In a quiet spot between Sheffield’s S10 and S11 postcodes, a new Pilates studio is offering something refreshingly different. Reformer Inc. Pilates, founded by experienced instructors Sophie Cherry and Sol May, is more than just a place to exercise – it’s a thoughtfully designed space where movement, learning and community come together.
The duo tell Exposed that, despite only opening in May this year, the studio already feels deeply rooted. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and coffee brewing in the reception area, it’s as much a social hub as it is a space to move, stretch and strengthen.
“We didn’t want to be a soulless studio,” Sophie says. “It’s not just about the Pilates we teach – which we both absolutely love – it’s about having a space where people feel really welcome.”
That ethos is paying off. Clients come early for coffee, stay after class for a chat and often end up making friends across the reformer machines. The vibe is friendly, community-driven and unpretentious – but make no mistake, the teaching is taken seriously.
Both Sol and Sophie have taught Pilates for over eight years. They met while teaching at a Sheffield studio, and quickly found common ground. “We’d talked about opening a studio for a while,” says Sol. “It always felt like something we’d do eventually, but then one day we were like, let’s just go for it.”
Finding the right venue took time – more than a year – thanks to a clear vision and a commitment to staying local. “Sophie lives in S10, I live in S11, and many of our clients are here,” says Sol. “We were determined to find something in this area, not a studio space inside a busy office block.”
Eventually, they landed on what Sol calls a “hidden gem” – an older building that needed work but had character in spades. “The machines we use are big – like armchairs,” she adds with a laugh. “You can’t just squeeze them into any space. But this building was perfect, and we’ve really been able to mould this space into what we wanted.”
That level of attention to detail carries into the way they teach. While reformer Pilates is a buzzword right now, Reformer Inc. is committed to the method behind the machines. “We’re not interested in trendy, fitness reformer,” says Sophie. “We want to stay true to the Pilates method as a whole system – not just flow classes or 20 reps to make you sweat.”
Instead, they focus on quality, technique and understanding. “You might only need four reps if you’re doing it right,” Sophie adds. “It’s not about pushing harder – it’s about moving smarter.”
That philosophy resonates with clients, many of whom have followed the duo for years. But newcomers are welcomed just as warmly. “We’ve had clients start with us who’ve never done Pilates before,” says Sol. “And five months later, they’re now in our ‘advanced’ classes. It’s just consistency. Once a week, twice a week – and you build strength quickly.”
The studio offers three types of classes – mat, reformer and tower – alongside one-to-one and small group sessions. Classes are deliberately small to allow for hands-on support. “With expert lead guidance and hands on correction, when done correctly, it helps the clients feel the movement more deeply, understand subtle nuances and that’s where the results come from,” says Sol.
And it’s not just regular folks giving it a go. Their client base ranges from people in their late teens through to 70-somethings. They’ve worked with professional athletes, post-op rehab clients, and plenty of people who’ve never stepped foot in a studio before. “We’ve trained rugby players, footballers, tennis players, divers – even worked on Olympic prep,” says Sol.
Despite their credentials, both Sophie and Sol are still training themselves. They’re currently completing a 600-hour comprehensive course in London, which involves working across the full Pilates apparatus system. “It’s a massive commitment,” says Sophie. “But we want to keep learning so we can keep challenging ourselves and our clients.”
That ongoing development is another reason Reformer Inc. is becoming known in Sheffield’s wellness world. “We’ve got instructors asking to observe or be mentored by us,” Sophie says. “We’ve got instructors training now who come to us regularly to learn. That’s a real stamp of approval.”
As word spreads, they’re growing again. Studio Two – which already houses towers and mats – will soon be home to more reformers and smaller group classes aimed at beginners. “We’ve realised some beginners need more attention at the start,” says Sophie. “We want to give them the space to learn the right way, then move them up when they’re ready.”
So what would they say to someone who’s tempted to try Pilates but a little unsure?
“Just do it,” says Sol. “You don’t need to be flexible, or strong. You just need to want to try.”
They even offer a £10 taster session to help people ease in without pressure. “It’s a full class, but at a lower price so you can see if it’s for you,” she explains. “If you want to, you can start with a one-to-one. If you love the group feel, you can jump straight in. It’s whatever works for you.”
No matter how you join, the result is the same: people leave feeling better in their bodies. “We’ve had clients cancel their gym memberships and just stick with Pilates,” says Sol. “It’s low impact but a real workout. It helps people train harder elsewhere too – it’s great for injury prevention.”
Sophie nods: “We say it all the time – everyone can get something positive out of doing this.”
Reformer Inc
49 Nethergreen Road,
Sheffield, S11 7EH
Tel: 07777 767062
