helping people who live with pain.
Expertise built on experience
Over the last decade, Kara has invested heavily in her own education, continually developing her knowledge and qualifications. She trained with Cam Angus, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist and Pilates educator based in Stirling. In fact, one of her proudest achievements came in 2022 when she completed her Pilates Master Teacher training.
“That qualification took me 10 years to achieve, from starting in 2012 through to 2022. Lockdown delayed things, but it’s the highest qualification in the industry. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Her commitment to learning extends beyond Pilates too. Kara attended a weekend pain science course taught by renowned specialist Greg Lehman, and later collaborated with him on a podcast. The two have since remained professional acquaintances. This supports Kara’s interest in helping people better understand and manage persistent pain.
Part of that passion comes from personal experience.
“My own health challenges are actually what led me to Pilates in the first place. I still live with them today.”
Rather than holding her back, Kara believes those experiences have strengthened her ability to help others.
“It gives me genuine empathy for clients who come to me in pain. I understand how frustrating that can be, and that helps me support them on their own journey.”
Loyal clients and lasting relationships
As NY Studio reaches its tenth anniversary, Kara is quick to acknowledge the support of her clients.
“Many of them have been with me since the beginning. Most new clients come through recommendations and word of mouth.”
Those relationships continue to motivate her every day.
“I’m lucky to have such supportive clients. Every day is different and I’m always learning. The day you stop learning is the day you stop being creative and enjoying what you do.”
What’s next?
While reaching the 10-year mark is worth celebrating, Kara is already looking ahead.
“The final part of my original 10-year plan is teacher training.”
Alongside teaching clients at NY Studio, Kara now works as an Internal Verifier and is beginning to train future Pilates instructors both locally and through Julie Driver Education in London.
“I’m passionate about helping people understand movement, whether that’s clients managing pain or teachers developing their skills.”
Life on the business park
Finally, I asked Kara what being part of Terry Dicken Business Park means to her.
“We have a lovely position here. With businesses like Mimi’s Embroidery and Bella Bambini nearby, there’s a real women-in-business feel. At the same time, we have great neighbours like Yorkshire Dairy Services and Platinum Motors. Everyone helps each other. For example, we often team up with North Yorkshire Physiotherapy, recommending clients to one another.”
She also praised the support she has received over the years.
“The Dickens have always been incredibly supportive, particularly with my health challenges. I’d definitely recommend the park and I genuinely enjoy working here.”
Celebrating 10 years
To celebrate 10 years of NY Studio this July, Kara is inviting new clients to experience a class for just £10. More events are being planned and will be announced soon on the website soon! To find out more visit www.nystudio.co.uk or email pilates@nystudio.co.uk
NY Studio can be found at Unit 21, Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Station Rd, Stokesley, TS9 7AE.
After a decade of helping people move better, manage pain and build confidence, it seems Kara’s original 10-year plan worked out rather well!
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