Frequently Asked Questions
Since announcing our move to a fully classical Pilates studio, many of you have been asking what this means for your classes, favourite equipment, instructors, and your Pilates journey with us.
We've created this FAQ to answer the questions we've been hearing most often and to help you understand what's changing, what isn't and why we're so excited about this next chapter for EQ Pilates.
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Why is EQ Pilates becoming a fully classical Pilates studio?
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We believe the classical method provides the clearest path for progression, consistency, and long-term results. By teaching one unified system, we can offer a more connected and effective Pilates experience for every client.
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What is classical Pilates?
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Classical Pilates follows the original system developed by Joseph Pilates, with exercises taught in a specific order and progression on the Mat and Reformer. Each exercise builds on the last, creating a complete method rather than a collection of individual workouts.
As clients progress, that same system extends across the wider Pilates apparatus, with each piece of equipment supporting and reinforcing the others.
What's the difference between classical and contemporary Pilates?
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Contemporary Pilates often blends the original exercises with modern fitness and rehabilitation approaches. Classical Pilates stays much closer to the original exercises, equipment, order, and progression developed by Joseph Pilates.
Classical teachers also undergo specialist training in the full Pilates system, learning how the Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Chairs, Barrels, and other apparatus work together. Rather than viewing each piece of equipment as a separate discipline, classical teachers are trained to understand Pilates as one interconnected method and to guide clients through clear progressions across the apparatus.
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I've never done classical Pilates before. Will I be able to keep up?
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Absolutely. Classes remain suitable for a wide range of abilities, and your instructor will continue to provide modifications and guidance where needed.
Will classes be harder?
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Not necessarily. Classical Pilates is about doing the right exercise at the right time. The focus is on quality, control, and progression, not making exercises more difficult for the sake of it.
My teacher is leaving EQ. Who will teach my class?
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Where instructors are moving on, classes will be taught by fully trained members of the EQ Pilates team. While every instructor has their own personality, our move to a fully classical system will create greater consistency across all classes.
Will you still offer group Reformer classes?
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Will I still use other apparatus?
Yes. Group reformer classes remain an important part of our timetable and a key part of the classical Pilates system.
How is the Tower different from the Cadillac?
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Around 99% of Cadillac exercises can be performed on the Tower.
The main difference is that the Cadillac includes an overhead canopy, which allows for a small number of advanced hanging and suspension exercises.
For safety reasons, these exercises will be reserved for private sessions, Joe's Gym, or suitably supervised advanced training. For most clients, the Tower provides the same strength, mobility, and full-body benefits they previously enjoyed in Cadillac classes.
Will you offer any new classes?
Will the timetable change?
Will the size of the studio change?
Yes. Our group classes will primarily use the Reformer, Tower, and Mat.
Clients attending Joe's Gym will also have access to the full range of classical Pilates apparatus, including Chairs, Barrels, the Cadillac, Ped-o-Pull, Arm Chair, High Chair, and other equipment as appropriate.
Yes.
One of the most exciting aspects of becoming a fully classical studio is the opportunity to introduce classes using a wider range of apparatus. These may include:
Wunda Chair
Barrels
Mixed apparatus classes, such as Tower & Chair or Tower & Barrels
These classes will give clients more opportunities to experience the full Pilates system and continue progressing beyond the Reformer.
We're working hard to keep the timetable as close to the current schedule as possible.
Some changes will be necessary as we introduce new equipment, class formats, and teaching allocations, but our aim is to minimise disruption and retain as many existing classes and times as we can.
We'll communicate any changes well in advance and do everything possible to help clients transition smoothly.
Won't it be noisy with everything happening in one open studio space?
Yes. As part of our transition to a fully classical Pilates studio, we will be moving into a single studio space at Coppice.
Historically, we've operated across two spaces to accommodate both our contemporary and classical offerings. From January, we no longer need that second unit.
While the overall footprint will be smaller, the studio will be equipped with a wider range of classical apparatus than ever before, including Reformers, Towers, Chairs, Barrels, and other specialist equipment.
What are the benefits for me?
What happened to the Cadillac classes?
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As part of our move to a fully classical studio, Tower classes will replace Cadillac classes within our group timetable.
The Tower uses the same springs, exercises, and movement principles as the Cadillac, allowing us to deliver the same experience in a group setting while creating more flexibility within the studio.
Many traditional classical Pilates studios operate in one shared space. Rather than feeling noisy or distracting, it often creates a stronger sense of community and allows clients to experience more of the Pilates system in action.
We'll continue to ensure the studio remains a calm, focused environment where clients can learn, move, and make progress comfortably.
You can expect:
Greater consistency across classes
Clearer progression
Improved understanding of the Pilates method
Stronger overall results
Access to a wider range of classical apparatus
A more connected Pilates experience
Why are you making this change now?
Still have questions?
As EQ Pilates enters its next chapter, we're aligning everything we do around the method we believe in most strongly.
This move allows us to provide a more consistent experience for clients, create clearer progression pathways, make full use of our upgraded classical equipment, and deliver the Pilates system as an integrated whole.
We're excited to offer clients a deeper, more authentic Pilates experience while preserving the supportive community that makes EQ special.
Please email us hello@eq-pilates.co.uk
Will you still teach Mat classes?
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Yes. Mat Pilates is the foundation of the Pilates method and will continue to be a central part of what we offer.