Not Every Pilates Studio Is Right for Everyone—And That’s Okay
Over a decade ago, we welcomed anyone who wanted to train with us. If someone wanted to do Pilates, we said yes without hesitation.
At the time, we thought that was the right approach. Turning people away? That would be crazy, right?
But over the years, we learned something important: not every client-studio relationship is the right fit. Not every client is best suited to every teacher either—and that’s perfectly okay.
We believe in Classical Pilates, in doing things properly, in honouring the method as it was intended. We don’t believe in shortcuts, quick fixes, or trendy fitness fads. And as much as we’d love to say Pilates is for everyone, the truth is that our studio isn’t.
That doesn’t mean we’re ungrateful—we are deeply thankful for every client who has trusted us with their training. But we also know that being selective isn’t about turning people away; it’s about ensuring the best experience and results for those who truly want to commit to the work.
So, let’s talk about who will thrive in our studio—and who might be looking for something different.
1. You’re Looking for a Workout, Not a Practice
If you want a workout to “burn calories” or “get shredded,” we may not be the right place for you. Pilates is not a quick-fix fitness trend—it’s a lifelong practice of movement, control, and strength.
In our studio, we don’t chase sweat, soreness, or instant gratification. Instead, we build strong, aligned, and resilient bodies through precise, thoughtful work. You’ll love it here if you’re ready to commit to learning and refining your movement over time.
2. You Want to Skip the Foundations
Pilates is a system and like any system, it works best when you follow it from the ground up.
If you’re looking to jump straight into advanced exercises without mastering the basics, we might not be the best fit. We teach classical Pilates the way it was meant to be taught—progressing only when you’re ready, ensuring that every movement is built on a strong foundation.
3. You Prefer Trendy Fitness Classes Over Time-Tested Methods
There’s always a new fitness trend promising faster results with less effort.
We understand that some people love taking a HIIT workout on a Reformer and adding in extra fitness moves, possibly with a heated room or flashing lights and techno music. But that’s just not what we’re about.
We teach Pilates the way Joseph Pilates designed it—because it works. There are no watered-down versions, hybrid mash-ups, or gimmicks—just real Pilates, done the right way.
4. You Want a Passive Experience
We don’t believe in mindless movement. You won’t just “go through the motions in our studio.”
You’ll concentrate, control, engage and practice. Pilates is an active practice that requires your full attention and participation.
If you’re looking for an experience where you can zone out, this may not be the place for you. But if you want to truly connect with your body and develop a deeper understanding of movement, we’re here for it. In doing this level of concentration, you’ll find not only do you understand your body better, you own your session more, get way more out of it, do things you didn’t think possible- and you’ll zone out of the stress and worries you had when you came in. Win – Win!
5. You Expect Instant Results
Pilates works! Thousands of clients we have worked with since 2011 can tell you that, as can our Director Michelle, who, after a car accident, couldn’t put on her own underwear and was left by the NHS to live in daily pain, to being one of the biggest ambassadors for the magic of Pilates. BUT, it’s not a quick fix. Like any meaningful practice, it takes time, consistency, and commitment.
We won’t be the right fit if you’re looking for an overnight transformation. But if you’re ready to put in the work, trust the process, and experience real, lasting change in your body, we’d love to guide you on that journey.
6. You ‘Go To Pilates’ rather than ‘Do Pilates’
There’s a difference between attending Pilates and practicing Pilates.
If your main motivation is to check in on Instagram, show off your latest Lululemon set, or tell your friends you “do Pilates,” we might not be the right studio for you.
Pilates isn’t a status symbol—it’s a practice. It’s about learning, refining, and challenging your body and mind, not just showing up for the aesthetic.
We love a great outfit as much as anyone, but in our studio, the focus is on the work, not the look. If you’re here to truly move, grow, and experience the power of Pilates, we’re ready to teach you. But if you’re just here for the vibe, there are plenty of other studios that might be a better fit.
7. You Think Pilates Is Just Lying Down and Stretching
If you think Pilates is about leisurely stretching on a mat while half-dozing off, think again.
Yes, Pilates can be gentle, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Real Pilates is intelligent, precise, and deeply effective—designed to make your body work in the smartest way possible.
That doesn’t mean high-intensity workouts, jumping around, or sweating buckets. It means engaging muscles you didn’t even know you had, moving with purpose, and building strength, control, and resilience.
Whether you’re an athlete looking for that extra edge, a nan with sore hips, a new mum reconnecting with her core, or someone who’s lost their motivation for exercise—we meet you where you are and help you feel your absolute best.
So, if you’re looking for a passive stretch class, we might not be the right fit. But if you’re ready to work smart—to strengthen, align, and truly transform how your body moves—then we’d love to welcome you to the studio.
8. You Think Pilates Is Only for a Certain Type of Person
Pilates is for every body—every age, every size, every background, every ability, every gender identity, and every sexual orientation. We are done with fitness and exercise trying to put people into boxes and labels and expect people to make these huge physical transformations.
If you think Pilates is just for young, flexible women, think again. Our studio welcomes everyone—men and women, non-binary and trans individuals, children discovering movement for the first time, and over-70s looking to stay strong and mobile for years to come.
We proudly support and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and are committed to making our space inclusive, respectful, and judgment-free. No matter who you are, how you identify, or where you are in your movement journey, you are welcome here exactly as you are.
We don’t care what you look like in leggings. We care about how you feel in your body—strong, capable, and empowered.
There’s no judgment here. No pressure to be anything other than yourself.
Just a supportive environment where you can move, learn, and feel at home in your own skin. If that’s the kind of space you’re looking for, we’d love to have you.
Who Will Love Our Studio?
If you’re someone who values quality over trends, depth over shortcuts, and commitment over convenience—then you’re in the right place. We’re here for those who want to do Pilates right—not just for today, but for life.
Oh and we also like cake, drinking bubbles, dancing, horse riding, painting, sea glass hunting, lifting weights and doing yoga too – you really can have your cake and eat it!
If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you in the studio. Click here to book a session.