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If you thought London might have reached peak Pilates, think again. As we head into autumn, the capital’s obsession with the Reformer shows little sign of loosening its grip.
What was once the preserve of boutique fitness devotees has become a bona fide exercise phenomenon, with new studios continuing to spring up across the city and the most sought-after classes still requiring the kind of forward planning usually reserved for a restaurant reservation.
It helps that Reformer Pilates promises that elusive fitness sweet spot: a workout that can be seriously challenging without putting the same impact through your joints as running or other high-intensity training. Using the machine’s springs, straps and moving carriage for resistance, classes can work strength, balance, flexibility and control, while exercises can be adapted for different abilities.
Its celebrity following certainly hasn’t hurt either. Jennifer Aniston and Meghan Markle are among its longtime devotees. In 2017, Markle went as far as to say that Reformer Pilates had “transformed” her body.
The boom has inevitably brought a huge variation in classes with it, though, and not every Reformer experience is created equal. Good instruction matters, particularly when you’re adding resistance and an unfamiliar piece of equipment into the equation, so choosing a reputable studio with properly trained instructors should come before finding the prettiest one on Instagram.
And while summer may have been about squeezing workouts around holidays, festivals and evenings in the park, autumn brings with it the irresistible urge to get back into a routine. For many Londoners, that increasingly means getting back on the Reformer.
Whether you’re a complete beginner wondering what all those springs actually do, or a seasoned Pilates obsessive searching for a new favourite class, these are the best Reformer Pilates studios in London to book now.
Whether you’re completely new to the carriage or know your footwork from your feet in straps, Frame has a Reformer class to match. There are beginner sessions, higher-energy dynamic classes, deep release and pre- and postnatal options, all designed to work the body from head to toe. Expect plenty of attention on the core, glutes, hips and lower back, alongside balance, mobility and flexibility – the kind of class that leaves you feeling satisfyingly worked without completely wiping you out.
Book it: Princes from £24 for a single class. Memberships from £120 per month for six classes. Class packs are also available. moveryourframe.com or enterthewellverse.com
Heartcore has long been a favourite among London’s Pilates crowd, thanks to a signature method that promises more than just a serious burn. Created by founder Jessie Blum, who has trained some of Hollywood’s elite, its dynamic take on Reformer combines deep strength work with a mind-body focus on balance and resilience. Beginners and seasoned athletes are both catered for across its eight London studios, from Notting Hill to Battersea.
Book it: Prices from £35 for a single Coreformer class and £25 for a single Hot Pilates class. weareheartcore.com
Reformcore brings plenty of energy without the high impact, pairing state-of-the-art Reformers with strength-focused routines designed to deliver a serious sculpting burn. Newbies can master the foundations with Reformcore Base, while regulars can dial things up with the faster-paced Burn. Small class sizes mean plenty of instructor attention, with private sessions available for an even more personalised workout.
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