The Edinburgh Pilates Centre founded by Scotland’s first ever teacher Jane Paris, is the original Scottish Pilates studio.

In 1994 Chris Blagdon took over the running of the Studio; a long time dancer with a keen curiosity of how the human system works in all its facets. Since then the studio has been working flat out teaching people how, with a little hard work, they can achieve results with their body they never thought possible.

“It never ceases to amaze me how responsive the human body can be, and, when a person is given the basic tools, how they can take appropriate action” says Chris. People with many years of back problems behind them can be taught how to strengthen their weaker muscles, correct their posture and be taught how to avoid problems recurring again.

In 1995 the Centre moved to premises in George Street and went from strength to strength, for a long period having a waiting list that was almost a year long. "The problem" says Chris "was getting good teachers. There were teachers around but few with the kind of experience & expertise that I was looking for". Over the decade at George Street Chris managed to build a small team of high quality instructors who were able to maintain the high standards he had set for the Centre. 

By this time however, 'Pilates' had become a household word with classes available from gyms to local halls throughout the country.  In order to keep to his vision of quality and a more personal and individual approach to tuition, Chris decided to move premises once more.  In September 2006, the EPC reopened in new premises in Abbeyhill, with a light and airy studio based in a converted Victorian school owned by Edinburgh Council. The decision to reduce overheads has enabled Chris to keep to his principles regarding the teaching of Pilates, and avoid the commercialisation that has occured in some areas of the 'Pilates Movement'.

Chris now undertakes all teaching at the EPC, with the valuable assistance of Pat Morais. Pat, a fully qualified teacher of Yoga and Alexander Technique in her own right, transferred from the George Street studios with Chris and teaches at the new Abbeyhill studio on Mondays.