Pilates is the full-body workout that has continued to grow in popularity since the mid-2000s. Named after German physical trainer, Joseph Pilates, who devised the method in the early 20th century, it incorporates different body conditioning exercises to improve balance and flexibility, burn calories and build muscle. There is a growing number of places to practice Pilates in London, with the two most popular methods requiring a mat or an apparatus known as a Pilates Reformer. Whatever the method, it is an invigorating workout sure to get the heart pumping, so grab your water bottle and let’s get moving!
1. Exhale Pilates London
This award-winning studio can be considered one of the Pilates classes and studios in London. Having featured in Vogue, GQ and Tatler, this is one of London’s most chic, well-known Pilates studios. Described as a ‘haven’ for both entry-level novices and practiced experts, Exhale Pilates London offers two types of classes – Reformer and Tower.
Those who opt for a Reformer class will predominantly focus on exercises using the reformer apparatus; while Tower classes are a combination of mat and apparatus exercises. Prices for group classes range from £15 – 35, with private ‘duet’ sessions starting at £60.
You’ll find Exhale London at their Primrose Hill Studio – Ground Floor, 1 Whittlebury Mews West, NW1 8HS. Nearest station is Chalk Farm.
2. Tempo 301
Setting up shop in Hackney, Shoreditch and Elephant Park, Tempo 301 has gained a reputation for stylish studios and state of the art Pilates reformer classes.
Set to high tempo music, the Tempo philosophy centres around mind-body synchronicity that facilitates the sculpting and toning of key muscles, burning calories while riding an endorphin high. These Pilates classes place special emphasis on moving to the beat, with trainers putting their own unique spin on every workout.
Each studio is located close to stations, and with daily classes before and after work, this is the ideal studio for those commuting in and out of the city.
You’ll find the Tempo 301 studios in Hackney at Great Eastern Buildings, Reading Lane, E8 1FR. Nearest stations are Hackney Central and London Fields.
3. Honor Oak Wellness Rooms
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Honor Oak Park in South East London, this friendly health and fitness studio offers six-week courses for those wanting to explore the benefits of Pilates.
Unlike other studios, these classes are taught in small groups, to guarantee all individuals benefit from personal support and encouragement from the teacher. As multidisciplinary wellbeing specialists, the team at Honor Oak Wellness Rooms cover a wide range of expertise, from chiropractic care to naturopathic nutrition.
Due to the nature of their training, the teachers of these Pilates classes are able to focus on a range of self-care specialisms, including Pilates for core strength, back care, pregnancy and new motherhood.
You’ll find Honor Oak Wellness Rooms at 82 Brockley Rise, Brockley, SE23 1LN. Nearest station is Honor Oak Park.
4. Pilates Klinik
This central London studio is located on Devonshire Row, in the heart of the city. Designed to offer fitness, health and wellness solutions to busy working professionals, Pilates Klinik has devised a timetable that revolves around morning, lunchtime and evening classes, with a few Saturday morning options available, too. Focusing primarily on reformer Pilates for mixed abilities, the studio also provides beginner classes, private one-to-one training and bespoke pregnancy Pilates.
The unlimited monthly membership is the most cost effective option for office workers who plan to take advantage of this studio’s central location, with individual classes ranging from £25 to £65.
You’ll find Pilates Klinik at 16 Devonshire Row, EC2M 4RH. Nearest station is Liverpool Street.
5. Frame
Launched in 2009, Frame has quickly become one of London’s fastest growing fitness brands. With locations in all four corners of the city – Shoreditch, Angel, King’s Cross, Hammersmith and Victoria – founders Pip and Joan have built a vibrant keep fit community for all abilities. Frame offers the ideal environment for an introduction to Pilates, with slower paced, easy to follow beginner classes for newbies.
Working exclusively with reformer apparatus, these Pilates classes train the brain as well as all major muscles. Whether you want to visit one of the colourful Frame studios, or practice from the comfort of your own home, there are lots of options and various ways to pay.
