Championing low-impact, restorative workouts that transform the body, Exhale Pilates London are on a mission to revive the original works of Joseph Pilates, this includes the lesser known ‘Tower Class’ not regularly seen here in the UK. With beautiful new studios now open in London’s Primrose Hill and East Finchley, their list of clients includes the likes of Harry Styles, Christian Eriksen and Kelly Brook. Having heard glowing reviews, we visited the Primrose Hill site for ourselves to give the acclaimed Tower Pilates class a go.

Fully equipped with the latest apparatus from New York, the Primrose Hill studio is home to equipment for both Tower and Reformer Pilates classes. To ensure concentrated feedback and support, each session is limited to 6 participants, guided by an expert teacher. As a newbie, I was greeted warmly and positioned between two regulars so I could watch how they interpreted the instructions. There was community energy, which was really appreciated when walking into a class with zero previous knowledge.

The Tower class is said to create a long, lean and fit physique; improving posture and toning the entire body. Utilising spring resistance, classes combine all aspects of Pilates from working on the mat to working with the added challenge of the springs. Sessions are set to challenge and refine balance, alignment and increasing mobility, strengthening and stretching muscles with each movement whilst controlling the springs from the core.

The class zoomed by, with movements that I found mentally stimulating as well as physically challenging. I found that it was one of those kinds of practices that is completely open to all levels, it’s basically as hard as you make it so you can choose to take it easy or really push your limits. We moved through poses targeting different parts of the body with a heavy focus on deep controlled moves to strengthen and enhance mind-body awareness. Given the size of the class the teacher was able to give individualised feedback on each posture, as well as different levels and options according to ability.

The class left me feeling satisfied and strong. Prices were notably higher than usual work out classes, but given the size of the classes and top notch equipment, the cost was most definitely reflected in the experience and outcome. Regular attendance would be sure to result in super strength in no time!

Prices: Group classes start from £35, private sessions £85 and monthly memberships from £210

Websites www.exhalepilateslondon.com
Address: Ground Floor, 1 Whittlebury Mews West NW1 8HS

Written by Jordan Crowley

Photography courtesy of Exhale Pilates London