The best kind of fitness is the kind that fits naturally into your week — the kind you look forward to, not the kind you have to talk yourself into.
That's the idea behind everything we do at The London Academy of Dance. Our studio is on Copperfield Street in Southwark, SE1 — a few minutes' walk from Borough, London Bridge, and Waterloo. We run fitness classes six days a week, in small groups, with instructors who know your name and care about how you're feeling.
Whether you're drawn to the calm focus of Pilates, the music and energy of Zumba, or something you've never tried before, there's a place for you here. Below is a look at what we offer — so you can find the class that feels right for you.
Pilates
If you're looking for something mindful and controlled — a class where you build strength quietly, from the inside out — Pilates might be your thing.
We run two types of Pilates in Southwark:
Mat Pilates focuses on controlled movement, alignment, and deep core engagement. It's slower, more intentional, and brilliant for anyone who wants to build strength without high impact. If you sit at a desk all day, this one will change how your body feels by the end of the week.
Strong Pilates takes those same principles and turns up the intensity. Expect more resistance, more muscle engagement, and that deep satisfying shake that tells you something is working. It is perfect if you want Pilates with an edge.
We also offer Prenatal Pilates and Postnatal Pilates — both designed specifically for mums at different stages. More on that below.
Classes are small and run by qualified instructors who adjust every session to your level. Whether you've done Pilates for years or you're walking in for the first time, you'll feel looked after. Not sure which style suits you? We wrote a detailed comparison of Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates.
Barre
If you like the idea of ballet-inspired movement but you've never taken a dance class in your life — Barre is a beautiful place to start.
Barre in Southwark is one of those classes that surprises people. The movements are small — tiny pulses, isometric holds, controlled lifts — but the burn is real. You'll work muscles you didn't know you had, particularly in your glutes, thighs, and core.
It's low-impact, so your joints stay happy, but the intensity builds quickly. Most people are pleasantly sore the next day after their first class (in the best way).
Our Barre classes are taught by Lorena, a certified Barre, Pilates, and Personal Training instructor with a ballet background. She's also fully certified in ante- and post-natal exercise, so her classes are safe for mums at every stage.
Still deciding between Barre and Pilates? Here's our honest breakdown: Barre vs Pilates — which is right for you?
Zumba
Zumba is a workout that feels like a party. You'll sweat, your heart rate will climb, and you'll burn serious calories — but you'll be smiling the entire time.
Our Zumba class in Southwark has become one of our most popular sessions. A 45-minute class burns between 400 and 600 calories, but it goes by so fast you won't be counting minutes.
No dance experience needed — the focus is on joy first, steps second. You'll be moving, laughing, and sweating alongside a room full of people who are doing the same thing.
According to the World Health Organisation, adults need 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. One Zumba class covers a solid chunk of that — and you'll look forward to it.
Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness
Becoming a mum changes everything — including your relationship with your body. These classes are designed to meet you exactly where you are, whether you're expecting or navigating the early months with a newborn.
We run a dedicated prenatal and postnatal programme at our Southwark studio that includes:
Prenatal Pilates — Safe, gentle classes to maintain strength, ease discomfort, and prepare your body for birth
Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness — A joyful, music-driven class where you dance with your baby in a carrier. Great for bonding, great for fitness, and great for your mood
Mama & Baby Pilates — Rebuild core strength and reconnect with your body while your little one rests or plays beside you
Strong Mama — A more intense option for postnatal mums who are ready to push a bit harder
All classes are led by instructors certified in pre- and post-natal exercise. You don't need a GP referral, and you're welcome to bring your baby along.
A BMJ study found that postnatal exercise significantly improves both physical recovery and mental wellbeing — and our members tell us the same thing every week.
For more on returning to fitness safely after birth, read our guide: Postnatal Fitness: How to Safely Return to Exercise After Having a Baby.
Stretch & Mobility
Not every class needs to be high-energy. Sometimes your body needs something gentler.
Whether you're recovering from a tough workout or just loosening up after a long day at a desk, our Stretch & Mobility sessions will leave you feeling aligned, flexible, and properly unwound. It's the class your body thanks you for the next morning.
So... which class should you try first?
That depends on what you're looking for:
What you want | Try this |
Core strength and better posture | |
Lean muscle and ballet-inspired toning | |
High-energy cardio that feels like a party | |
Safe exercise during or after pregnancy | |
Not sure yet? | Come and try one — no commitment needed |
Still can't decide? That's fine. Book whichever one feels right and see how it goes. No membership, no contract. Just one class to start.
Where to find us
We're a short walk from:
Borough Station
London Bridge
Southwark Station
Waterloo East
Check the full timetable at TLAD and book your first class. Meet our instructors and see why people keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness classes do you offer in Southwark?
We offer Mat Pilates, Strong Pilates, Prenatal Pilates, Barre, Zumba, Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness, Mama & Baby Pilates, Strong Mama, and Stretch & Mobility — all at our studio on Copperfield Street, SE1.
Do I need to be fit or experienced to join?
Not at all. Every class welcomes complete beginners. Our instructors offer modifications so you can work at your own level and build confidence at your own pace.
Where is the studio?
Our studio is on Copperfield Street in Southwark, London SE1. It's a short walk from Borough, London Bridge, Southwark, and Waterloo East stations.
Do I need a membership?
No. You can book a single class with no membership and no commitment. We also offer class packs and memberships if you'd like to attend regularly.
Are your classes suitable for pregnant women or new mums?
Yes. We run dedicated prenatal and postnatal classes led by certified instructors. You don't need a GP referral, and you're welcome to bring your baby. See our full prenatal and postnatal programme for details.
Do you have showers and changing facilities?
Yes. Our studio has showers and changing areas, so you can freshen up before heading back to work or getting on with your day. We also provide mats and any equipment you'll need — just bring yourself and a water bottle.
How often should I come to see results?
Most people notice a difference after just one or two classes — in how they feel, not just how they look. For lasting results, two to three sessions a week is a great rhythm. But even one class a week can make a real difference to your energy, mood, and how your body moves. The most important thing is finding a routine you enjoy enough to keep coming back to.
How do I book?
Pick a class from our timetable and book online. It takes about 30 seconds.