You’ll find the original Move Your Frame studio in Shoreditch at 29 New Inn Yard, Hackney, London, EC2A 3EY. Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
6. Oru
This community driven Pilates studio in East Dulwich doubles as a co-working space and cafe. The eye-catching studio is easy to spot amidst the hustle and bustle of Lordship Lane, thanks to its brightly coloured coral pink exterior. The light-filled studio is popular with South Londoners who are looking to escape the craziness of city life. There is a calm and respectful atmosphere throughout Oru, considered by all to be an inviting place to ‘nourish your body and inspire your mind‘.
Prices for in-person Pilates range from £7 – 13, with a focus on improved mobility, strengthening and toning core muscles. One of the major selling points of this studio is the rooftop Pilates classes, open to all levels, the only requirement being a mat and good weather!
You’ll find Oru at 20-22 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HN. Nearest station is East Dulwich.
7. Basebox
Located in Ruislip, a five minute walk from a Central Line tube station, Basebox is a female-owned fitness studio running weekly Pilates classes in West London.
Resident Pilates teacher, Mandy, has gained legendary status among the locals for her sweat-inducing Saturday morning classes. Taught in a large open-plan studio, Basebox Pilates classes are the perfect way to stretch out and loosen up after a long week. Sessions are kept to a limited number of participants, to help each member of the group find their flow.
Focusing primarily on mat-based exercises, classes can be purchased individual or as a monthly membership – for those who want to ramp up their fitness regime!
You’ll find Basebox at 4 New Pond Parade, West End Road, Ruislip Gardens, HA4 6LR. Nearest station is Ruislip Gardens.
8. FIX London
As the name suggests, this London studio is dedicated to fixing a host of physical ailments and issues, in order to give customers the tools needed to boost mobility and improve fitness levels.
Whether you have a pre-existing sports injury, suffering with some sort of pain, or simply need to renew your exercise regime, the practitioners at this studio can provide long-term solutions. Based out of two locations in East London, the FIX London practitioners offer one-to-one Pilates classes alongside osteopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage treatments, all of which are designed to improve health, strength and performance.
This is a great entry-level introduction to Pilates, as private one-to-one sessions are tailored to the unique needs of every individual and are reasonably priced.
You’ll find FIX London at Arthaus, 199 Richmond Road, Hackney, E8 3NJ. Nearest stations are London Fields and Hackney Central.
9. BLOK
Appealing to fitness fanatics of every kind, there are multiple ways to stay active at BLOK, with more than 25 different exercise classes to choose from.
Pilates, taught by one of the multidisciplinary trainers, is a very popular option. Due to the innovative interior design and well designed layout of each studio, BLOK has gained a substantial social media following online, since opening its doors to the public in 2017. If you are headed out to a trendy rooftop for brunch in East London, why not book an in-person class at the modern, minimalist studios in Clapton and Shoreditch beforehand?
Opting for mat-based exercise rather than reformer Pilates, these dynamic classes are designed to develop endurance and control, firing up the core for 50 or 60 minutes. If you are an avid Pilates enthusiast, this is the studio for you!
You’ll find BLOK Shoreditch at Principal Place, 2 Hearn Street, London, EC2A 3BR. Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
10. REVIVE
Founded by physiotherapist Chloe McDonald, REVIVE has a Pilates class for everyone – whether the intention is to build up a sweat, stretch out the stiffness or take things slow and steady.
The classes at these boutique South London studios encourage individuals to connect with core muscles and synchronise the breath, in a bid to enhance stability and mobility. Pilates and yogalates – a hybrid Pilates and yoga class focused on core strengthening – are held at the REVIVE studios in Balham and Tooting Bec, as well as online. In addition to the regular programming, there are a number of workshops for customers, all of which aim to further explore Pilates and yoga methods, and develop a deeper understanding of the benefits.
Both studio passes and on-demand options are available, for those who prefer the option to workout at home.
You’ll find REVIVE at 249 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec, SW17 7BE. Nearest station is Tooting Bec.
A fun and challenging exercise for anyone interested in upping their fitness game, there are plenty of places to try Pilates in London, from lively group classes to intimate private sessions.