Choose the right pilates type for your goals
The four main pilates disciplines practised across the UK. Each suits different bodies, goals and budgets — here's the honest breakdown.
- Pilates types
- 4
- Verified studios
- 1,981
- UK cities
- 119
Pilates types practised across the UK
Each discipline has its own equipment, tempo and audience. Click any to see top-rated studios and detailed information.
Reformer Pilates
Reformer pilates is performed on a specialised piece of equipment using adjustable spring resistance. It targets deeper stabilising muscles than mat-based pilates and is widely used for posture correction, core strength, injury rehabilitation and pre/postnatal training.
- Anyone wanting low-impact full-body conditioning
- Office workers with postural issues
- Pregnant women (with qualified prenatal instructor)
Mat Pilates
Mat pilates uses your bodyweight on a padded mat, often with small props like resistance bands, blocks and pilates balls. It's the most accessible form of pilates — no heavy equipment, lower price points, and easier to continue at home.
- Pilates beginners
- People on a budget
- Those who prefer group fitness
Clinical Pilates
Clinical pilates combines classical pilates with physiotherapy principles. Sessions are led by chartered physiotherapists or specialist pilates instructors who design individualised programmes based on detailed postural and movement assessment.
- Back pain or disc problems
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Scoliosis management
Prenatal Pilates
Prenatal pilates is adapted specifically for pregnancy — supporting your body through hormonal, postural and circulatory changes. Classes are delivered by instructors with dedicated pre/postnatal qualifications and tailored to each trimester.
- Pregnant women from 12+ weeks (with GP clearance)
- Pre-conception fitness preparation
- Postnatal recovery (6+ weeks)
At a glance — which pilates type fits you?
If you're still deciding, this rough guide narrows the choice in 30 seconds.
| Type | Best for | Format | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reformer | Posture, full-body strength, low-impact training | Group (4-8 reformers) or 1-1 | £25-45 group · £60-120 private |
| Mat | Beginners, budget-friendly, home practice | Group (8-15 people) | £12-25 group · £40-80 private |
| Clinical | Back pain, post-surgery rehab, scoliosis | 1-1 or small group (2-4) | £70-150 private · £30-60 small group |
| Prenatal | Pregnancy (12+ weeks), postnatal recovery | Specialist group classes | £18-35 group · £50-100 private |
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What people ask before they pick a pilates type
Honest, evidence-led answers — no fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between reformer pilates and mat pilates?
Reformer pilates uses a sliding carriage with adjustable spring resistance, allowing more precise muscle targeting and a wider exercise range. Mat pilates uses bodyweight on a padded mat, often with small props (bands, balls, rings). Reformer is typically £25-45 per group class in London; mat is £12-25. Most committed practitioners benefit from both — start with mat to learn fundamentals, progress to reformer for deeper strength work.
Which pilates type is best for back pain?
Clinical pilates is the most evidence-led option for back pain. It's led by Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) registered physiotherapists with additional pilates qualifications, and programmes are individualised based on detailed movement assessment. Reformer pilates can also help once you've cleared the acute phase, but should be combined with physio guidance for disc herniation, scoliosis or post-surgery cases.
Can pregnant women do all types of pilates?
Pregnant women should specifically seek out prenatal pilates classes from instructors with APPI Pre/Postnatal certification, Body Control Pilates Maternal qualification, or chartered physios with maternal health specialisation. Standard reformer or mat classes may include exercises that aren't pregnancy-safe (deep twists, supine work after 16 weeks). Always disclose your pregnancy and trimester to your instructor.
How do I know which type of pilates is right for me?
Start with your goal: general fitness/posture (mat or reformer), specific injury or chronic pain (clinical), pregnancy (prenatal). Then consider your budget (mat is most affordable, clinical is most expensive due to one-to-one format) and time commitment (mat classes are 45-60 mins, reformer often 50-55, clinical sessions 50-60 with detailed assessment). Most studios offer a discounted intro session — try one of each style.
Are pilates instructors required to be certified in the UK?
There's no statutory requirement, but reputable studios only employ certified instructors. Look for qualifications from PMA (Pilates Method Alliance), BASI Pilates, Body Control Pilates, Polestar Pilates, or APPI Pilates. For clinical pilates, the instructor should also be HCPC-registered as a chartered physiotherapist. Always feel free to ask to see qualification certificates — this is a normal request.