In a world of gym chains and profit-first reformer studios, EQ Pilates is proudly different. We don’t just know your name — we remember your dog’s name, your injuries, and when you last had a good week.

Our classes are small on purpose. Because real Pilates isn’t about cramming bodies onto machines — it’s about teaching the person in front of us. That’s the power of knowing everyone in the room.

It’s one of the most common questions we hear at EQ—and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How often you should do Pilates depends on your goals, your schedule, and your body. What we can tell you is this: whether you come once a week or three times, Pilates will meet you where you are—and change how you feel in your body.

Whether you’re new to Pilates or have years of experience, deciding between private sessions and group classes can be an important choice — and it might shift over time depending on your goals, lifestyle, or needs. Both options offer powerful benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes. This guide will help you decide which setting is right for you right now.

I’m trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates. This isn’t about saying one is better than the other—it’s about clarity. I keep seeing classes described as classical when what’s being taught isn’t classical at all.

On paper, a £15–£20 Reformer class might seem like a great deal. But when you break it down, it’s often a lot of money for very little teaching.

Many of these low-cost studios offer large group classes, packed with 15 to 20 reformers. The sessions are fast-paced, heavily choreographed, and designed to keep everyone moving in sync. It looks slick. It feels busy. But the real question is—are you actually being taught?

If you’re hooked on Reformer Pilates, we get it. The springs, the resistance, the satisfying click of the carriage—Reformer classes are dynamic, powerful, and incredibly rewarding. But if the Mat studio isn’t yet part of your routine, you might be missing out on one of the most valuable parts of the Pilates method.

Here’s why adding a weekly Mat class can take your Reformer practice—and your overall strength—to the next level:

When people first find us at EQ Pilates, one of the most common questions they ask is: “Which class should I start with?” And with so many options — Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, and Studio Sessions — we get it. It can feel overwhelming at first glance.

But here’s the good news: there’s no wrong place to start. Each type of session we offer is grounded in Joseph Pilates’ original method and designed to meet your body where it is — whether you’re brand new to movement, coming back after injury, or an athlete looking to gain an edge.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the difference between each class and help you decide what might be the best fit for you.

EQ is a true family affair. I run the studio alongside my mum Linda, my dad and my husband Anthony. Between us, we’ve poured our hearts (and a fair bit of sweat) into building this space from the ground up — painting walls, building equipment, cleaning mats, managing bookings, and teaching sessions. It’s personal, and it always has been.

People think running a Pilates studio must be so relaxing.
“Oh, you must just float around in leggings all day, lighting candles and stretching!”

Yeah. Sure.
Except instead of candles, it’s a spray bottle and a cloth.
Actually no — we even have a cleaner for that, because we like to leave things to the professionals while we deal with broken headrests and four studio schedules.

Let’s talk about the real life of studio ownership, shall we?

In a world of 24/7 gyms, app-led classes, and big-name fitness chains promising “everything under one roof,” it’s easy to lump all movement experiences together. But here’s the truth: a dedicated Pilates studio is not just another line item on your fitness checklist. It’s a completely different world—one that simply can’t be compared to the gym down the road.

Let’s talk about The Hundred—the infamous exercise that kicks off so many Pilates sessions. Love it or loathe it, this punchy little number has earned its place as a classical Pilates essential.

When people think of Pilates, they often picture a mat class or a group on the Reformer all doing the same sequence together. But that’s not how Joseph Pilates taught.

As March Matness draws to a close, we’ve loved seeing social media light up with snippets of the original 34 Mat exercises—each one a little window into the brilliance of Joseph Pilates’ method. But beyond the Instagram moments, March Matness is a reminder of something deeper: Mat isn’t a ‘lite’ version of Pilates. It’s the heart of the method.

There’s a point in every teacher’s journey where you feel like something’s missing. You’ve got the certification, the clients, and the schedule, but there’s this quiet itch—like you're going through the motions, following the manual, but not really seeing the bigger picture.

That’s exactly where I was when I started looking for a Pilates mentorship.

One of the biggest problems in movement, pain, and Pilates is not actually movement, pain, or Pilates. It’s language

The worst thing we ever did was call the neck a neck. And worse still, give a name to the “lower back.”

Because the moment we name something, we separate it. We give it an identity of its own. We turn it into something that exists apart from the rest of the body. And in doing so, we make it vulnerable.

Back pain is one of the most common issues people face, and if you’ve been to a physiotherapist, you’ve probably been given exercises to help manage it. But let’s be honest—how often do you actually do them?

In recent years, the demand for reformer Pilates has skyrocketed, leading to a surge in short reformer certification courses. These quick-fix programs make it easier than ever for fitness professionals to start teaching reformer Pilates. But here’s the problem: many of these courses don’t prepare teachers to work safely or effectively with real clients.

Pilates is a practice built on control, precision, and connection. It’s not just about movement—it’s about how you move. While Pilates can strengthen, lengthen, and energize your body, some habits can hold you back from fully experiencing its benefits.

The good news? Awareness is the first step toward change. Here are five common mistakes in Pilates—and how to shift your approach for a more connected and fulfilling practice.

In 2001, my mum did something most people wouldn’t dare to do in their fifties—she started over. She didn’t have a big financial safety net, a business background, or a five-year plan. What she had was a deep belief in movement, a relentless work ethic, and a quiet but unshakable determination.

Let’s get one thing straight—Pilates was invented by a man, for men. Joseph Pilates, a German-born athlete, boxer, and self-defense instructor, developed his method in the early 20th century to rehabilitate injured soldiers and improve strength, control, and mobility. At a time when women weren’t even encouraged to exercise, Pilates was focused on building strong, resilient men. So, if you think Pilates is just for women, you’re kidding yourself.