About Us
At The Pilates Barn, we are passionate about transforming lives through Pilates. Our journey started with a vision to create a welcoming space for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
Reformer Pilates is unique and highly effective in building strength and tone, has a great impact on overall fitness, and is excellent for rehab, allowing the student to safely do modified exercises.
It's performed on a machine called the Reformer - one of the most adaptable and effective pieces of exercise equipment available.
The reformer was originally designed in the 1920's by Joseph Pilates to help dancers get stronger.
Reformer Pilates works more areas than mat work, especially as mat work is mostly core whereas reformer works the entire body, as well as the more peripheral muscles of the arms and legs.
Our reformer classes are suitable for both beginners and those seeking a dynamic practice and are targeted at all levels of fitness - whether you are wanting to get fit and burn some calories, needing rehab, or looking to improve athletic performance.
"I invented all these machines... it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it." - Joseph Pilates
Pregnancy
Please note not all instructors are pre and post natal trained.
If you are new to Pilates then it is not permitted to commence Reformer Pilates whilst pregnant.
However if you are a member of Buckingham Pilates/The Pilates Barn with experience in Reformer Pilates then you are welcome to continue with your Pilates Training
Teachers that are pre and post natal trained are:
Julie. So please attend only Julie’s classes and only if you are an existing member with experience.
If you choose to participate in class with another instructor then you do so at your own risk.
55 min
Meet the Team
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Julie
“Julie has over 30 years’ experience teaching in the fitness industry. After discovering Pilates over 25 years ago Julie became qualified via Polestar Pilates She can teach all elements of Pilates from Mat to Reformer and even Ballet Barre. Julie worked at various studios in New Zealand and eventually set up and ran her own very successful Studio in Auckland. Her experience working with people from all backgrounds including beginners of all ages (her eldest client was in her 80’s) to professional athletes has given Julie the expertise to help you get the most from your Pilates sessions. Her classes are always creative and fun and suitable for all levels.
Julie is Post and Pre Natal Pregnancy trained
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Tracy
Let me introduce myself ... My name is Tracey Lovell, I am a Stott Pilates Trained Instructor and I have been teaching mat pilates classes for over 11 years. From this solid foundation, I have expanded my qualifications to include Reformer Pilates, to ensure I can offer my clients diverse and varied training. During my 30 years of experience in the fitness industry I have gained numerous qualifications, including as a level 3 PT instructor. I fell in love with pilates after having my twin girls 15 years ago. This lead me to experience back pain , so I decided to change how I trained. My goal was to help my body to recover and become stronger. Developing a strong core is essential not only for women but everyone at all stages of their fitness journey. For me its about training smarter. Working to become stronger so that we can protect and enjoy a great lifetyle for now, and in our future years. Reformer will not only increase your strength but improve your stability, mobility and flexibility. I feel that good technicque is vital in getting the best results and seeing my participants growing in ability and confidence is hugley rewarding. My aim is to always provide a fun, enjoyable and challenging class with like minded people.
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Mel
Hi, my name’s Mel. I’m a Reformer instructor who is passionate about the human body and its incredible strength and resilience. I trained 30 years ago in nutrition and exercise and am also a deep tissue massage therapist with a goal of solving and preventing chronic pain issues by encouraging strength, muscle fitness and flexibility. Reformer training is a recent addition to a catalogue of qualifications and I look forward to growing experience along with my clients.
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Leonie
Leonie is a dedicated and highly skilled Reformer Pilates instructor with 6 years experience and a background in dance and a Level 3 Personal Training qualification. Holding a degree in Dance from Middlesex University, she brings an expert understanding of body mechanics, movement dynamics, and functional alignment to every session.
Her dance training gives her a unique insight into how Pilates can enhance flexibility, strength, coordination, and overall movement quality. She focuses not only on improving performance but also on preventing injuries and supporting long-term postural health.
Leonie’s teaching approach is grounded in precision, control, and mindful movement. She tailors each class to the individual, ensuring that whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you still feel challenged, supported, and empowered. With her attentive guidance, clients learn to move with greater awareness, strength, and confidence.
Passionate about both Pilates and dance, Leonie creates classes that are dynamic, engaging, and deeply connected to the mind–body relationship—cultivating a practice that strengthens, restores, and inspires.
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Jo
Being consistently active in various sports, I began practicing yoga and Pilates over 25 years to help keep me strong and mobile. After a successful career in marketing, I decided to pursue my true passion for aiding individuals in improving their mobility and overall wellbeing.
I became a certified Soft Tissue Therapist- assessing, treating, and rehabilitating various issues and injuries. Having a particular interest in the intricacies of the human body and its fascia, I have specialised in Scar Work, as scars can significantly impact movement and function.
Discovering the benefits of reformer Pilates for my own rehabilitation needs, its effectiveness in building and maintaining strength safely leads me to share this exercise with others. I am dedicated to helping individuals to keep mobile, stay strong, and lead an active and fulfilling life for years to come.
Reformer Pilates Instructor
Millie
Millie absolutely loves practicing and teaching Reformer classes. She has always been active and has been practicing Pilates as well as Yoga for many years while juggling a successful Corporate career...
She loves teaching and supporting clients. She initially started teaching as a Yoga teacher, as she enjoyed teaching so much she has since expanded her teaching to include: Reformer Pilates, Barre, as well as Mat Pilates. She is also a qualified Level-3 Personal Trainer.
Millie's classes are designed to have a full body workout, they are dynamic and fun, combining strength, stamina, flexibility, with lovely stretches too. She will put you through your paces while providing different options and modifications to suit all levels and what you need on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Our Location
We are tucked away in central Towcester! in a beautiful beamed barn.
To access The Pilates Barn, there is a buzz in / drive in, electric gate in the far left corner of Sponne carpark, behind the shops.
We have a sign on the stone wall
Please park in Sponne carpark and walk to the gate next to the barn
There is a buzzer next to the gate, buzz us around 10 mins before your class and the Instructor will buzz you into our little bit of paradise in Towcester.