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Soulful Sunday: Reflections on Pilates and the Art of Small Neighbourhoods

Writer's picture: Michael KingMichael King

A charming Bulgarian street with cobblestones and unique local shops, showcasing community spirit.
Neighbourhood shops in Sofia highlight individuality an charm, reflecting the essence of personal connections

This weekend, I have had the privilege of teaching in Sofia, Bulgaria, a city I’ve known for a long time. But this visit was a little different. I chose an Airbnb that, quite honestly, is one of the best I’ve ever stayed in. Malcolm stayed last weekend, and I got my turn this weekend. If anyone is heading to Sofia, let me know, and I’ll share the link. It really is worth checking out.


But what truly struck me during my stay wasn’t just the teaching or the Airbnb; it was the charm of the neighbourhood I found myself in. As I wandered out in search of dinner, I was amazed by the sheer number of little shops lining the streets. Vegetable shops, butchers, cheesemongers, gift shops, bakeries. It was a hive of independent businesses, each thriving in its own unique way.


This wasn’t a quaint village scene. It was right in the heart of the city centre. Yet it felt worlds away from the homogenised experience of a large shopping centre like the Fort in Glasgow, where I found myself not long ago. While the Fort offered convenience, everything in one place, it lacked the character and charm of this Sofia neighbourhood. The individuality, the personal touch, the feeling of community, it was all there, in every shop window and every friendly interaction.


Reflecting on this experience got me thinking about our Pilates studios and how they mirror the world of shopping. We’re now in a time where large group Reformer classes are becoming the norm, offering a “supermarket” version of Pilates. These big studios are convenient, catering to many people at once, but in some ways, they lack the intimacy and personal connection of smaller studios.


There was a time when Pilates was predominantly practised in small, independent studios.

Clients would come not just for the exercises but for the relationships, the tailored experience, and the sense of belonging. These studios were like the neighbourhood shops I found in Sofia. Each unique, each offering something personal and special.

While large group classes have their place and are undoubtedly beneficial in making Pilates more accessible, they often lose that personal touch. In a world where efficiency and scale often take priority, it’s worth remembering the value of small, community-driven spaces. These are the places where connections are forged, trust is built, and clients feel truly seen and supported.


As teachers, we can reflect on how we create these moments of connection, even in larger settings. It’s about keeping the spirit of the small studio alive, finding ways to personalise the experience, and ensuring that Pilates remains as much about the individual as it is about the movement.


Much like the shops in Sofia, these small studios and personal interactions have a charm that cannot be replicated. So, whether you’re running a studio or teaching in a larger setting, take a moment to reflect today on how you can bring that neighbourhood spirit into your teaching. Pilates, after all, is not just about movement. It’s about connection, individuality, and the sense of belonging.


Soulful Sundays are perfect for such reflections. Take the time to think about your role in the Pilates world and how you can keep the charm and character alive in all that you do.s are perfect for such reflections. Take the time to think about your role in the Pilates world and how you can keep the charm and character alive in all that you do.

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