Third site for Lancashire reformer pilates studio

A reformer pilates studio is set to open its third base in just over a year.

Pulse was the first large-group reformer Pilates studio to be established in Lancashire.

It has only been up and running for 18 months at its first base at Stanley House Hotel in Blackburn, but Lancashire-based founder Michelle Payne has turned it into such a success, she’s already had to expand into a second and third site.

Hot on the heels of Stanley House Hotel was a second base at Foxfields Country Hotel in autumn 2025, and now a third one is on the cards in Preston for early 2026.

But it’s not-your-average reformer business, as Michelle said: “Pulse was the first large group reformer pilates class in Lancashire.

"It is intentionally built to reflect the diversity of Lancashire, and our teaching team embodies that - real women teaching real women.

"It’s something our community really connects with as they feel seen both in the studio and on the teaching team.

 “I also have an affordable fee structure, and all these things, as well as separate classes for men and women, mean I’ve attracted a diverse membership across all ages and backgrounds. Half of my Blackburn members are Muslim.”

 Michelle has trained a Muslim instructor who works exclusively with Pulse, which again, is unusual in the industry and she holds special classes during Ramadan to cater for the physical and mental challenges that fasting can bring.

However, following client feedback, Michelle has taken the bold move to evolve the Blackburn studio to women only.

The nearby Ribble Valley studio means the male members are more than happy to make the move, with Pulse memberships transferable across all locations.

Pulse has proven to be a huge success, and it recently won the Northern Pilates Studio of the Year Award.

 Michelle said: “There can be a perception that pilates is for an exclusive demographic and I’m proud that we have people from all walks of life and shapes and sizes in our classes.

"We really are pushing the boundaries when it comes to making it inclusive, whether that’s affordability, our community and member-led values or supporting all levels of ability.

The Pulse values are about building strength, confidence and connection, with Michelle adding: “Growing to three sites in such a short time shows just how ready Lancashire is for high-quality, inclusive reformer Pilates - and this is only the beginning for Pulse.”

The third studio will be located in Preston and whilst she cannot reveal her further expansion plans just yet, Michelle and her team have more up their sleeve.

 Further information can be found at wearepulse.co or @weare.pulse on Instagram.