Longtime Instructor Opens Own Pilates Studio on Hope Street

A familiar face to Bristol has taken the big step of opening her own pilates studio on Hope Street.

Erin Barry, a longtime instructor, recently started Alignmentz Pilates Studio, and during a recent interview, she explained the journey from student to instructor.

"I lived in chronic pain for a long time, and I started doing pilates as a client because of the weaknsses, I could hardly hold my head or hold my arm over my head long enough to get a plate out of the kitchen cabinet," Barry said. "I started doing pilates, and within a year, my upper body strength changed, but I was [also] a calmer person. It took me out of that chronic pain without getting on some kind of prescription."

Then, a few months ago, Barry faced the prospect of being out of a job — the studio where she worked was closing — and decided to set up her own shop.

"I was devastated thinking about it — I really felt heartbroken, because I've always worked in a studio," explained Barry, who added that she was approached by an investor who gave her the boost to get started. "It really just kind of fell together."

Check out the accompanying video of Barry working with Aurelia Papitto.