Mat & Reformer Pilates in short
Mat Pilates (no equipment) and Reformer Pilates (specialist equipment), group classes, 1:1 and 1:2 sessions. Slow, controlled, breath-led work that restores strength, mobility, and body awareness. Sessions 45 or 60 minutes. Available at our Hackney and Islington studios.
Pilates is a mindful, low-impact exercise method that strengthens the core, improves posture, and enhances flexibility and mobility. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, it was originally known as Contrology and is grounded in five key principles: breathing, concentration, centring, precision, and flowing movement.
What Pilates helps with
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Lower back pain: Pilates is one of the most evidence-supported approaches for chronic non-specific lower back
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Postpartum recovery(with appropriate timing and adjustments)
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Pregnancy (in modified form, second and third trimester especially)
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Hypermobility and EDS: Pilates is foundational here, building stability without overworking flexible joints
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Chronic pain and inflammation-related conditions
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Rehab from injury, especially once acute phase has passed
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Posture, core strength, and the kind of strength that holds you up at a desk
Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates
Both Mat and Reformer Pilates follow the same core principles but differ in how resistance and movement are applied:
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates refines body awareness and control.
Uses your own body weight for resistance, building strength and control through gravity and body alignment.
Reformer Pilates
Effective for rehabilitation, postural alignment, and deep core strengthening.
What a Pilates session involves
Reformer Pilates 1:1 : Uses a specialist piece of equipment that supports the body through guided movement. Springs provide variable resistance, so the same exercise can be made gentler or more challenging depending on your needs. Particularly useful for postpartum, hypermobility, and rehab work.
Mat Pilates 1:1 and group classes: A Mat class uses no equipment, just your body weight. More accessible and easier to take home as a practice, though it offers less variation than Reformer.
Reformer and Mat Pilates 1:2: Our sessions combine both matwork and reformer exercises. Each participant spends half the session on the Reformer and half on the mat for a balanced and personalised experience.
Sessions are slow and breath-led. Emphasis on alignment, engagement, and quality of movement rather than reps. Your instructor adapts the work to where your body is on that day.
Often combined with
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Stretch Therapy: Releases what Pilates strengthens
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Holistic Deep Tissue or Sports Massage: Soft-tissue release supports the structural work
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Chiropractic Care: When there's a structural issue Pilates is rebuilding around
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Sports Therapy: For active rehab
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Integrative Care Packages: Personalised treatment plans to support your wellbeing over time
Wellbeing that gives back
When you book with us, you’re giving back. Every booking directly funds therapy for people facing economic barriers, including refugee women and those living with chronic pain or PTSD.
1:1 & 1:2 Prices & Packages
1:1 Mat & Reformer Pilates
One-to-one sessions
1:1 Intro Offer
30-min Intro session - £35
2 sessions - £130 (£65/session)*
1:1 Single session
60- min session - £80
1:1 Packages
6 sessions - £450 (£75/ sessions)*
10 sessions - £700 (£70/ sessions)*
*Use within 6 months
1:2 Mat & Reformer Pilates
One-to-two sessions
1:2 Intro Offer
45-min Intro session - £70
2 sessions - £160 (£80/session)*
1:2 Single session
60- min session - £100
1:2 Packages
6 sessions - £540 (£90/ sessions)*
10 sessions - £850 (£85/ sessions)*
*Use within 6 months
FAQ
Book a session today
Unsure which Pilates session is right for you?
We’re always happy to help.
Email us at hello@abuelitas.co.uk or get in touch.
