Pilates is everywhere. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or flicking through a magazine, it’s hard to go a day without seeing a Pilates workout. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the UK. In 2022, Pilates had risen in popularity by 124%, and this number has only increased. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of people turning to a career in Pilates and studios popping up across the country.

To help you gain some clarity on the best studios for mat and reformer Pilates, we’ve created this guide of the top 10 Pilates studios Manchester.

What is Pilates? 

Pilates is a low impact form of exercise aimed at strengthening the muscles of the body, mainly the core through a series of movements. Pilates also helps improve muscular endurance, stability, balance, posture and flexibility through controlled movements and breath-work. 

Most of the movements are bodyweight exercises, however small pieces of equipment such as a Pilates ring and dumbbells can be used. Apparatus can also be incorporated in a Pilates class, for example a reformer bed or cadillac. 

Pilates was created by physical trainer Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It is believed that after a childhood of sickness, he used exercise to improve his health, becoming a skilled gymnast and boxer. He developed his method when interning at a war camp during World War I, using the exercises to help rehabilitate soldiers. Pilates would use the springs from hospital beds to create apparatus, now commonly known as reformer beds. 

Since then, Pilates has become a global phenomenon, widely celebrated across the world as a form of exercise that helps improve health. It is also used by physiotherapists as a means of rehabilitating patients.

Mat vs Reformer Pilates, What’s The Difference? 

There are different variations of Pilates, and different methods. The two most common types are mat and reformer Pilates. Here we break down the differences between the two and the benefits of each type of Pilates.

Mat Pilates 

Mat Pilates is regarded as the foundation of all forms of Pilates. Because all you need is a mat, it is a cost-effective way to exercise. However, small equipment such as dumbbells, a Pilates ring and ball can also be used to add resistance to the workouts and make them more challenging. 

Mat Pilates includes 50 exercises that focus on full body strength and core stability. This type of Pilates is suitable for absolute beginners, all the way through to those with a wealth of experience. Exercises can be easily adapted to suit all experience levels. This is why it is often used as a form of rehabilitation for patients dealing with injuries. The low-impact movements make it a suitable exercise class for older adults too. 

Benefits of Mat Pilates 

• Suitable for all levels
• Low cost 
• Build strength 
• Improves flexibility 
• Increase stability and balance 
• No equipment needed 
• Low impact

Reformer Pilates 

Reformer Pilates is another derivative of Pilates that uses a reformer bed to add resistance to the exercises. It is also low impact, but a more challenging form of exercise that requires a lot of muscular control. 

A reformer is made up of a moving flatbed, also known as a carriage, supported by a wooden or metal frame, along with a series of springs, pulleys and straps all used to add resistance. These springs can be adjusted to add more or less resistance depending on experience level and difficulty. A reformer bed can be tailored to suit the individual’s needs. 

When performing exercises on a reformer bed, you can lie down, stand, sit or kneel. There are several different exercises that can be altered for beginner, intermediate or advanced clients. 

Benefits of Reformer Pilates 

• Helps to build muscle 
• Challenging for the mind and body 
• Suitable for different levels 
• Easily modified 
• Adds variety to a workout 
• Low impact 

There are several Pilates studios in Manchester that offer both mat and reformer Pilates, so can have the opportunity to try and both and see which is best-suited to your goals and experience level.

How do I become a Pilates Teacher? 

If you’ve been enjoying Pilates classes and you want to develop your knowledge, a Level 3 Pilates course is the best way to do so. This will give you the wealth of information to expand your own practice and teach others. 

The first qualification you need to obtain is a Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification. After completion, you can then enhance your learning with a level 4 course, or level 3 reformer course. Within all of the courses you’ll learn about the history and fundamentals of Pilates, and how to plan and deliver a Pilates class. 

Even if you aren’t interested in changing your career, teaching pilates can be a great side hustle to help you stay fit, meet new people and earn extra income. Once qualified, you can apply for part and full-time positions are some of our favourite Pilates studios in Manchester.

Top 10 Pilates Studios Manchester

Manchester has the second highest number of Pilates studios in the UK, emphasising its popularity amongst locals. But, it’s not simply an Instagram trend, Pilates is popular because it’s effective. With so many options for Pilates Manchester-wide, it can be hard to know where to begin, especially with such a diverse mix of styles and studios

While some studios focus on a certain type of Pilates, there are many that offer both mat and reformer. However, only a few specialist studios offer alternative apparatus such as the cadillac. Here are some of our favourite Pilates studios in Manchester:  

Embrace Wellness

Embrace Wellness is one of the newest reformer Pilates studios on the block. Founder, Ellie Dowie MBE is a former olympic gymnast who turned her hand to the health and fitness business. The studio offers classes for all levels, including: 

• Control and basics – beginners 
• SLT (strength, length and tone) – Intermediate
• Burn – Intermediate/Advanced 
• Flexibility – All levels 

This Scandi-style interior has a calming aesthetic, designed to make clients feel more relaxed when they step into the space. Set outside the city centre in Stretford, it is sure to bring a sense of calm to your daily living. 

