When it comes to Pilates in London, the options are endless - from dynamic reformer workouts or classic mat-based sessions, the city is brimming with top-tier studios to suit every level. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to build strength (like us!) or a seasoned pro perfecting your technique, there's a class for everyone.
As two Pilates novices, we each had our own goals in mind, but one shared mission: to become true Pilates princesses. So why did we dive into this discipline, famed for its ability to transform the body and strengthen the core? The answer was simple - we wanted to see firsthand what all the hype was about.
From group classes to private sessions, we explored some of London's most highly rated Pilates studios to uncover what makes each one unique. Here's what we found…
Blanc Space Studios
With my wedding just a few months away, I knew it was time to find a workout that would not only strengthen my body but also help me feel poised and confident on my big day. So, when the opportunity arose to try Pilates, I thought, why not? As a complete beginner, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Would I feel muscles I never knew existed? Spoiler alert: yes.
Stepping into the studio, based in Fulham, for my first class, I was immediately struck by the calm yet focused energy in the room. A row of reformers - those intimidating contraptions - lined the space. My instructor greeted me warmly and assured me that, no, I would not break myself. We started with breathwork, something I only associated with mindfulness and yoga. Inhale, engage the core, exhale - suddenly, the seemingly simple act of breathing became an art. The workout was both challenging and strangely addictive. Every movement felt purposeful, and by the end of the session, I was exhausted yet energised. I left with a newfound appreciation for my body's capabilities and, more importantly, a determination to return.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid. To book, visit blancspacestudios.com
Kinetic Pilates
With reformer Pilates taking the social media world by storm, I was incredibly eager to start my journey to become a Pilates princess. Since the end of last year, I have been embracing all things wellness to make me feel the best version of myself and as a former dancer, I was desperate to get involved with the It-Girl exercise class of our generation. Kinetic Pilates was the perfect place to begin my journey. Following the discipline of Classical Romana Pilates, which was developed by Joseph Pilates' protege over 30 years ago, the incredible teachers at Kinetic Pilates made sure I understood the absolute fundamentals of the style before teaching me complicated exercises. During my 1-2-1 session at the Old Street studio, I focused on the engagement of my deep core and performed basic but effective exercises that left me walking around five inches taller the following day.
Founder of the studio, Rebecca was clear in her message, that sessions at Kinetic are not about pumping up your surface-level abs and leaving, instead it is about mindful practice and accurate technique for an exercise class that supports your whole body. Whilst Pilates is beloved by countless celebrities, the likes of Miley Cyrus and Kate Hudson are two names who train in the classical technique. Lawrence Olivier also studied under Joseph Pilates himself!
Would I recommend Kinetic Pilates? Absolutely, their ethos is certainly a quality, not quantity approach and with only four to five spaces per session, everyone in the class gets the teacher's full attention.
Reviewed by Isabelle Casey. To book visit kineticpilates.com
Core LDN
© Cecilia Cristolovean-CsikyI was eager to try Core LDN, knowing their approach was anything but "one-size-fits-all". From the outset, it was clear that every session is tailored to individual needs, whether it's injury rehabilitation, overall body strengthening or pre- and post-natal recovery. My experience began with the Core LDN Intro, a 1:1 session designed to assess posture, strength, and endurance. This personalised introduction set the foundation for my session, ensuring that every movement moving forward would be both intentional and effective. Guiding me through the session was Claire Mills, the Founder of Core LDN, a highly skilled Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor. Her expertise was evident as she carefully adjusted my movements, ensuring each exercise was safe yet impactful.
From there, I progressed to one of their CORE classes, where physiotherapy-led Pilates took centre stage. The attention to detail was remarkable - every movement targeted my core and posture. Unlike traditional Pilates classes, where you follow along in a group setting, Core LDN provided a truly personalised experience, with expert cues and adjustments that made a noticeable difference. Would I go back? Without a doubt.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid. To book, visit coreldn.com
Ten Health and Fitness
I was really excited to try a class at Ten Health and Fitness, a true OG in London's reformer scene. After all, if it's good enough for Claudia Schiffer, it's certainly worth investigating! The studio prides itself on bridging the gap between medical and fitness, and that's evident from the get-go. My instructor was brilliant; she was patient, knowledgeable and had an eagle eye for form. She guided me through the intricacies of the reformer machine.
For a newbie, it can look a little intimidating - all springs and sliding carriages - but I quickly got the hang of it. I'll admit, there were moments when I felt the shaking, but the instructor's encouragement and the subtle adjustments made all the difference. By the end of the session, I felt longer, leaner and surprisingly energised. There's a definite sense of achievement that comes with mastering those controlled movements. Three days on, I could still feel the aches in my body. But to really immerse myself in the Ten Health and Fitness experience, I also braved their cryotherapy chamber for a full three minutes. It was an invigorating jolt to the system! This was followed swiftly by a restorative session in their sauna.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid. To book, visit ten.co.uk
KXU
Forget everything you thought you knew about Pilates - I recently visited KXU, London's luxurious Chelsea gym, for the launch of their new Hot Pilates class, and let me tell you, this red-hot fitness trend is about to become your obsession. This isn't your average mat session. Studio 2, KXU's dedicated heated space, I could feel the temperature cranked up to a muscle-shaking 30°C, powered by infrared panels. This isn't just about sweat; the infrared heat really helps with flexibility, boosts circulation and aids detoxification.
The 50-minute class itself is a brilliant fusion. It combines Pilates, the deep burn of barre, yoga and elements of strength training. Inspired by the popular Paola's Body Barre method, it delivered an incredible full-body workout that genuinely sculpted and toned, all while being surprisingly kind to my joints. I left feeling completely stretched and surprisingly invigorated. If you're looking to turn up the heat on your fitness routine, Hot Pilates at KXU runs weekly on Mondays at 17pm, Wednesdays at 12pm, and Sundays at 10.40am.
Reviewed by Katy Huke. To book, visit kxu.co.uk
Volonté
With studios in Chelsea, Fitzrovia and Piccadilly, Volonté blends mindful Reformer Pilates with a nutritionist-approved café, offering a take on wellness that feels restorative rather than restrictive. I joined a Reformer class in Fitzrovia and was left impressed - every movement was controlled, deliberate and deeply strengthening. By the end, I felt taller, more open and energised. What sets Volonté apart is the 360° approach. A smoothie or speciality coffee before class, a protein-rich bowl afterwards, was the perfect addition. For Londoners navigating the season's "back to routine" reset, Volonté is less a studio, more a sanctuary for strength and mobility.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid. Visit volonte-energy.com/classes
The Grounding Wellness Centre
This was my first Pilates class at The Grounding, the new wellness centre from lifestyle and hospitality brand Mason & Fifth, and it quickly proved it's far from a standard gym session. The hour was slow and deliberate, with breath-led movements. The instructor's cues were precise, each exercise leaving me both challenged and reset. By the end, I wasn't just looser in my body, my mind had quieted too. For those looking to extend the experience, Mason & Fifth in Westbourne Park offers sustainably designed flexible-stay studios, available to book for as long or as short a period as you like. Guests enjoy full access to The Grounding's amenities - including a pool, sauna, steam rooms, cold-water therapy bucket showers and gym.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid. Visit mason-fifth.com/the-grounding/
