I've taken a lot of reformer classes in San Francisco, and I thought this one was a good workout,…read moreand challenging. Location: Located in Covent Garden, it's actually located inside the "Gym Box", so make sure you look for a big yellow sign. Walk in, check in at the front desk and they'll send you downstairs to a room without very many directions. It took me a few extra minutes to figure out where the gym & class were, so if it's your first time, make sure you allocate at least 5 extra minutes. Class: More focused on core and legs, and didn't do too much with arms. It was fine for me, but if you're looking for a more upper body workout, you may not be getting much with this. The class is pretty fast-paced, so not the best if you're a beginner or have never taken a reformer class. Instructor: I had Jess, who was great. High-energy, friendly, and was paying attention to correct posture/form. Music: Pretty high energy music that you may find in a dance club in Europe (but with vocals). I like this type of music, so I appreciated it, but if you don't like this kind of music, you may want to avoid it. I'd definitely come back here again on another visit in London. Happy that they are on Classpass, as it makes it easy to try the class out.

INTENSE! I've taken a variety of reformer pilates classes in London and I have to say this has…read morebeen one of the most painful ones I've been to. I think it's constant repetition and very little time to recover and had most of my body shaking within an hour. It is quite a small studio (max 7 participants) and feels a little cramped. The studio is located in the Gym Box so bring a lock with you if you need to store anything.

This is definitely the best pilates studio I've been to in London, I've tried pretty much all of…read morethem at this point and this one is the winner in terms of being the most challenging and effective workout. If you wanted to get in shape fast, this is where I'd go. It's not like a "luxury studio" like Ten Health that has like stocked showers and a clothing shop, but Ten is what I'd call a "gentle" class, frequently much older people in class, and I don't think you get the same results, vs Epoch which will kick your ass and have you feeling the effects for days. I've taken classes from 3 different instructors here, they are all equally hard, which is what I go for. I'm pregnant a the moment so am opting for milder workouts while I'm pregnant, but once i'm postpartum I will definitely be coming here to get my body back in shape fast.

From the owner: Epoch Fitness is a personal training and group fitness studio specialising in strength and…read moreconditioning, classical and dynamic/athletic reformer Pilates sessions. Opened in 2013 we are the first studio to have opened in Fitzrovia and since then built a reputation as one of the finest studios operating in London. In 2022 we were the first studio in UK to introduce state of the art water towers to a few of our group classes for a perfect mix of strength training, Pilates and cardiovascular conditioning. We look forward to welcoming you at our Fitzrovia studio.

I have been going to Lesley Ackland's Pilates Studio for nearly 2 years now. At first in Covent…read moreGarden but now in the brilliant new location in London's Bloomsbury in central London. My aim was to relieve and improve my back from injury and wear and and tear from a life time of professional martial arts training. Steadily but surely, not only has my back improved but my general flexibility and mobility have increased. I always feel good after a session. I would recommend the studio to anyone.

From the owner: Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a…read moreflat abdomen. Each Pilates-based studio is slightly different. Lesley Ackland and her staff teach individually designed programmes with a commitment to personalising each client's exercise regime. The studio also has a reputation for its remedial and rehabilitation work. Lesley Ackland aims to give you the best body you are capable of attaining in relation to your age, fitness level andmedical condition. Individual programmes and rehabilitation are more easily addressed in a fully equipped Pilates studio, where a combination of mat work and equipment based exercises can be taught. For the best results from Pilates, the equipment based exercises are essential. Pilates is an excellent form of rehabilitation and prevention from many forms of injuries. More and more healthprofessionals are referring their patients to Pilates studios for exercise. Lesley Ackland Pilates has a proven trac

I fell down the stairs in my flat and strained my shoulder during the fall. It's been several month…read moreand it still hurt. I went to see the therapist approved from my insurance and while they identified the root cause (something with my rotator cuffs), the sessions were literally 10 minutes long: "Let me give you some exercises that you can do at home..." Which, I didn't really do...granted, that's on me! When I came to see Luke Abnett here at Covent Garden Physio, the experience was quite different. He came to the same assessment, but then he actually spend a good 15-20 minutes manipulating my shoulder...stretching and doing other "magic" touches to it. This didn't "heal" it, but it made for a much nicer experience and I've actually followed Luke's recommended exercises and have been doing them regularly. I know shoulder injuries take a long time to heal and at the time of when I'm writing this, I'm still recovering, but I would go back to Covent Garden Physio in a heartbeat...

From the owner: Since 1990, we’ve been helping everyone from dancers/athletes to office workers and retirees…read morerecover from injury/post-op and achieve their health and fitness goals. We take a holistic view of physical health which includes prescribed exercise, manual therapy and education to make a lasting change to the well-being of our clients. An appointment with one of our physiotherapists isn’t just an opportunity to relieve your symptoms, but to learn about your body from someone who is an expert in their field.

