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Pilates Classes in Southwark — Near London Bridge & Waterloo

Strong Pilates class at the London Academy of Dance in Southwark
Pilates class at TLAD, near London Bridge and Waterloo

Mat Pilates & Strong Pilates
Near Borough & London Bridge
 

Pilates is one of the best things you can do for your body. It builds deep core strength, improves your posture, and leaves you feeling taller, calmer, and more balanced — even after a single class.

At The London Academy of Dance, we run small-group Pilates classes on Copperfield Street in Southwark, SE1. Our studio is a short walk from London Bridge, Borough, Southwark, and Waterloo stations. Whether you are brand new to Pilates or have been practising for years, you are always welcome here.

Book Pilates Classes in Southwark

OUR PILATES CLASSES

Our Mat Pilates classes focus on the fundamentals: core strength, spinal alignment, and controlled, precise movement. Using just your body weight and mindful breathing, you will work the deep muscles that support your spine and posture. It is a beautifully focused workout that leaves you feeling longer, stronger, and more connected to your body.

Perfect if you are a complete beginner, coming back to exercise, or simply prefer a calmer, more precise practice.

Suitable for:
All levels, including beginners.

Strong Pilates takes everything you love about Mat Pilates and adds resistance bands, Pilates rings, and light weights. It is more dynamic and more physically challenging, but the emphasis on form and control stays exactly the same. You will sweat, your muscles will work hard, and your joints will thank you for it.

Perfect if you want to build functional strength alongside flexibility, or if you enjoy a bit more intensity in your workout.

Suitable for:
Those looking to build strength and endurance in a safe, Pilates-based way.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Deep core work that supports your spine and improves posture over time

  • A full-body workout in 40–60 minutes — nothing rushed, nothing wasted

  • Gentle corrections from your instructor so you move safely and get the most from every exercise

  • A calm, focused room where nobody is competing with anyone

  • Better mobility, less tension, and a genuine sense of wellbeing when you leave

No experience required. Every exercise has a modification. You set the pace.

WHO IS PILATES CLASS FOR?

Our Pilates classes attract a lovely mix of people — but if any of these sound like you, you will feel right at home:

  • The desk worker who carries tension. You spend your days at a screen near London Bridge, Borough, or Waterloo, and your lower back, shoulders, and hips remind you about it every evening. Pilates directly targets the muscle imbalances that desk work creates — and it works fast. Most people notice a difference within three or four classes.

  • The complete beginner. You have been meaning to start Pilates for a while, but you want somewhere small, welcoming, and patient. Our classes are never crowded, our instructors explain everything clearly, and nobody expects you to be perfect on day one. Or day ten, for that matter.

  • The person rebuilding after injury. You have been told by a physio or GP that Pilates would help, and you want a class where the instructor actually watches your form. Our small groups mean you get real attention — not just a demo from the front of the room.

  • The strength seeker. You want a workout that genuinely challenges your muscles without battering your joints. Strong Pilates gives you that. It is the kind of strength that shows up in your everyday life — carrying shopping, climbing stairs, sitting without pain.

Why Choose Our Pilates Studio in Southwark?

✔ Small group classes for individual attention
✔ Qualified and experienced Pilates instructors
✔ Central Southwark location (SE1)
✔ Fully equipped studio with mats and small equipment
✔ Suitable for beginners to advanced levels
✔ Friendly, supportive, community-focused environment

Whether you’re looking for Pilates near London Bridge, Pilates in Borough, or a Pilates studio in Southwark, our classes are designed to help you move better and feel stronger.

📍 The London Academy of Dance
Copperfield Street, London SE1

Easily accessible from:

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👉 View the timetable and book online to secure your spot.

Join our Pilates classes in Southwark and start moving with strength, control, and confidence.

Studio Location

MEET OUR PILATES INSTRUCTORS

LAURA CARMONA

Strong Pilates

Laura is a certified Level 3 Pilates instructor with a focus on core strength, glutes, and body control. Her classes are designed to challenge you without overwhelming you. She is brilliant at offering variations so everyone in the room gets exactly the right level of difficulty.

