7 things that set Nobu Pilates apart from your regular Pilates studio
I think I can consider myself a Pilates expert. I’ve tried tens of studios across the world, including in London, LA, New York, Australia and Ibiza, and for the past four years, I’ve been doing at least one reformer and one mat Pilates class per week.
The latest studio I tried was Nobu Pilates. Like most of the London population, plus practically everyone with TikTok (search Pilates Nobu and you’ll be faced with a whopping 7.4 million posts) or Instagram (Maya Jama and Rochelle Humes frequently share content from their classes), I’d heard of it before. But what’s all the fuss about? A single class costs £37 (!!), and yet, founder Marsha Lindsay tells me the studio has an 80% retention rate (meaning, 80% of clients are regulars). Turns out, there are a few reasons people are so hooked.
Why Nobu Pilates is so popular
1. You won’t find a bad instructor
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since starting Pilates, it’s that the instructor can make or break a class. I’ve had some teachers who do nothing more than share the instructions, without any specific form tips or modifications, but Marsha – who founded the studio and is responsible for recruiting instructors – tells me she intentionally hires only those with a ‘classical Pilates’ (the original method of Pilates, taught by Joseph Pilates, who created Pilates) background, since these instructors have more in-depth training and can share detailed cues throughout class. Ines, whose class I attended at Nobu, offered individual technique tips for almost everyone in class.
‘I only hire comprehensively-trained instructors, preferably with a classical background,’ Marsha says. ‘This can mean the pool of instructors to choose from is quite small, as due to the length and intensity of the training, not many opt to commit to it. However, I stick to this preference as instructors who choose to take on the classical training have a great understanding of the original method and a strong base of anatomy knowledge.
‘I think the most important difference is how long myself and our instructors have studied Pilates. There are a lot of Pilates instructors coming up the ranks, however, I went through intense training with a second-generation Pilates elder during a time where no one was interested in Pilates. Years of education, working with medical expertise, teaching different body types, injuries, taking people through pregnancy, and even teaching people how to be Pilates instructor gives me a wealth of knowledge. Only time, passion and commitment can unlock new levels. To be able to use that knowledge and lengthy humbling journey has fared me well at setting up a business and brands successfully.’
2. Classes are designed to avoid overcapacity (enough space in studio, and instructors can watch)
Another problem I’ve encountered in other Pilates studios comes when mats or equipment are positioned too close to the next. This can mean that you don’t have the space to follow instructions since it means you’ll either be kicking or touching the person next to you. This is far from the truth at Nobu, I noticed. Despite each of the ten clients that the studio can fit having a reformer, tower and chair to themselves, there’s more than ample space between you and the person next to you. Marsha tells me this was deliberate, not just for the comfort of clients, but to enable instructors to monitor every person and provide individual form feedback.
‘For me, ten is the maximum for any instructor to be able to teach a group and keep an eye on form, while still having moments to give personal attention to each client,’ she says. 'Above that, it’s hard to keep everyone safe and being able to physically spot anyone who gets into a tricky position.’
3. There are three class types, tailored to specific goals
While most Pilates studios tend to offer classes according to your experience (your reformer studio might offer a beginner, intermediate and advanced class), I was intrigued to see that classes at Nobu are tailored towards different goals. There are three signature classes: Power, Precision (then filtered further into each body part) and Pure, and Marsha tells me that while your experience might mean that you enjoy one class more than another (Pure, for example, would be a good place for beginners to start), modifications and progressions are offered within every class.
I’d usually attend an advanced class, but I chose a PURE session at Nobu; I wouldn’t say I felt the burn I do at my typical class, but I learned some game-changing technique tips – something which Marsha tells me is part of the PURE concept, as a class that focusses on the foundations of the classical method (more on this below). By choosing classes tailored to your goals – whether that’s to nail your technique so that next time you attempt an advanced class, it’s more challenging, to get your heart rate up, or to build strength – you’re more likely to achieve them than attending a blanket Pilates class only adapted to your experience level.
‘Nobu Pilates is mainly a Classical Pilates studio which also embraces elements of the Contemporary method, with full Pilates equipment - not just a Reformer studio which is often the misconception,’ Marsha explains. ‘We have three signature classes – POWER, PRECISION and PURE – which have been exclusively designed for Nobu Pilates so they’re not classes you will experience elsewhere. By design, the classes each offer something that caters to individual goals and tastes, with Pilates at the foundation of the workout.
‘Through experience, I recognised that Pilates can be a little intimidating for new starters. When creating our three signature classes, I wanted potential clients to look at our list and find something that they relate to in their current fitness regime and find their ‘in’. For example, a CrossFit fan would probably be attracted to the intensity of a POWER class, whereas a mindful mover would steer towards PURE.’
Here are the three types of classes at Nobu Pilates, plus who they would be best for, and who might want to avoid them.
PURE
What is it: ‘PURE is a nod to Joseph Pilates, and how he used to teach his classes. He operated his space like an open gym, where everyone focused on the ‘why’ and the foundations of each move. It would have been like mini workshop for clients, learning his technique in depth. Similarly, PURE is a masterclass on all Pilates equipment, combining the Reformer, Tower and Chair for a full-body workout, but also an education. For example, we could take the session through the various moves on how to build a Teaser, or we could run the traditional intermediate reformer order.’
Best for: Those looking to improve posture and core strength, those looking to learn the basics of Pilates
Avoid if: Anyone can attend this class, but clients going through pregnancy who have not been a client of Nobu Pilates beforehand are advised to do 1-2-1 sessions
PRECISION
What is it: ‘When creating PRECISION, I was inspired by my PT journey in the gym. Pilates has a ‘less is more’ approach when it comes to the number of reps you perform, because the focus is on form, which should engage your muscles enough to deliver the same effect with fewer reps. However, I enjoyed some of the ‘burn out’ feeling I would be pushed to in my gym sessions. PRECISION is very much still Pilates, but we want to take you to the feeling of burn with more reps and sets. It’s a targeted class, focusing on specific muscle groups, sculpting your upper or lower body while strengthening your overall physique.’
