I have taken Pilates classes in London, LA, New York, Australia, and Ibiza, among other places. For the past four years I have done at least one reformer and one mat class every week. Nobu Pilates was the last studio I tried. Like most people in London and almost everyone who has TikTok (there are 7.4 million posts about Pilates Nobu) or Instagram (Maya Jama and Rochelle Humes often post about their classes), I had heard of it before.
But why is there so much noise? One class costs £37, but Marsha Lindsay, the studio’s owner, says that 80% of clients come back (meaning they are regulars). There are a few reasons why people are so addicted.
Why people love Nobu Pilates
1. You won’t find a bad teacher.
Icon for Pause One thing I’ve learned since I started Pilates is that the teacher can make or break a class. Some of my teachers only give me the instructions, without any specific tips or changes to the form. But Marsha, who started the studio and is in charge of hiring teachers, says she only hires teachers with a classical Pilates background (the original method of Pilates, taught by Joseph Pilates, who created Pilates) because these teachers have more training and can give me more detailed cues during class.
Ines, who taught my class at Nobu, gave almost everyone in the class tips on how to improve their technique.
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“I only hire teachers who have been trained in a lot of different areas, and I prefer those with a classical background Marsha says. “This can mean that there aren’t many instructors to choose from, because not many people want to commit to the training because it is so long and hard.
But I still prefer this because teachers who choose to do classical training know a lot about the original method and have a strong understanding of anatomy.
“I think the biggest difference is how long my instructors and I have been studying Pilates.”
There are a lot of new Pilates instructors, but I trained very hard with a second-generation Pilates elder when no one else was interested in Pilates.
Years of schooling, working with medical professionals, teaching people with different body types injuries, and pregnancy, and even teaching people how to be Pilates instructors have given me a lot of knowledge.
You can only unlock new levels with time, passion, and dedication. It has helped me set up a business and brands successfully to be able to use that knowledge and long humbling journey.
2. Classes are set up so that they don’t get too full.
Owned by Hearst Another issue I’ve had at other Pilates studios is when mats or equipment are too close to each other. This might mean that you can’t follow the instructions because you’ll either be kicking or touching the person next to you.
I noticed that this is not true at all at Nobu. The studio can fit ten clients, and each one has their own reformer, tower, and chair.
But there is plenty of space between you and the person next to you. Marsha says this was planned so that instructors could keep an eye on everyone and give them individual feedback on their form.
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“For me, ten is the most an instructor can teach a group and keep an eye on form while still having time to give each client personal attention she says.
“Above that, it’s hard to keep everyone safe and see anyone who gets into a tough spot.”
3. There are three types of classes, each with its own goals.
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Most Pilates studios offer classes based on your level of experience (for example, your reformer studio might have beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes).
However, I was interested to see that classes at Nobu are based on different goals there are three signature classes: Power, Precision (which is then broken down into each body part), and Pure.
Marsha tells me that even though your experience might make you like one class more than another, every class has modifications and progressions.
I usually go to an advanced class, but I chose a PURE session at Nobu. I didn’t feel the burn like I do in my usual class, but I learned some game-changing technique tips.
Marsha tells me that this is part of the PURE concept, which is a class that focuses on the basics of the classical method.
If you want to improve your technique so that the next time you try an advanced class, it’s harder, get your heart rate up, or build strength, you’re more likely to reach your goals if you choose classes that are tailored to your goals.
“People often think that Nobu Pilates is just a Reformer studio, but it’s actually a Classical Pilates studio that also uses some elements of the Contemporary method.
“We have three signature classes that are only available at Nobu Pilates: POWER, PRECISION, and PURE. You won’t find these classes anywhere else.”
PURE
What does PURE mean It is a reference to Joseph Pilates and how he used to teach his classes.
It uses the Reformer, Tower, and Chair to give you a full-body workout and teach you at the same time.
Best for: People who want to learn the basics of Pilates or improve their posture and core strength Anyone can take this class.
PRECISION
What is it? “When I made PRECISION, I thought about my PT journey in the gym.
PRECISION is still very much Pilates, but we want to push you to the point of burning out with more reps and sets.
It’s a targeted class that works on specific muscle groups to shape your upper or lower body.
Best for: People who want to get a burn and want to work on their upper or lower body separately.
POWER
What is it: “POWER was my favorite class to make.”
POWER is a high-energy full-body Pilates class that focuses on the reformer and the jumpboard.
During the class, you’ll do jump-board choreography and fast-paced moves.
Best for: People who want a fast-paced high-intensity class that will help them build strength, length, and endurance.
4. Classes are set up to use every minute.
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One thing that can make Pilates so hard is that you don’t get enough rest To make your muscles stay tense for longer, a studio or instructor should move quickly between exercises.
During the 50 minutes of the PURE class I went to, there was only one chance to “grab some water.”
Marsha says this is all about getting the most out of your workout and getting the best results.
“One-on-one sessions last 55 minutes, and group classes last 50 minutes.”
“This formula works best for me and the studio for a few reasons From a training and consistency point of view.”
We want to make the most of every minute of those 50 to 55-minute sessions.
5. If you stick with it, two classes a week will be enough to see results.
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Marsha’s “quality programming” shows that two sessions a week could help you reach your goals.
“You will feel results in ten sessions see results in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.”
“Consistency is the key to seeing and feeling results from any training.”
To help your muscles remember what to do, try to go to two classes a week at first.
When you feel ready, slowly add a third class a week.
Marsha says that some clients with long-term health problems have noticed a difference after just one session.
“A client with MS came to see us feeling damaged and less capable.”
After just one session in the studio, they said they had a whole new view of their body.
6. You will get stronger.
I can’t say that I’ve built muscle from just one session at Nobu Pilates, but I can say that my years at other studios have made me stronger.
Marsha says that this is definitely possible for Nobu clients who want to build muscle especially since Nobu uses all of its equipment.
“The spring resistance on a reformer machine can mimic weight loading.”
“Pilates also uses your body weight to work out different muscles.”
Pilates is also sure to work on the smaller muscle groups that other types of exercise often miss.
7. Classes use all kinds of equipment.
This information comes from Instagram. Their website might have the same information in a different format or more information.
The equipment is the most obvious thing that sets Nobu Pilates apart from other Pilates studios.
Nobu has the chair the tower and the reformer.
Marsha says that including as much of the traditional equipment as possible means that clients can achieve the full Pilates experience.
The decision
The only thing I don’t like about Nobu Pilates is the price It costs £37, which is the most I’ve ever paid for a Pilates class.
I would try a PRECISION class because I like to feel the burn.
I went to a PURE class and even though I learned some things I didn’t know after years of experience.
I did however leave feeling taller and calmer, and I’ll remember those tips for next time.
How much does it cost to take a Nobu Pilates class?
You can book Nobu Pilates classes for £37 on the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square website or the Mindbody app.
We sell blocks of 5 10 and 20 classes, and in 2025 we will start offering monthly subscriptions.
We offer both one-time classes and our Stretch & Sushi experience.
For £90 per person, clients can enjoy a Nobu Pilates group class followed by a classic or vegetarian bento box lunch.
From January to February 28, clients can also sign up for special 60-minute Nobu Pilates classes that include a 30-minute Pilates session followed by a 30-minute calming soundbath session.