I'm still a fan as I still think this is a wonderful studio.. until I took their spin class this…read morepast Tuesday night. There were a lot of nice touches like really small studio so it feel very intimate, candlelit class for the holistic feel. I have cycle shoes with me and majority of the bikes didn't properly fit my shimano cleats. At one point, my left foot kept fall off the pedal that I just stuck it in the net half way through the class. Choreography - not very exciting - They do a few push up like moves which I'm not a big fan of (and also heard it isn't very good for training either). When the instructor said motivational, screaming lots of go, go go go, faster faster faster actually irritated me more than anything. So word of advice if you like spinning - go to a special spin studio like Pedal Studio or H2 Bike run, or even a regular gym class at Virgin Active would be way better than this.

From the owner: Discover your body's key stabilising muscles and learn how to incorporate them into your day-to-day…read moremovements

The beginner class with Matt McElligott is ok...a bit too beginner for me to be honest. I didnt…read moresweat very much and certainly don't feel like I worked out. In fact, i put my work dress back on and went back to work and no one was the wiser. That's not usually possible! I'm used to a post-workout shower. Lewis at the City location is much better. I took a beginner class with him and definitely felt it immediately after class.

This is where I conquered my fear of Spinning…read more I finally did it. Took the plunge. Jumped on the seat. Spinned my a*s off. The Friday lunch class with Cris is a great intro. As its a shorter class, you won't be wanting to die for quite so long. (kidding). He's super high energy, and plays great music (Whitney!) that made everything feel not so terrible. A few things I had to learn: *you do not need special shoes. Athletic shoes are fine. *have the instructor help you adjust your bike if you are new. *bring some water. *bring a towel. *don't freak out, push yourself. I did this as part of the 30 day new client special (includes both GV studios, 30 days for 30 quid!) -- and did two spinning classes. Really great way to burn calories quickly, in a fun way and super high intensity. The class fitness was mixed so it never felt like a bunch of hardbodies (though there were some of those too!). This studio also has the Power Plates classes. It is housed in a basement, and is a bit more dated feeling than the Covent Garden studio. All of the lockers are out in the open (which is great) and the reception staff were always kind and friendly. Very close to Goodge Street Station. If you are freaked about spinning -- try this! The intro offer is stellar and you can try it for a fraction of the cost to see if you like it, and the studio is convenient for you. Unfortunately for me it's just a bit too far from work or home to make it a permanent part of the workout, but I have Good Vibes to thank for getting me out of my 10 year Spinning aversion!

I love Good Vibes! Seriously, I'm here at least 5 times a week…read more I was looking for a yoga studio to join after I moved to London from San Francisco... and thank god I found Good Vibes because it was everything I wanted (and more!) Ironically I seldom go to the yoga classes here, only because I love spin, pilates, and power plates so much more! The instructors are awesome, the classes are challenging, and you always leave feeling a little bit better than when you came in. Oh and there's also a student discount for memberships which is awesome for poor student folk like me.

Ever since I left Canada, I've missed studio yoga. I do gym yoga for various reasons and it is just…read morenot the same, there's no real challenge, no focus and half the time you are distracted by the kick-boxing class next door. But Blue Cow Yoga is a deliciously proper studio. Right in the middle of the city, it's in a fantastic location. Spacious and very North American. You take your shoes off when you enter, help yourself to free tea or water and pad round to the changing rooms, where they have all amenities including hair straighteners. This I like! Also the abundance of lockers to keep your valuables safe are really appreciated. It's a very chill environment, they get the importance of focus and a peaceful vibe. I came for an inversion workshop and was delighted with the teacher and the experience. Mollie, the teacher, was super patient and explained everything very clearly. While she made it look elegant and easy herself, she took the time with all the beginners to make them feel comfortable. The room was very spacious with lots of white wall space to practice against, and plenty of maps, bolsters and blocks. I am definitely planning on coming back for their free yoga week for newcomers and I'd love to try a treatment too, once I recover from this inversion workout!

TREATMENTS. Sorry…read moreto shout. But, seriously...the treatments. I have not been for yoga yet (but I will!) --- and had signed up for updates via their newsletter. As luck would have it last week I received an email from them about 25 quid Bespoke Treatments. Answer to my prayers, little BCY -- answer to my prayers. After being slammed and shoved into planes, delayed in airports, working from bed and overall stress levels escalating, I needed a massage. A good, deep massage. And this is what I got. Which will have hooked me forever, so this marketing campaign to get folks into the studio worked. I'll be a faithful follower of Zoe, who whipped my knotted back and shoulders into shape. Really, very talented. Will be back for the yoga and the massage and the acupuncture -- and whatever else really? Really! It's a beautiful lower level space that feels tranquil and serene amidst the craziness of the City. It's clean, large, spacious, and the staff is friendly without being intrusive. Will return and update about the yoga -- but for now, I can say that I'm feeling mighty fine and relaxed due to that bespoke beatdown. Ahhhhhh.