Best for: Those looking for a burn, those keen to target upper or lower body individually
Avoid if: Those dealing with an injury should consult the studio before booking
POWER
What is it: ‘POWER was my favourite class to create. At the time, the jumpboard (a padded platform added to the end of a reformer for you to jump off) and cardio trampoline (a mini trampoline added to the end of a reformer for you to bounce on) were being incorporated into class repertoire. I see these everywhere now, so I like to think we were a trend in starting this. POWER is a high-energy, full-body, Pilates class centered around the reformer and the jumpboard. It delivers fast-flow fusion Pilates and is designed to build strength, length and endurance. You’ll experience jump-board choreography and up-tempo moves during the class.’
Best for: Those looking for a dynamic, high-intensity class, looking to build strength, length and endurance.
Avoid if: As you will be jumping, even though the impact is light, it is not appropriate for pregnancy, back issues or knee issues.
4. Classes are programmed to make use of every minute
Besides the laser focus on form, one thing that can make Pilates so difficult is the lack of rest. In order to increase the time your muscles spend under tension (unlike traditional strength training, where you might rest for, say, 30 seconds between sets), a studio or instructor should make the transitions between exercises as swiftly as they can. Within the PURE class I attended, only one chance to ‘grab some water’ was offered within the full 50 minutes, and Marsha says this is all about maximising results and workout efficiency.
‘1-2-1 sessions are 55 minutes and group classes are 50 minutes,’ Marsha says. ‘There are a few reasons why this formula works best for me and the studio. From a training and consistency perspective, 50/55 minutes is enough time for use to work on all foundations (strength, flexibility and mobility) and to educate each client on form. I believe that when people go to the gym, they are sometimes in the mentality that more hours and more reps will get them results, but they then find themselves falling off the wagon or pushing their body through exhaustion and therefore not making any gains. We want to make full use of every minute in those 50/55-minute sessions.
‘As I mentioned, consistency is key, so I have curated the Nobu Pilates experience to fit into your schedule, knowing that you will get all of the movement and strength benefits you need to maintain and improve in minimal time.’
5. Two weekly classes is enough to see results if you stay consistent – but you may feel a difference from just one session
With Marsha’s ‘quality’ programming, she affirms that two sessions per week could help you hit your goals.
‘To quote Joseph Pilates himself: “You will feel results in ten sessions, see results in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.”,’ she says. 'As with any training, to see and feel results, consistency is key. Try to commit to two classes per week for muscle memory to start kicking in, and gradually increase this to three classes per week, when you feel comfortable. This is when you will start to progress to move advanced movements and build more strength, flexibility and better mobility. Don’t panic if you can’t make three sessions; I would still prefer to see you committing to two smaller and better-quality sessions, instead of three hours once a week in the gym.’
In fact, Marsha shares that some clients with chronic conditions have reported a difference after a single session.
‘A client diagnosed with MS visited us with the mindset of feeling "damaged" and less capable, and after just one session in the studio with me, they said they had a whole new perspective of their body and realised they were in control for the first time,’ she shares. ‘This client has now rebuilt significant strength in areas of weakness and improved their mobility with just two regular Pilates classes per week. It’s important for people to know that Pilates really is for every body.’
6. You will build muscle
Of course, I can’t say I’ve built muscle from just one session at Nobu Pilates, but I can credit my years at other studios for contributing to my strength. Marsha says that, for Nobu clients who want to build muscle, this is absolutely possible, particularly since Nobu utilises all equipment, including the reformer, tower and chair.
‘The spring resistance on a reformer machine can replicate weight loading,’ she explains. ‘Pilates also utilises your body weight to load various muscles. Pilates is also guaranteed to build up the smaller muscle groups which can often be missed out in other forms of movement.’
7. Classes incorporate all types of equipment
The most obvious difference between Nobu Pilates and other Pilates studios I’ve attended is the equipment available. While I’ve been to many, they’ve all been reformer-only, mat-only or tower-only. Nobu offers the reformer, chair and tower. Only a PURE class will incorporate all three, but Marsha says that including ‘as much of the traditional equipment as possible’ means that clients can ‘achieve the full Pilates experience’.
The verdict
My one and only gripe with Nobu Pilates would be the price. At £37, it’s the most expensive Pilates studio I’ve tried, but if I had the money? I’d 100% book another. As someone that likes to feel the burn, I’d try a PRECISION class. As mentioned, I attended a PURE class, and while I learned some tips that I hadn’t in all my years of experience, I wouldn’t say I felt challenged (although Marsha tells me this isn’t the point of a PURE class). I did, however, walk away feeling taller and calmer, and I’ll be banking those technique cues.
How much is a Nobu Pilates class?
‘Nobu Pilates classes are £37 and bookable via Nobu Hotel London Portman Square website or Mindbody app. We offer blocks of 5, 10 and 20 classes and will be doing monthly subscriptions in 2025. As well as one-off classes, we have our Stretch & Sushi experience where clients can enjoy a Nobu Pilates group class followed by a classic or vegetarian bento box lunch at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square for £90 per person. This January until February 28, clients can also take part in exclusive 60-minute Nobu Pilates classes which includes a 30-minute Pilates session followed by a calming 30-minute serene soundbath session with specialist, The Sound Therapist, Farzana Ali – bookable Friday evenings at 4pm.’
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