A personal reflection on 15 years of workplace wellbeing, the challenges of running a business and an exciting new chapter for Exercise in the City.
A note from our Founder, Julia Scodie
I can hardly believe that 15 years ago I launched Exercise in the City!
I’d recently qualified as a Pilates instructor after years of practising through weekly classes in my office. We’d push the furniture aside in a meeting room during our lunch break, throw down our mats and find just enough space for the class.
Like many people, I found it hard to find the time – and sometimes the motivation – to exercise. But Pilates was so easy to fit into my working day, I never missed a session. I was hooked!
So I had an idea: why not bring Pilates into workplaces and give other people the opportunity to benefit in the same way I had? At the time, I had no idea where that idea would take me.
Over the last 15 years, Exercise in the City has given me some amazing experiences and opportunities.
From one instructor to a team of 50
What began with just me teaching Pilates grew into a fantastic team of more than 50 instructors, delivering Pilates, yoga, circuits, dance fitness and more in workplaces across London. We’ve taught in all kinds of offices and learned to adapt classes to different spaces, teams and needs.
An award I will never forget
Winning the late, great, Jacqueline Gold’s Women in Business Award was a real highlight. I also had mentoring sessions at Ann Summers HQ — a day I’ll never forget (spot the big rabbit in the photo!)
From Pilates instructor to workplace wellbeing expert
Along the way, I was featured in the press and became a workplace wellbeing expert for journalists, including the slightly terrifying experience of appearing live on Sky News. I was also invited to speak at the Mayor of London’s Healthy Workplace Charter Awards.
Pilates with a view
Teaching a summer series of sunrise Pilates on the rooftop at Coq D’Argent, with incredible views across London, was another unforgettable experience.
And in 2017, I had my first baby. I continued running the business during maternity leave and was delighted to be featured in a double-page spread in Mother & Baby magazine about women balancing babies and business.
There were so many special moments, and I’m incredibly proud of what Exercise in the City became.
Then came 2020…
Like so many businesses, Exercise in the City took a big hit during the pandemic. All our classes were cancelled on the day lockdown was announced. We had to change direction overnight, pivoting the business online and becoming one of the first to deliver workplace classes via Zoom.
In 2021, I had my second baby. We were still in lockdown, people were getting tired of online classes and, even after restrictions lifted, the world of work had changed. Hybrid working became the norm, and Exercise in the City gradually went quiet.
I continued teaching my own Pilates classes, focusing on postnatal mum-and-baby sessions and private clients, fitting my teaching around life with two young children.
The business I’d spent years building was no longer at the centre of my working life. But I never really let it go.
A new chapter for Exercise in the City
And now, both my children are at school — and Exercise in the City is 15.
I realised I couldn’t let my business baby go.
So, 15 years after launching the business, I’m ready to bring Exercise in the City back.
Work has changed enormously since I first started teaching Pilates in office meeting rooms. But the need for movement, wellbeing and opportunities to step away from our desks hasn’t gone away.
If anything, helping people feel better at work feels just as relevant today.
Exercise in the City offers workplace fitness and wellbeing classes across London, including Pilates, yoga, circuits and dance fitness. Whether you’re looking to support employee wellbeing, bring more energy into the working day or give your team an opportunity to move, we’d love to help.
Could your workplace use a little more movement, energy and wellbeing?
Maybe this is a relaunch. Maybe it’s a new chapter. Either way, I’m excited about what’s next.
Here’s to the next 15 years — and to the next chapter!
Taking an hour during your working day to focus on yourself, your body and your breathing is a fantastic way to help reduce stress. Pilates is a ‘mind body’ exercise. You focus on your movements as you go through the exercises and have to think about the muscles you’re working so you engage and work them correctly. This can help clear your mind and worries as you concentrate on your body during the class. There is scores of research and studies which have highlight the benefits of exercise for good Mental Health. 
5) You can do Pilates anywhere
Day two, our lunchtime Pilates session strengthen, stretched and energised staff ready for the afternoon.
Exciting news… we’ve been selected by ukactive as the UK nomination for the #BeActive Workplace Award for 2017. It’s part of the European Week of Sport taking place this September. 
Want to do more exercise in 2017 but wondering how you will find the time? Fitting exercise into your busy working week can be a challenge, so let us make it easier for you… 
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