The word on everyone’s lips (and Instagram stories too). A form of exercise that combines low-impact flexibility and muscular strength with endurance movements, reformer pilates is ideal for anyone seeking to improve core strength and muscle balance.
We’ve rounded up the best reformer pilates classes to try across London and Surrey – get ready to feel the burn and stretch out in style
1 East of Eden, Walthamstow
Yoga, pilates, barre, sound & meditation studio, East of Eden is a stunning studio based in Walthamstow. Think gentle wellness meets exquisite decor – ideal for calming the mind after a busy day or stressful week.
At East of Eden, they have a range of Pilates classes and teachers to suit all levels with a dedicated reformer Pilates studio. The reformer machine looks like a bed, with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys, and is very versatile, offering support to beginners and people coming back from injury, however it can also be a challenging and intense workout.
There’s plenty of other wats to stretch out too – the studio offers 120 yoga, pilates, barre, sound and meditation classes a week in person, from 45 teachers, alongside the now permanent online offering. They also offer ‘reset retreats’ abroad, as well as online/in person workshops.
Some of their most popular classes include; Hatha Yoga, Rocket Yoga, Meditation & Gong Sound Therapy, Reformer Pilates, Power Pilates & Toddler Yoga to name just a few.
Where: Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews, London E17 4QP
Wallet: Prices from £18.00 for reformer classes.
How: Find out more and make a booking via eastofeden.uk
2 Elements By Retrofit, Kensington
Running regular classes throughout the week, Elements By Retrofit ensure their community maintain balance and inner calm whilst living busy city lives.
Tailored to those at a beginner or intermediate level, walk past the studio’s natural wall and changing rooms, and the 950 square foot multi-purpose studio offers the celeb favourite workout reformer Pilates across high-spec 13 machines – as well as a more unique aerial yoga class for those brave enough.
For a more tailored approach, Elements By Retrofit offers 1-2-1 personal training. With the opportunity to enjoy the capacious space to yourself with just one of the studio’s leading instructors, book a private session of your choice whilst taking advantage of the studio’s leading equipment.
Pilatesprofessionals will help you build confidence, correct your form, and guide you to feeling your very best self. Additionally, take your yoga practice to new heights with the aerial yoga teacher training course in collaboration with Flow Move Movement Academy.
Where: George House, Corner of Kensington Church Street and Campden Grove, Kensington, W8 4BA
Wallet: Single classes from £27.00, monthly memberships from £200.00.
How: Find out more and make a booking via elementsbyretrofitlondon.com
3 Complete Pilates, Chelsea, Angel and the City
Complete Pilates offer 3:1 classes which utilises all the major Pilates equipment. Every person in the class does their own programme which means the exercises are tailored to you and your goals – making it ideal for anyone recovering from an injury or surgery.
This also makes every class suitable for everyone, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere regardless of fitness level. Taking place in afternoons and evenings, as well as Saturdays in Chelsea, Angel and the City, book your spot for a dose of wellness in the concrete jungle.
Lasting 55 minutes per session, each person needs to do an initial assessment prior to joining any class as this means we can tailor the programme to you, making it as hard, or as rehabilitative as you need.
Wallet: Classes cost £40 for a drop in or are £35 per class if you buy 10.
Where: Various locations across Chelsea, Angel and the City
How: Find out more and make a booking via complete-pilates.co.uk
4 Heartcore, multiple London locations
With an impressive seven studios across London, Heartcore classes promote positivity and strength that will radiate into every part of the recipients life, ensuring a unique experience. The studio’s method uses the most effective elements of Pilates, the wisdom of Yoga and joy of free movement to help you transform your body and mind.
Founder Jessie Blum started her career as a designer but discovered fitness whilst living in L.A.; and it was there that she learnt from the best, developed the HeartcoreMethod and was inspired to take the courageous step to bring boutique fitness to London – resulting in outstanding success.
Taking place on Heartcore’s bespoke Coreformer, which is fully adjustable to all abilities, the in-studio classes help to build lasting, full body strength, toning every part of your body. Fusing the mind-body principles of Pilates with Heartcore’s unique method, in-studio classes are powerful, fun and a truly transformative workout.
Where: Multiple locations across Bayswater, Chelsea, Fulham, Hampstead, Kensington, Notting Hill, St Johns Wood
Wallet: Single classes from £35.00
How: Find out more and make a booking via weareheartcore.com
5 Bondi Rise, East Molesey
From Australia to Surrey. Bondi Rise was born in Bondi Beach, a beautiful and popular beach in Sydney, Australia. Living on Bondi Beach sparks a feeling of endless opportunity and vibrant excitement. Each time you experience one of the most magnificent sunrises in the world, you want to inhale the energy and become whole in your mind and body.
This is what inspired founder Lottie to create the Bondi Rise platform – the place where they bring you this unique “Bondi” feeling with every session. Inspired by the active lifestyle of Bondi Beach, this boutique studio in East Molesey is a space for you to switch off and connect with yourself.
Offering small-group Reformer Pilates (as well as Mat Pilates, Barre and Yoga classes) the specialised programs will empower your body and mind, leaving you feeling lengthened, toned, stronger and inspired. There’s also an option for classes via the online platform, giving you the flexibility to work out whenever you want.
Where: 48 Bridge Rd Molesey East Molesey KT8 9HA
How: Find out more and make a booking via bondirise.com
6 The Pilates Movement Studio, Guildford and Godlaming
If you love classes with a boutique feel, book the Pilates Movement, with stunningly presented studios in the heart of Godalming and Guildford. Offering a comprehensive timetable of varying levels of Reformer Pilates sessions (plus alongside fully dedicated private Personal Training Studios for those who take it super seriously) fitness aficionados can try classes in both Guildford and Godalming.
The classes are a variety of mixed levels, designed to get amazing results regardless of skill or fitness experience – from weight loss and improved mobility, this highly qualified team will leave you feeling both safe, secure and confident.
Where: Studios in Godalming and Guildford.
How: Find out more and make a booking via thepilatesmovementstudio.co.uk
Wallet: Guildford Introductory offer: any two sessions for £30.00.
7 Foxhills Country Club & Resort, Chertsey
For an added dose of luxury, splash out on a HealthSpa membership at Foxhills, the leading country club and resort. Located in picturesque Chertsey, Surrey, Foxhills is just a stone’s throw from Woking and Guildford and nestled within 400 beautiful acres, making it ideal for those seeking a full experience when it comes to a workout.
Members can enjoy access to the modern on-site HealthSpa including gym and adults-only swimming pool, the spa garden, all studio fitness-classes and the woodland-inspired Yoga Cabin. Reformer pilates is a regular on the jam-packed timetable and is ideal for those looking to feel the burn on a regular basis.
Where: Foxhills, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0EL
Wallet: Enquire directly for 2023 pricing.
How: Find out more and make a booking via foxhills.co.uk
