Pilates has increasingly become the fitness discipline of choice for many. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this low-impact, high-precision form of exercise has evolved into the perfect antidote to corporate stress and sedentary lifestyles. Unlike high-intensity workouts that can leave individuals drained, Pilates builds core strength, improves posture, and enhances mental clarity, essential qualities for performance. Its growing popularity among senior leaders is also tied to the rise of ultra-premium studios that mirror expectations such as personalised programmes, discreet environments, and an emphasis on efficiency without compromise.
The appeal lies in its efficiency. A single Pilates session can address multiple fitness goals including strengthening the deep stabilising muscles that support long hours at desks, improving flexibility compromised by constant travel, and providing the mental reset that busy leaders surely need. From Notting Hill’s private Pilates in the Clouds, to Dubai’s first open-air reformer experience overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Pilates is increasingly positioned as more than exercise, it is an investment in sustained leadership performance.
The Health Lab, Manchester
Founded by sisters Kanika and Nikita, The Health Lab became Manchester’s first reformer Pilates studio in the city centre. With dual locations in the Northern Quarter and Altrincham, the studio has also introduced the UK’s first infrared reformer Pilates experience, marrying classical Pilates precision with advanced wellness technology. The innovative infrared heat penetrates deeply into tissues, enhancing circulation, increasing flexibility, and accelerating muscle recovery that translate directly to improved executive performance and shorter recovery times during intense professional schedules.
Its comprehensive class portfolio includes Reform Lab for foundational strength, Tone Lab for targeted muscle development, Jump Lab for cardiovascular conditioning, and Restore Lab for recovery.
Pilates in the Clouds, Notting Hill, London
The ultimate personalised Pilates experience, this exclusive studio deliberately limits classes to just 1-3 participants. They receive hundreds of enquiries, but restricting numbers is the only way to deliver their signature experience of tailored focus on form and precise attention to detail of each movement.
Clients may come for the aesthetic of the sky-high studio, but they stay for the transformative results. The intimate setting welcomes people of all skill levels and ages, making it perfect for executives seeking genuine individual attention in their fitness routine.
Nobu Pilates, Marylebone, London
The first of its kind, this innovative studio at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square offers a unique and dynamic approach developed by Creative Director Marsha Lindsay, fusing classical Pilates principles with cutting-edge techniques. The light-filled reformer studio offers three signature classes: POWER, PRECISION, and PURE.
For the ultimate personalised experience, PRESCRIBE provides tailor-made classes combining all three pillars with one-on-one attention. With a maximum of ten participants per class, participants receive individual attention whilst enjoying the collective energy of the intimate group setting.
Reformcore, London
The hottest new Reformer Pilates studio redefining fitness with workouts that are powerful, efficient, and expertly designed. Launched in 2023 by United Fitness Brands, Reformcore combines state-of-the-art equipment with a unique approach blending intensity, precision, and core strength. With flagship studios across London, Reformcore caters to those who align with their philosophy of wanting to ‘feel stronger, leaner, and unstoppable’.
Their dynamic reformer classes are meticulously crafted to deliver full-body workouts that sculpt, tone, and strengthen, providing measurable results from every class.
Equinox, US, Canada, UK
Equinox’s approach ensures perfect muscular balance, tightening what’s loose whilst loosening what’s tight, to ensure no muscles are ever over or under-trained, creating the physical foundation essential for sustained performance. Their certified Pilates instructors, guide members through intense, full-body workouts emphasising core strength. Each studio houses several pieces of unique equipment offering over 500 exercises, where you move against springs and your own body weight, creating resistance for highly targeted workouts.
With locations across major US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco, plus international outposts in London, Toronto, and Vancouver, Equinox provides executives with consistent, world-class Pilates experiences wherever their business takes them.
HWH Studio, Dubai
Redefining movement, connection, and transformation in Dubai’s most iconic locations. Located within the legendary Burj Al Arab, this flagship studio offers discreet luxury framed by panoramic ocean views, home to their signature Sunset Flow, a gently guided practice elevated by a sweeping backdrop of Arabian Gulf.
HWH Studio at Delano, Bluewaters features Dubai’s first ever outdoor reformer Pilates experience. Here, wellness extends beyond the individual, becoming a curated experience of personal growth, shared connection, and lasting impact.
Forma Pilates, Los Angeles
An exclusive, boutique studio specialising in private and semi-private sessions. The studio’s peaceful, intimate setting provides a sanctuary for focus and connection to mind, body, and soul.
Equipped with state-of-the-art apparatus for maximum functionality and innovative exercises, each session is tailored to meet individual client needs whilst challenging each person to build endurance and strength. Forma strives to provide a luxurious approach to private training designed to improve and heal the body.
Marbella Club Hotel, Marbella
This luxury beach-front resort offers Pilates in a sophisticated studio, where programmes are designed to strengthen and sculpt through flowing sequences that unite physical precision with mental control. Emphasis is placed on enhancing balance and coordination through strategic breathing techniques, creating a practice that is as mindful as it is restorative.
Expert instructor Ana Durán leads highly sought-after one-on-one sessions on reformer machines, delivering a level of personalised attention tailored to discerning guests. Complementing this, the studio features reformers and Pilates chairs as part of the hotel’s comprehensive approach to wellness.