Once niche, now mainstream, reformer pilates has taken off in a big way. We’re approaching double figures for reformer pilates studios in Manchester, and doubtless there’s more to come.
A fitness trend doesn’t grow like this unless it does something significant, either to your mood or your fitness level. Reformer pilates fans say it impacts positively on both, and to a greater degree than a mat-based pilates class.
If you’re wondering what the difference is, reformer pilates is practised on a reformer or ‘pilates bed’: a long, flat resistance machine with weights and straps that add intensity to the moves. It takes a few classes to get familiar with the machine, but once you do, it brings an element of fun and flow to pilates. That and some next-level muscle burn. Want to try it? Check out the reformer pilates studios listed below.
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Manchester City CentreBLOK Manchester
More detailsBLOK is popular thanks to the variety of classes on offer at its Manchester studios (you can do strength, various forms of yoga, boxing, barre, calisthenics, HIIT, meditation, pilates, reformer pilates and more).
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Northern QuarterThe Green Lab
More detailsFounded in May 2019 by Manchester sisters Nikita and Kanika, The Green Lab is described as a health and well-being lifestyle store. Upstairs it’s a cafe specialising in juices and salads, while downstairs, it’s a health studio, called The Health Lab, which focuses mainly on reformer pilates.
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BlackfriarsRE:SCULPT Studios
More detailsRE:SCULPT Studios opened on Chapel Street in spring 2023 with the promise of offering a high-intensity, extra hard-working form of reformer pilates. The difference is in the type of reformer beds they use apparently, and in the format of their 45-minute classes.
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Northern QuarterRunway Pilates Manchester
More detailsOnce a niche, LA-based fitness trend, reformer pilates looks set to become mainstream. There are at least three studios dedicated to it in Manchester city centre alone now – including this one, Runway Pilates Manchester, which opened in the Northern Quarter in 2022.
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Manchester City CentreSculpt in Haus
More detailsSculpt in Haus was one of the first reformer pilates studios to open in Manchester. Owner Amy Hughes brought the idea back from a research trip to LA when it was just taking off as a fitness trend.
