About Us
York Pilates People is an independent studio in York’s city centre.
We offer a blend of studio classes, live online classes, and video recordings so that you can join us from wherever you are. Our studio is spacious and airy, with a fantastic team of friendly and knowledgeable teachers.
Our Instructors
Imogen Sykes
Studio Owner & Pilates and Barre teacher
“I’m Imogen, a Pilates and Barre instructor with a background in dance and musical theatre. I began dancing at the age of 10 and have trained at the Northern Ballet and at London Studio Centre, where I completed 3 years of professional training and a degree in Theatre Dance. It was here where I was first introduced to Pilates and its many benefits. After graduating from dance college, I decided to pursue my interest in Pilates and become an instructor.
I have a real passion for my job which comes from my love of movement and dance. I believe that Pilates is the key to a strong and balanced body and wish for everyone to experience the benefits.
After teaching at York Pilates People for over three years, I am thrilled to have recently taken over ownership of the studio and have the opportunity to continue to grow this wonderful community.”
Liz Tiller
Pilates teacher
“I have practised Pilates myself for many years, having first started due to chronic back problems I was experiencing. I had tried a number of different things which didn’t help before I ventured into a local Pilates class and haven’t looked back since.
I find the exercises we do in Pilates give me length, strength, mobility and confidence and I love the feeling of health and energy I get from doing a class.
In addition, I also find Pilates is excellent for my mental health as, for me, it’s one of the most effective forms of mindfulness, keeping me fully ‘within the moment’ and focusing on what my body is doing throughout the different exercises, aligning both my mind and body together.”
Karen Statner
Pilates and Somatic Movement teacher
“I’m Karen, I teach Somatic Movement and Pilates, and I’m a Clinical Somatic Educator (CSE). I run Somatic Habit in York and offer online weekly movement classes, one to one sessions, introductory courses and mini workshops.
Like many people, I came to Pilates and somatic movement looking for a way out of pain and limited movement after suffering a fractured back from a riding accident. My injury initially led me to learn and teach Pilates, through which I then found somatic movement. I have personally experienced and witnessed my clients become empowered through practising somatic movement, and this knowledge drives my passion for teaching. My understanding of how it helps you to connect with and understand your whole system, and how it enables you to make changes from the inside out means you can live and move with more freedom and fun. Through Somatic Movement, Pilates and CSE I am able to keep doing the things that I love and I am passionate about teaching others to do the same.”
Chloe Bryant
Pilates teacher
“Hi, I’m Chloe! I teach Pilates with a focus on working with our bodies rather than against them, bringing kindness, mindfulness, and the core principles of Pilates into every class. Before Pilates, I never thought exercise was for me but Pilates changed that, showing me how movement can be both accessible and transformative for all bodies. That experience inspired me to train as an instructor so I could share its benefits with others. My classes encourage self-awareness, compassion, and connection, helping people discover strength and movement in ways that truly work for them. I’m delighted to be part of York Pilates People, a studio that is as welcoming and inclusive as the practice itself.”
Millie Jones
Pilates and Barre teacher
“Hi I’m Millie! After growing up with a passion for dance, I went on to complete my foundation degree in Dance at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Following on from this, I studied my degree in Psychology with a focus on Sports Psychology at Northumbria University, graduating in 2023.
Since graduating I have completed my Level 3 Mat Pilates Qualification with HFE and am excited to pass my passion for Pilates onto others. My love for Pilates came from practising it alongside my dance training, and I believe the fundamental principles Pilates promotes of body alignment, postural awareness and core strength are beneficial to everyone in their day to day life. Pilates promotes a holistic approach to exercise, focusing on the mind / body connection.
Throughout my classes, I take influence from my background in dance, creating a dynamic class based upon the original 34 Pilates exercises created by Joseph Pilates. I am excited to be a part of York Pilates People!”
Jessica Sias Wilson
Pilates teacher
“Hi, I’m Jessica! I have been teaching movement and worked in the wellness field for over twenty years and what drives me is a deep curiosity about how the body works. Alleviating pain and feeling easier in the body has always been my goal, so I now have a lot of practical experience working both biomechanically and energetically… our bodies have so many layers to explore!
I first practiced pilates while working on my MA in dance & choreography in London. I felt empowered by the connections and strength I was able to find through the system, so quickly undertook comprehensive training to become certified in mat and all equipment modalities (reformer, cadillac, wunda chair, etc) in 2002.
I believe that awareness is the key to understanding and unlocking the innate power of your body. I coach on posture, breath, alignment, and how to make space in the body to find more ease of movement. I aim to make my classes dynamic and playful so that you feel energised and more grounded by the end of class.
I have been a licensed Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis trainer since 2008, have studied embodiment & somatics, and am also a Reiki healer. I have worked as a professional dance artist in the US & UK and as an actor in theatre and television from a young age. I also work as a facilitator delivering workshops on embodiment and communication in various professional fields.”
Sign up to our mailing list
Never miss out on studio updates, workshops and events