Welcome
Welcome to our studio. Studio No.1 Pilates is a friendly, welcoming Boutique Studio in the heart of Bedminster. We believe Pilates should feel approachable and enjoyable, whether you’re starting Pilates for the first time or refining your Pilates practice. At Studio No.1 Pilates everyone is supported, encouraged, and guided with care.
At the heart of our studio is a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our teaching is thoughtful, precise, and always focused on helping you move better, feel stronger, and progress safely. We take the time to understand your body and your goals, offering clear guidance and individual attention so you feel confident in every session.
We’ve designed the studio to be easy to use and stress-free with a calm, supportive atmosphere that allows you to focus fully on your movement. You’ll never feel rushed or intimidated, it is our genuine hope that our clients will love their Pilates experience.
Above all, we value connection. Our classes are friendly, inclusive, and supportive, creating a space where you can feel comfortable, motivated, and inspired to keep coming back. This is Pilates taught with care, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm — and a studio where you’ll always feel welcome.
OUR Studio
In our studio we are incredibly proud to feature state-of-the-art Legacy equipment. Unlike many studios that offer a "reformer-only" workout, we believe in the power of the full Pilates system. Our classes provide a comprehensive movement experience, transitioning you through the Pilates Reformer, Tower, Wunda Chair and the foundational Pilates Mat repertoire. This holistic approach ensures you develop balanced strength, better posture, and efficiency in movement.
Small class sizes are at the heart of our studio experience, with just five clients per class to ensure truly personalised instruction. This allows us to give each client focused attention, offering hands-on guidance, precise cueing, and regular form correction throughout the session.
Every member of our teaching staff is fully qualified to guide you through the entire Pilates repertoire—from the foundational practice to the intricate challenges of advanced work. Unlike standard certifications, our team is comprehensively trained in the full system (Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chairs, and Barrels) and on the full range of Pilates apparatus.
We believe that a great teacher never stops being a student. As qualified teachers, we have and continue to undertake further training to expand and deepen our knowledge. Learn more about our team below.
We were genuinely delighted to have found the perfect location for our studio in the heart of Bedminster. We both live and work in this thriving neighbourhood and not only is the studio easily accessible for our clients, but it has the perfect feel with a clean, modern aesthetic so clients can feel calm, comfortable and focused on their practice. Our studio also is fully equipped with air conditioning/heating and adaptable lighting, not to forget our lovely plant family!
Our Approach
At Studio No.1, our classes are strongly rooted in the Classical Pilates Method. We honour the original work of Joseph Pilates, utilising the specific sequences and rhythms designed to create a body that is uniformly developed, supple, and strong. However, "Classical" doesn't mean "stiff." Our instructors bring a vibrant energy and creativity to every session, ensuring that while the method is traditional, the experience feels fresh, dynamic, and tailored to the individual.
Our Team
Carla Atencio
Studio Owner
My name is Carla, and my movement journey began after experiencing a lower back injury. This led me to practise Ashtanga Yoga for 13 years, developing strength, discipline and body awareness. As back pain persisted, I discovered Pilates as a more effective way to rehabilitate, rebuild strength and move without pain. What began as recovery soon became a method that completely transformed my relationship with my body.
I completed my Comprehensive Classical Pilates training, beginning in Argentina in 2023 and finishing in the UK in 2024 with Amy Kellows, a second-generation Classical Pilates teacher. My teaching is rooted in the original Pilates method, practised as a complete and integrated system.
Alongside my movement training, I studied Nutrition and Dietetics in Chile and Medicine in Argentina, which informs my holistic, mindful approach to the body, movement and overall wellbeing.
I am motivated by the efficiency of Pilates and its ability to create meaningful, lasting change. I enjoy working with people of all levels, especially those looking to improve their quality of life through intelligent, supportive movement.
My aim is to offer a professional, warm and supportive environment where clients feel guided, challenged and empowered to move with strength, control and confidence.
Sarah Leonard, BSc, MSc.
Studio Owner
Hi, I'm Sarah. I first began my Pilates teaching journey back in 2016 after having my first child and wishing to choose a more family friendly career. I’d grown to love Pilates after suffering from neck and shoulder issues for many years and found Pilates was more suited to my body; the strength, mindfulness and postural improvements helped alleviate my pains and hugely improve my quality of life.
Whether you’re new to Pilates, working through an injury or moving at an advanced level, I focus on safe, effective progression so you can build strength, mobility, and control at your own pace.
I am a comprehensively trained instructor, fully certified in both mat work and all Pilates apparatus. My training covers the full Pilates repertoire from beginner through to advanced, allowing me to adapt sessions to individual clients.
I have completed education with Polestar Pilates, Peak Pilates, and APPI Pilates, giving me a strong foundation in both Classical and Contemporary Pilates. This blend allows me to teach with precision, adaptability, while always keeping safety and progress at the heart of every session.
My aim is for every client to leave feeling supported, challenged, and confident in their movement — and to enjoy the journey along the way.