Pilates in London

Do you want to get lean, toned and strong and boost your bodily awareness, flexibility, endurance and posture? Or do you want to challenge your body and mind in a safe and nurturing exercise environment? Then Pilates is perfect for you. 

Pilates is a holistic exercise system that uses a series of carefully controlled movements, muscle-building resistance exercises and breathing techniques to build a connection between your mind and body. First developed by Joseph Pilates as a form of rehabilitative exercise, Pilates helps you to develop greater bodily awareness, a deeper connection to your breath, and a leaner, stronger physique. 

In particular, Pilates focuses on your core strength and understands that the health of your body intimately connects with the strength and stability of your core. That's why dancers and athletes often use Pilates as an integral part of their training program.  Meanwhile, others enthusiastically proclaim the benefits it has for their posture and daily movements. But a pilates class won’t just work your core — you’ll also target obliques, lower back, inner and outer thighs, and glutes, to leave you feeling strong, agile and in control. 

Check out our selection of Pilates classes near you and condition both your body and mind. 

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What are the Benefits of Pilates?

Created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, a German-born immigrant, Pilates was designed as a safe, effective way to build strength, length and flexibility. Drawing on Yoga’s attention to controlled breathing, sustained concentration, and deep stretching, Pilates also builds in resistance training to condition the body and mind. 

Since its creation, Pilates has acted as a form of rehabilitation for prisoners of war, dancers and athletes. But Pilates isn’t only a great way of developing strength and endurance. It’s also regularly used to boost overall body performance and mental clarity. 

Other benefits of regular Pilates classes include: 

• Improved core strength 
• Better posture 
• Supercharged endurance 
• Higher energy levels 
• Greater lean muscle mass 
• Improved flexibility 
• Greater strength

What to Expect from a Pilates Class?

There are hundreds of different Pilates classes out there, each with a particular focus, teaching style and method. But whether you’re a beginner in a rehab class or an advanced reformer addict, all Pilates classes use the same six-core principals — centring, control, flow, breath, precision and concentration. 

Keeping these six principals at the heart of the practice, Pilates classes use body and resistance movements to engage your core and uniquely control your movements.  

The Holistic Guide to London has dozens of Pilates teachers and classes for you to choose from.  Your only task is to find the one that works best for you. You may notice class types are generally listed as either mat or reformer Pilates, and although similar, there are some key differences between the two. 

Mat Pilates Classes 

Mat Pilates — as the name suggests — takes place on a mat and utilises controlled body resistance exercises to build strength and tone. If you've not tried a Pilates class, a mat class is the best choice for you. Classes range from thirty minutes to an hour and are available at all ability levels. During your class, you learn a series of exercises designed to improve mobility, flexibility and strength. The instructor will be there the whole time to make sure you're getting the movements perfect every time.

There is a whole range of different mat classes to try from beginners to advanced, rehabilitation to core-focused classes. Whatever your ability, your interests, your strengths or your weakness, check out a mat Pilates class near you and take the steps towards a stronger, sleeker, happier you.  

Reformer Pilates Classes

Reformer classes use a range of equipment specially designed for Pilates exercises and movements. Using a series of pulleys, cables, straps and bars, Reformer Pilates can initially be a little intimidating for the uninitiated — but it doesn’t need to be. Just see these extra pieces of equipment as keeping your Pilates classes consistently interesting, challenging and exciting. 

Reformer Pilates is better suited to those who have already tried Pilates or have a decent level of fitness ability. However, Reformer Pilates classes are still safe, fun, and a challenge well worth taking. 

If you’re looking for a holistic exercise system to lengthen and strengthen your muscles, browse our collection of Pilates classes. Use our location search and find a class near you.