Sculpt in Haus  

Sculpt in Haus was one of the first reformer Pilates studios in Manchester. It was founded by Amy Hughes, who discovered the class on a research trip to LA. In recent years, Sculpt has grown with the city. Their city centre studio has expanded several times over the last 5 years with reformer’s growing popularity, and now they’ve opened up a studio in Wilmslow, Cheshire too. 

Sculpt’s cool design and quirky colour scheme allows it to stand out from other studios. Whereas neutral tones are often seen in Pilates studios, Sculpt in Haus have opted for bright pink, green and neon designs, bringing a sprinkle of fun to the class experience. This studio also offers women’s only classes which are commonly sold out. 

Core 30  

Core 30 is a popular Pilates studio located in Swinton, one of Greater Manchester’s suburbs. The studio is one of the biggest in the area, with 10 beds available per class. Core 30 offers mat and reformer Pilates, as well as yoga classes. 

Their biggest selling point is how accommodating classes are. The studio offers classes based on different levels, level 1 for beginners and level 2 for intermediate/advanced, with mixed ability classes also on offer. 

Runway Pilates 

Runway Pilates is another long-standing player in reformer Pilates in the North West. With their first studio in Altrincham, Runway have also expanded to Manchester city centre and Alderly Edge, now one of the biggest reformer chains in Manchester and the surrounding area. 

Runway offers six different class types, suitable for varying experience levels and goals. They also notably offer post-natal classes for women who want to use reformer as a tool to rehabilitate and improve their strength post-birth. 

Other classes include abs, arms and ass for clients who want to focus on strengthening certain areas of their body. Runway also offers discounted classes with new teachers who are looking to gain more experience. 

You Mind Body and Soul  

You Mind Body and Soul offers more than just Pilates,  it delivers a complete wellness experience. In addition to a state-of-the-art reformer studio, there’s a welcoming wellness café where you can relax and socialise after class. Whether you’re after a caffeine boost or something refreshing, you can pre-order a hot drink, cold-pressed juice, protein shake, or acai bowl.

As well as the classic reformer Pilates classes, You Mind Body and Soul also offer Baby + You classes for new mums looking to bond with their babies whilst navigating movement in their post-partum period.

Pilates Manchester 

Pilates Manchester is renowned for their specialist skill set within the Pilates industry. They offer a combination of disciplines and within reformer offer body Garuda and Stott pilates. They are the first Garuda pilates provider in the North West. The Garuda Method offers a dynamic, three-dimensional approach to movement that goes beyond traditional Pilates by integrating the whole body through sling-based work. Practicing Garuda can improve flexibility, joint mobility, recovery, and overall strength while promoting a more open and connected mindset. Stott Pilates is another contemporary method of Pilates that incorporates the principles of exercise science into the practice.

Where this studio excel is their focus on pilates as a form of rehabilitation for different injuries and medical conditions, as well as a tool for strength and conditioning. 

Pilates Manchester offer in-person reformer and cadillac classes and online mat pilates for people who want to exercise from the comfort of their own home. 

Re:Sculpt  

Re:Sculpt have studios in Salford and Ancoats and offer an immersive reformer Pilates experience unlike any other. They use dark lighting to stimulate endorphins and offer DJ curated playlists through headphones for a deeply engaging experience. 

Classes are a 45 minute continuous flow, aimed at increasing your heart rate and pushing you hard. Where Re:Sculpt stands out from the crowd is their use of Maxformer; bigger reformer beds with increased resistance. 

As if that wasn’t enough, you can also pre-order a complimentary matcha to elevate your training experience. 

Reset By Form  

Reset is a holistic studio within the boutique fitness gym, Form. They have studios in Manchester and Leeds and offer both mat and reformer Pilates, along with Yoga and Barre (a combination of ballet and Pilates). 

Their goal is to provide a luxurious and intimate feel to their classes. Nestled away in the centre of Manchester, it’s a haven of peace in a bustling city centre. 

The Health Lab 

The Health Lab is based underneath The Green Lab, a healthy cafe based in the Northern Quarter, Manchester. It’s a woman owned studio that offers reformer and infrared mat Pilates. Infrared uses moderate heat to enhance flexibility and help you get the most out of your body during Pilates sessions. There is some evidence to suggest that infrared Pilates can help with muscle recovery and promote relaxation. 

There are high intensity sessions, cardio and restorative classes tailored to target different health and fitness goals. 

Blok  

Blok stands out as one of the most stylish studio spaces in both Manchester and London. Housed in the characterful, industrial surroundings of Ducie Street Warehouse, it offers a boutique fitness experience right in the city centre.

With a diverse range of classes, including Pilates and the recent addition of a brand-new reformer studio, Blok delivers a premium, high-end experience that feels both exclusive and inspiring from the moment you arrive.

Conclusion 

Pilates is one of the most inclusive forms of exercise there is. Designed to help people move better, Pilates can benefit older adults, injured patients and elite athletes. No matter what your goal and experience level, there will be a class that caters to your needs.

This list of top 10 Pilates studios in Manchester should have provided you with an overview of our favourite spots in the city to practice Pilates, whether that’s a classic mat class, something more advanced such as reformer, or even alternative methods such as infrared Pilates. As the popularity of Pilates doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, there will be more and more studios opening up in Manchester and across the UK.