Debbie Drodge
a year ago
5
Had the best time on the Pilates retreat in Somerset! Excellent classes as always and thoroughly enjoyed the ice bath too! Came home feeling totally refreshed. Thank you Lou 🙏 xx
Portswood · SouthamptonTop-rated
The Pilates Studio New Forest
AddressLaurel Bank, Lime Walk, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4RA
One of Portswood's most respected pilates studios, Their teaching focus spans reformer pilates and mat pilates, with a strong 5.0-star average from 22 reviews. The reformer studio is equipped with quality apparatus, supporting the full classical and contemporary repertoire across spring tensions…
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Qualified instructor
High member satisfaction
About The Pilates Studio New Forest
One of Portswood's most respected pilates studios, Their teaching focus spans reformer pilates and mat pilates, with a strong 5.0-star average from 22 reviews. The reformer studio is equipped with quality apparatus, supporting the full classical and contemporary repertoire across spring tensions calibrated for any fitness level. Expect a boutique feel: small group sizes, attentive teaching, and a space that prioritises wellbeing over hustle. Pricing sits in the typical mid-range for Portswood, with most members opting for class packs or monthly memberships for better per-session value. Evening classes running past 8pm suit working professionals balancing practice with a full day. Located at SO45 4RA, the studio is well-positioned for both walking and public transport access. Browse the latest schedule, see who's teaching, and book your first class directly through the studio.
Photos
Inside The Pilates Studio New Forest
Sourced from Google. Get a feel for the space before your visit.
Opening hours
When you can visit
Sourced from Google. Confirm class times directly with the studio.
Monday07:00-20:00
Tuesday09:30-20:00
Wednesday07:00-20:00
Thursday07:00-20:00
Friday09:30-19:30
Saturday08:00-11:00
SundayClosed
What The Pilates Studio New Forest members say
Real reviews from verified members
22 verified reviews on Google, averaging 5.0★. Below are the 3 most-recent that Google's public API surfaces — tap through to Google Maps to read the rest.
Member-voice summary
Members particularly praise instructor quality
What members highlight
👩🏫 Instructor quality
Who it suits
- Members wanting reformer-based training
In members' own words
Instructor quality
Mentioned in 2/3 sampled · Positive
“Classes were diverse and for all levels, company was great too and the hostesses (Lou and Donna) were very attentive!”— Joana Meneses
Themes pulled from the 3 most-recent reviews Google surfaces in the public API — the studio's full 22-review average (5.0★) informs the headline rating. Quotes shown verbatim, attribution intact.
Want to test these themes in your own first session?
Joana Meneses
a year ago
5
Attended my first ever pilates retreat with Lou and after hearing so much about it, I am happy to say it did not disappoint! Classes were diverse and for all levels, company was great too and the hostesses (Lou and Donna) were very attentive! Really enjoyed myself and looking forward to the next one!
Charlotte Beebee
a year ago
5
I started classes at The Pilates Studio New Forest around 5 years ago now and it was the best decision, not only for improving my longstanding hip problems but also for giving me back some me time. I look forward to class every week, even when I know it’s going to be a tough one! Lou is the most amazing teacher and is genuinely one of the kindest warm hearted people you will ever meet. If you are considering taking up Pilates I can’t recommend Lou and all her teachers enough.
Pilates types offered
What you can practice at The Pilates Studio New Forest
The Pilates Studio New Forest offers 2 pilates disciplines. Each one is suited to different goals — read the breakdown below to see which fits.
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.
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.
Related
More to help you choose
Specific pathways this studio fits, plus the editorial guides we'd hand a friend deciding where to start their UK pilates practice.
This studio fits these pathways
Editorial guides before you book
UK pilates qualifications explained
The 5 main UK pilates pathways — what each qualification means before you book.
Read guide →What makes a good UK pilates studio
5 markers that predict quality — and the impressive-looking signals that don't.
Read guide →How often should I do pilates?
Evidence-led frequency guide — what 1× vs 2× vs 3× per week actually delivers.
Read guide →Pilates equipment explained
Reformer, Cadillac, chair, barrel — what each piece does and when to use it.
Read guide →Studio recommendation
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The Pilates Studio New Forest FAQ
Common questions answered
Honest, specific answers about this studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do members say about the instructors at The Pilates Studio New Forest?
2 of 3 recent reviews mention the instructors in positive terms — words such as "knowledgeable", "attentive" and "encouraging" recur most frequently. Members citing specific cues, form corrections or named instructors is a strong sign of relationship-led teaching rather than transactional class delivery. If instructor depth matters for your decision (particularly for clinical or prenatal-focused pilates), this is a useful positive signal. One recent member put it this way: "Classes were diverse and for all levels, company was great too and the hostesses (Lou and Donna) were very attentive!" — Joana Meneses.
Are there evening classes at The Pilates Studio New Forest?
Yes — at least one weekday class runs until 20:00 or later, which suits members training after a standard working day. Evening peaks at most UK pilates studios run from 18:00 to 19:30, with later 20:00-21:00 slots usually quieter and easier to book on the day.
What should I expect from my first reformer class at The Pilates Studio New Forest?
Most UK boutique reformers start newcomers with a beginner-tagged class or a 1-1 intro session rather than dropping them into a mixed-level group. Arrive 10-15 minutes early; you'll be shown carriage adjustment, spring tension and basic safety. Wear grip socks (mandatory at most studios — they sell pairs for £8-15 if you don't have them) and form-fitting clothing that lets the instructor see your alignment. The first class is the steepest learning curve — by your third session, the equipment feels much more intuitive.
What classes does The Pilates Studio New Forest offer?
The Pilates Studio New Forest offers reformer pilates, mat pilates. Reformer classes use spring-resistance equipment for deep core and postural work — beginner-friendly and adaptable. Browse the studio's full schedule for current class times and instructor allocations.
Where is The Pilates Studio New Forest located?
The Pilates Studio New Forest is located at Laurel Bank, Lime Walk, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO45 4RA (SO45 4RA) in Portswood, Southampton. You can reach the studio by phone on +44 7557 554171. Many studios in Portswood are within walking distance of major transport links.
How do I find out class prices at The Pilates Studio New Forest?
Pricing varies by class type, membership tier and time of day, and rates change throughout the year. The most accurate option is to contact the studio directly — via their official website — or send a quick enquiry below and we'll help you compare rates with similar studios in Portswood. Most UK studios offer discounted intro packs and direct-debit memberships that reduce per-session cost.
Is The Pilates Studio New Forest suitable for beginners?
Yes — most pilates studios in Portswood, including The Pilates Studio New Forest, welcome beginners and offer dedicated intro classes or beginner-level group sessions. We'd recommend booking a taster session or beginner-specific class for your first visit so the instructor can introduce equipment and form fundamentals at the right pace.
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