If you want to feel stronger and more connected to your body — without the pressure of a bootcamp — Laura's classes are a great place to start. Expect clear guidance, smart programming, and a genuinely supportive atmosphere. You will leave feeling energised.

LORENA SAVVIDOU

Mat Pilates & Pre/Postnatal

​Lorena is a certified Pilates and Barre instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, and holds specialist qualifications in ante- and postnatal exercise. She trained in ballet from the age of three and holds RAD graded qualifications up to Intermediate Level, which means her understanding of alignment, posture, and controlled movement runs deep.

As a teacher and a mother herself, Lorena is especially passionate about supporting new and expecting mums. If you are pregnant, postnatal, or simply looking for a Pilates class where form and safety come first, Lorena brings the expertise and warmth to guide you through every movement.

ALSO AT TLAD

Pilates is brilliant on its own, but many of our members combine it with another class:

- Barre: Low-impact toning that complements Pilates beautifully. Strengthens your legs, seat, and arms while improving your balance.


- Zumba:  A high-energy cardio class that pairs perfectly with the calm focus of Pilates. Great for days when you want to dance instead of think.


- Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates: Expecting or recently had a baby? We run dedicated prenatal and Mama & Baby Pilates, Baby-Wearing Dance Fitness and Strong Mama classes.

What People Say About Pilates At TLAD

The class is challenging but easy to follow and studio is really nice - will def be back!

Ella

Best Pilates instructor I’ve met in London and I don’t say that lightly

Laura

The workout was really thorough with focus on core, legs and upper body which is exactly what I was looking for to improve the overall strength.

Natalia

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Pilates suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Our Mat Pilates classes are completely beginner-friendly. Every exercise has a modification, and our instructors guide you through form and breathing from your very first class. Most people are surprised by how quickly they pick it up.

What is the difference between Mat Pilates and Strong Pilates?

Mat Pilates focuses on core control, posture, and technique using just your body weight. Strong Pilates adds resistance bands, Pilates rings, and light weights for a more dynamic strength challenge. Both are suitable for all levels.

Is Pilates good for back pain?

Yes. Pilates is widely recognised as one of the most effective forms of exercise for lower back pain. It strengthens the deep core muscles that support your spine and stretches the tight hip flexors that often contribute to back discomfort. Many GPs and physiotherapists recommend it.

How often should I do Pilates?

Once a week is a great starting point — you will notice improvements in posture and tension within three to four weeks. Twice a week accelerates those changes. Three times a week is where the real transformation happens.

What should I wear to a Pilates class?

Wear comfortable, stretchy activewear that lets you move freely. You can do Pilates in bare feet or grippy socks. We provide all mats and equipment — just bring water.

Do you offer Reformer Pilates?

We focus on Mat Pilates and Strong Pilates. Mat Pilates builds incredible functional strength because your body is the resistance — there is no machine to support you. For added challenge, our Strong Pilates classes use bands, rings, and light weights.

Do you offer prenatal or postnatal Pilates?

Yes. We run dedicated Prenatal Pilates and Mama & Baby Postnatal Pilates classes on Thursdays. These are separate, specialist classes designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Full details are on our pre and postnatal page.

How big are the classes?

We keep class sizes intentionally small. This means your instructor can actually watch your form, offer personal corrections, and give you a much better experience than you would get in a large gym class.

What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?

Both are wonderful. Pilates focuses more on core strength, spinal alignment, and controlled movement. Yoga tends to emphasise flexibility, breathwork, and mindfulness more broadly. For targeted core work and posture improvement, Pilates is hard to beat.

Where are you located?

We are based on Copperfield Street in Southwark, SE1 — a short walk from London Bridge, Borough, Southwark, and Waterloo stations. Full directions are on our contact page.

How far is the studio from London Bridge station?

About 10 minutes on foot. We are also 5 minutes from Borough station and 12 minutes from Waterloo. Very easy to reach before or after work, or during a lunch break.

How do I book a Pilates class?

Book directly online via our timetable. No phone calls needed. You can pay for a single class, a class pack, or a membership. If you have a class pack or membership, simply select your class and check out.

What is your cancellation policy?

Classes can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the start time. No refunds are offered for missed or late-cancelled classes.

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