Meet The Member - Clare of The Pilates Barns
We caught up with The Pilates Barns, a valued member of We Are Harpenden, to learn about the journey behind this beautiful studio on the Luton Hoo Estate. Built on classical, evidence-based Pilates, it offers a full-apparatus experience in a calm, community-focused setting designed to help clients grow stronger, more confident and pain-free.
We are happy to have The Pilates Barns as part of the We Are Harpenden community. Could you tell us a bit about your personal journey, what you did do before The Pilates Barns, and how did that lead you to create this Pilates studio in Harpenden?
Thank you! It is great to be part of the We Are Harpenden Community. The Pilates Barns is actually my second Pilates Studio; I established the first in St Albans many years ago. I first stumbled across Pilates around 20 years ago when I read about it in a magazine. I didn’t even know how to pronounce it then! At the time, I was a novice to exercise and lacked the core strength needed to manage my spirited young horse. I decided I needed to do something to help us both.
I was fortunate to find a local studio back when they were quite rare. It was a traditional setup with reformers and barrels, and I was hooked from session one. I quickly saw improvements in my balance and strength, which transformed my riding. When I was later made redundant from an admin role, serendipity stepped in: my teacher was looking for an apprentice. After a year of intensive training, I transitioned into teaching and eventually opened my own space. During the lockdown, I made the pivotal decision to evolve the business from a solo venture into a larger, teacher-led studio. We quickly outgrew our previous space, and that search for a truly special location led to the birth of The Pilates Barns.
The Pilates Barns offers a full Pilates experience, with reformers, towers, chairs, barrels and more, not just simple mat or reformer-only sessions. What do you find most rewarding about offering such a comprehensive and traditional Pilates setup to your clients?
The full Pilates Method is for me, what sets it apart from reformer-only or mat-only studios is the versatility we have in our sessions. In our group settings, we can adapt every exercise to the individual. Whether someone is navigating an injury or looking for an athletic challenge, the apparatus allows us to find the right 'fit' for their body. If a movement doesn’t feel right on the Reformer, we have the Tower, the Chair, or the Barrels to ensure that person is successful. The options are limitless, and it means that every client will have their own workout; it essentially offers the results of a personal training session within the energy of a small group.
Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time, and the system he created really does work wonders. It is a privilege to be able to continue his method and introduce people to all the weird and wonderful apparatus.
What do you love most about running The Pilates Barns here in Harpenden (on the Luton Hoo Estate), and what is it about the local community that makes this a special place for your studio?
I was so excited to hear that a place was available on the Luton Hoo Estate! I was first to view the barn and loved it from the moment I drove through the gates. Though it is just 5 minutes from Harpenden, it feels like a total escape!
The drive through the estate provides a natural transition from the stresses of the day, and the barn itself has a serene, calming energy that sets the perfect tone for a class. Having built a strong community in St Albans, I’m excited to foster that same sense of connection and support here in Harpenden.
What core values or principles guide your approach at The Pilates Barns, from teaching style and client care to the atmosphere and community you’re building?
Our approach is quite distinct. We are an authentic studio, meaning we stay true to the original classical method, but we are also strictly evidence-based. We constantly update our knowledge to ensure our clients aren't being taught outdated principles or moved from a 'fear-based' perspective. Our goal is to help clients move confidently. We don't believe in wrapping people in cotton wool; instead, we progressively challenge and strengthen them so they leave feeling proud of what their bodies can achieve
The studio emphasises a blend of strength, mindfulness and flow, using classical Pilates methods tailored to individual needs. How does this philosophy influence the kind of experience clients have when they walk through your doors?
This is the root of what we do! From the moment you step inside the studio, the focus is entirely on you and your movement. The beauty of the original Pilates Method is that there is an order to it. Over time, you learn the order which helps develop a flow as you move easily from one exercise to the next. It becomes a deeply mindful practice; the rhythmic sound of the springs and the breath replaces the need for background music. By working through the exercises, you build strength and control without even noticing and that in turn, leads to fewer aches, pains, injuries and more effortless movement. It is a beautiful practice!
With such a wide range of class options, from beginner-friendly “Pilates Foundations” to more advanced sessions, plus private and duet classes, how do you adapt sessions to meet different fitness goals, experiences, and physical needs?
Firstly, we want to know what your goals are, whether that is recovering from a specific injury, a general desire to get fitter so you can get back to things you once enjoyed, or even just to be able to get off the sofa without grunting! Once we know your ‘why’, we use the full system of exercises to get you there. We utilise all the different pieces of equipment so that your body is supported or challenged, depending on your needs that day. It means that whilst one person might be on the reformer, someone else may be on the tower or chair, working on something their body needs.
The Pilates Barns describes itself as more than just a reformer studio, offering the full apparatus and small-group classes. How does this commitment to “complete Pilates” impact safety, results and client satisfaction compared with simpler studios?
I love that more people are doing Pilates, and the rise in reformer-only studios has helped greatly with this. However, the reformer is just a small part of the system. The additional equipment we have allows us to really tailor the session to the individual. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all; your workout is yours alone. If there is something that doesn’t work for you on the reformer, we have the ability to do it elsewhere in the studio.
The reformer is a great piece of equipment without doubt, but the tower is phenomenal for strengthening, the chair is perfect for addressing imbalances in the body, and the barrels are the best way for fixing tight shoulders from desk work. All the equipment combined provides a unique and full-body workout!
Looking ahead, are there any new classes, developments or plans for The Pilates Barns that you’re excited to introduce to the Harpenden community?
We will be hosting various workshops and events, joining forces with other local businesses to provide valued content that will inspire, educate and create a sense of peace and wellbeing for our community. We have a soundbath session and a Shiatsu workshop coming up soon!
Additionally, The Pilates Barns is a Pilates education centre for Pilates teachers. As well as our own Teacher Training Course, we will be hosting workshops with other renowned Pilates educators from around the world.
For people who have never tried Pilates or who think Pilates is only for a certain type of person, what would you say to encourage them to come along to The Pilates Barns and give it a try?
There’s a common misconception that Pilates is 'light' exercise or only for women and rehab. While it is incredible for recovery, it is far from 'fluffy.' It’s a challenging, athletic workout designed by a man who originally trained boxers! If you’ve been hesitant, I’d say: forget what you’ve heard. This is a studio like no other. If you want a safe, fun, and varied way to get stronger in a beautiful environment, just come and give us a try!
When you’re not busy at The Pilates Barns, where’s your favourite place in or around Harpenden to relax, recharge or take some time for yourself?
This is an easy one! I still have my horse, who started my Pilates journey, and he is kept in Harpenden, so if I am not in the studio, this is where you will find me! Other than that, I will be found in one of the lovely coffee shops or bakeries in Harpenden, treating myself to a cappuccino and a cake - balance is everything after all!
Finally, tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love music (a very specific style, though) and when I’m not working hard, I can be found at a music festival!