A good fitness routine can dramatically define your life. It sets the tone for the day, improves physical and mental wellbeing, and transforms you into the best version of yourself.
London, with its metropolitan bustle, takes fitness seriously, and Pilates is all the rage. While it was invented in the 1920s, there has been a demonstrable increase in the Pilates hype in the past decade, possibly owing to its simplicity combined with a healthy challenge threshold and guaranteed results.
Read on to discover the best Pilates classes in London.
Bodyism: Notting Hill
Bodyism is a fitness abode, driven by the ethos of “being kinder to yourself.” They offer an array of classes designed to perfect your movement, mindset, nutrition, recovery, and connection.
Members may opt for bespoke personal training or intimate community classes. Cardio sessions, breathwork, reformer Pilates, and yoga are on offer. The 3,800-square-foot establishment is fitted with three studios, one of them dedicated to Pilates, and outfitted with four reformer beds. Bodyism also has two mat options: “Classical” for strength training and “Tone” for resistance training.
Bodyism’s store sells incredible organic supplements, plant-based protein powders, and beauty foods, all of which have received rave reviews. The on-site cafe is renowned for its healthy pancakes, which many north London fitness enthusiasts have touted as the best in the city.
Nobu Pilates: Marylebone
Nobu Pilates offers reformer classes with a gruelling twist – HIIT principles.
This HIIT-Pilates fusion is a first of its kind, creating a fast-flowing reformer routine aimed at moulding your physique and strengthening your muscles. Each class has a maximum of 10 participants, allowing every attendee to receive personal attention.
Each 40-minute session uses a variety of equipment, from Reformers to Cadillacs, Stability Chairs, and Barrels. Designed for beginners as well as seasoned gym goers, each session gets progressively more strenuous, thus pushing participants to the fullest. “Pick from Pure” is a particularly popular masterclass, incorporating routines that were created by Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates.
Nestled in one of Marylebone’s best luxury hotels, attendees of Nobu Pilates also have access to avant-garde spa treatments and a technologically savvy gym.
East of Eden: Walthamstow
Located in the leafy nooks of Walthamstow, East of Eden is an eclectic fitness centre, offering Barre, Yoga, Reformers, Pilates, and hot Yoga classes.
The wellness centre is equipped with treatment facilities, a shop, as well as four palatial lounges tailored for leisurely hangouts, babysitting, meetings, and more. There’s also a gorgeous pastel-hued cafe that serves up delectable vegan pastries and avocado toast, perfect for a little post-workout treat.
Over 150 classes are on offer every week, from spin sessions to sound meditation and classic Pilates. The prenatal and postnatal classes in particular have been widely popular among members.
There are also several community events designed to pamper you with well-deserved downtime, such as luxury yoga retreats to Costa Rica and the like. The milieu is colourful, vibrant, and quirky, crafted to spark comfort, creativity, and inspiration.
Pilates Squared: Kensington
At Pilates Squared, fitness enthusiasts are guaranteed to feel the burn.
Instructors at Pilates Squared have built on and elevated Joseph Pilates’ principles by incorporating heavy springs, quick movements, and a stopwatch. It is known as “Bootcamp Pilates” and has quickly gained notoriety for its vigorous pace and remarkable results. Some of their other famous Pilates routines also draw on dance, yoga, and total resistance exercises (TRX).
Pilates Squared classes are very small, allowing only three people per session. This enables instructors to tailor classes for every client based on their individual needs, whether it is rehabilitation, toning, or just a basic wellness routine.
Reformcore: Chelsea
Poised as the “hottest” new Pilates class in London, Reformcore is built for unparalleled core strength, muscular resilience, lean physiques, and overall well-being. The high-energy, low-impact classes are meant to epitomise efficiency, effectivity, and power.
The gorgeous studios aglow in natural light are outfitted with the latest Reformer machines and other classical Pilates equipment. Members are bestowed with other fitness treats, such as VIP offers at KOBOX, Barrecore, and Boom Cycle; Cowshed products; and complimentary passes for friends and family. Members can also opt for bespoke private sessions led by leading fitness instructors in London.
Heartcore: St. John’s Wood
Heartcore focuses on holistic Pilates routines that promote movement, mind-body connection, and clutter-free minds. By drawing on the philosophy of yoga, Heartcore crafts routines designed to imbue positivity and strength in every aspect of your life.
Heartcore classes are demanding yet simple, devoid of too many frills. Its honest-to-goodness gusto has made Heartcore classes easily accessible online, making them highly popular. Their bespoke Conformer classes are perfect for those who crave a challenge and have been gaining immense acclaim.
Strong Pilates: Islington
Australian fitness moguls Michael Ramsey and Mark Armstrong combined the wonders of strength training and Pilates to create a mighty force worth reckoning with.
For those who desire that satisfying post-workout ache, Strong Pilates’ 45-minute classes that comprise high-intensity moves, resistance training, and rowing are the perfect fix. One’s upper body, lower body, and obliques are guaranteed to look chiselled and feel tight after just a few sessions.
Members can choose from four classes: Strong Sweat, Pilates Only, Strong Body, and Tough Love. These classes vary in intensity and focus points, affording members a well-rounded Pilates experience.
Exhale Pilates: Primrose Hill, Marylebone, and Finchley
Exhale Pilates is one of London’s best-known Pilates centres and sticks to the basics – Joseph Pilates’s classical routine, “Contrology.”
Exhale has crafted perfect classes for everyone, from novices to pre- and postnatal women, injured athletes, and Pilates experts. Each 55-minute session makes the best use of the cardinal pieces of equipment, which include the Tower, Reformer, Chair, and Barrel. Some of the machines, such as the Wunda Chair and the Cadillac, are rare sights today.
Exhale Pilates’ private coaching sessions have built a steadfast reputation. Moreover, Harry Styles has been sighted at their studios numerous times, only emboldening Exhale's allure.
Ten Health and Fitness: Fitzrovia
Referred to as “miracle workers” by The Daily Telegraph, Ten is one of London’s most loved luxury Pilates boutiques.
Ten’s intimate classes are dedicated to refining posture, control, and form. Weight management, rehab, and strength conditioning are some of Ten’s most popular services. They take pride in their uniquely welcoming environment, thoughtfully manicured to present members with a holistic, positive experience. Moreover, Ten is an eight-time Tatler Gym Award winner, led by some of London’s most eminent therapists.
Ten has also endeavoured to marry the fitness community with the medical niche by introducing “TenClinical,” a programme curated to provide those affected by terminal conditions and chronic illnesses with a pristine quality of life. There’s also an elaborate physio enclave as well as massage facilities.
Core: Kensington
Core is arguably one of London’s most exclusive Pilates centres, with celebrated trainers and a handful of highly sought-after classes.
There are different Classical and Power reformer classes designed to cater to individuals across all levels of expertise. With Core’s studio adorned with only four Reformer beds, everyone can be rest assured that their moves are observed with keen attention and shaped to precision.
There are also instructor training opportunities at Core’s Merrithew Host Training Centre, where one can become a Stott Pilates-certified instructor.
London’s fitness niche is certainly dynamic, with upscale wellness boutiques, trendy classes, and avant-garde gymnasiums. Beyond merely fitness sessions, London’s Pilates classes are designed to promote an elevated lifestyle of holistic wellbeing. From the celebrity trainers of Islington to the soothing yoga-inspired routines of Notting Hill, these are London’s ten best Pilates classes.
