How to choose a Pilates studio in London
London has hundreds of places to do Pilates, from large reformer chains to one instructor teaching in a church hall. This guide covers the questions worth asking before you book, so you can pick a class that suits your body, your budget and your diary.
1. Reformer or mat?
Mat Pilates is done on the floor, sometimes with small props such as bands, balls or rings. It needs no machine, so classes are often larger and cheaper, and it is easy to keep going at home.
Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage with springs. The springs can make an exercise easier or harder, which suits people who like resistance, and some people find the support helpful when returning to exercise. Classes are limited by the number of machines, so they tend to be smaller and cost more.
Some studios also have other equipment such as the Cadillac (or tower), chair and barrels, usually for private or small group sessions. Of the studios we list, 446 mention reformer classes, 337 mention mat classes and 187 mention other studio equipment on their own websites.
Browse: reformer studios · mat classes · studio equipment
2. Ask about the instructor's training
Pilates teaching is not regulated by law in the UK in the way physiotherapy is, so it is fair to ask:
- Where did you train, and was it a full Pilates teacher training course?
- Does your training cover the equipment you teach on, such as the reformer?
- Do you hold professional insurance?
- How do you adapt exercises for beginners, injuries or pregnancy?
If a studio says its classes are physio led, you can look the physiotherapist up on the public register of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). We do not check qualifications or insurance for any studio we list.
3. Check the class size and level
Ask how many people are in a class and whether there are beginner or foundation sessions. Smaller classes usually mean more correction from the instructor. If you are new, a beginner class or a one to one session first can help you learn the basics safely. 437 of the studios we list mention beginner classes and 428 mention private sessions.
Browse: beginner classes · private sessions
4. Injuries, health conditions and pregnancy
If you have an injury, a health condition, or you are pregnant or have recently given birth, speak to your GP, physiotherapist or midwife before you start, and tell the instructor before your first class. Look for classes that say they are designed for your situation, and stop if something hurts.
326 studios we list mention pregnancy or postnatal Pilates and 133 mention clinical or physio led Pilates. Browse: pregnancy and postnatal · clinical or physio led
5. Intro offers and cost
When we checked on 20 Oct 2026, 279 of the 610 studios we list showed an intro offer on their own website (17 of them a free first or taster class). Where a price was shown, it ranged from £10 to £235, with a middle value (median) of £50 across 261 offers.
Before you buy, check how many classes an offer includes, when it expires, whether it is for new clients only, and the cancellation rules. Try one or two classes before you commit to a block or membership.
6. Practical checks
- Location and times: pick somewhere you can reach easily at the times you are free. You will go more often.
- Booking and cancelling: look for how far ahead you must book and the late cancellation fee.
- Access: ask about steps, lifts, changing rooms and toilets if they matter to you.
- What to bring: some studios ask for grip socks or your own mat.
Quick checklist
- Reformer, mat, or both?
- Is the instructor fully trained and insured?
- Is there a beginner class, and how big are classes?
- Have you told the studio (and your GP or midwife if relevant) about any injury, condition or pregnancy?
- Have you read the intro offer terms and the cancellation policy?
Ready to look? Search studios by name, class type or area, or browse every area in London.
Common questions
Is reformer Pilates better than mat Pilates?
Neither is better for everyone. Reformer classes use a sprung machine that can support or challenge you and are usually smaller and pricier. Mat classes need no equipment and are often the cheaper way to start. Many people do both.
What should I ask about an instructor's qualifications?
Ask where they trained, whether the course was a full Pilates teacher training rather than a short add on, whether it covered the equipment they teach on, and whether they hold insurance. If a class is described as physio led, you can check the physiotherapist on the HCPC register.
Should I do Pilates if I am injured or pregnant?
Speak to your GP, physiotherapist or midwife first, and tell the instructor before your first class. Look for classes that say they are for pregnancy, postnatal or clinical needs.