STOTT PILATES® in London

How do I get to the Studio?

The Studio is conveniently located in Central London in Marylebone. There are several bus routes passing Gloucester Place/Baker Street and the Studio is a short walk from Edgware Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Bond Street tube stations as well as Marylebone and Paddington train stations. There is paid visitor parking in the vicinity as well as an NCP secure car park on Gloucester Place. If using a taxi service, please direct to 75 Gloucester Place at the corner of Gloucester Place and Montagu Place. For GPS input the postcode W1U 8JP. The Studio is a 10 minute walk (<5 minute cab ride) from Harley Street.

Due to personal, publicity and/or religious reasons I require discretion. Is this Studio appropriate?

Absolutely. In booking a complementary Posture Analysis as well as Private or Semi-Private appointments, you will have exclusive use of the Studio and the dedicated attention of the instructor. Appointments are timed such that overlap between clients is kept to a bare minimum. The Studio is located on the first floor in a small commercial building, a former Georgian terraced house, which only has a few occupiers and therefore does not have excessive foot traffic. While on the first floor with large windows providing excellent natural light, the windows always have shear blinds drawn as well as curtains for total privacy.

I dislike low ceilings, stuffy air and smelly studios. Is London W1 Pilates different?

Located on the first floor in a converted Georgian terraced house, the Studio benefits from excellent natural light, extremely high ceilings as well as climate control. The Studio is designed to feel relaxed, comfortable and homely but at the same time absolutely professional. An entirely different experience to a typical basement or lower-ground floor studio found in London and nothing like a noisy gym.

Do you have changing facilities?

As the Studio is a boutique facility in a commercial building, there are limited changing facilities. It is recommended, if possible, that clients attend ready-dressed for your appointment. However, there is a small changing area in the Studio as well as the availability of lavatories in the building. The venue has coat hooks for jackets and a storage area of smaller items, bags and umbrellas.

Do you offer refreshments?

Water is offered in the Studio.

What should I wear?

Normal fitness attire should suffice. Men typically in shorts and a t-shirt while women typically in leggings and crop-top. We can advise on suitable purchases should you so wish. For hygiene reasons we request that you wear socks and no shoes at all times in the Studio, ideally "toe-socks" with gripped soles.

Will I need a shower afterwards?

As with all exercise this will vary from client to client. We do of course recommend that all clients shower after any exercise! However at London W1 Pilates we do not have shower facilities. Generally speaking, STOTT PILATES® is not a type of exercising which will result in you sweating profusely and many clients do not find it necessary to shower immediately after a session.

What are the cancellation terms?

No-shows and cancellations within 48 hours will be charged in full (deducted from packages). All cancellations must be made verbally in person or via phone call with the clinic. Cancellations are not accepted via Voicemail, E-mail, SMS, Viber or WhatsApp (or any other communication method) unless explicitly confirmed by the Principal Instructor.

How long are Appointments?

All Appointments are 50 minutes allowing for 10 minutes changing time between clients.

Do you offer corporate rates?

Generally speaking our prices are the same for everyone. However we strongly support employee exercise initiatives - its a great way to ensure your staff are healthy, energised and efficient! Please call us to discuss your requirements.

Why is Pilates generally more expensive than personal training?

To get the most out of Pilates you want to work with highly trained instructors who have invested in appropriate courses, have hours of experience and keep their training up-to-date. Instructors not only invest significant time and funds to attain their certifications, but under the STOTT PILATES® method they are required to maintain their education on an annual basis - STOTT PILATES® training is often referred to as the "Ivy League" of Pilates. The equipment used for STOTT PILATES® is highly specialised and has been developed over many years by experts across several health and fitness fields. The equipment is of the highest quality to ensure client safety and is therefore costly to acquire and maintain. In addition, while many health and fitness services are VAT exempt, unfortunately Pilates is not and therefore successful Pilates studios must charge VAT. All these factors, combined with the cost of leasing quality space in Central London results in hourly rates priced on par with the top Personal Trainers and other healthcare specialists in London. That being said, Pilates training with a highly qualified instructor is extremely effective and so the health benefits in the long term will far outweigh your investment in STOTT PILATES® sessions, guaranteed. Your health and well-being is worth it - just read some of our Client Testimonials in About Us.

Do you take pro bono clients?

While we have to maintain a business we are keen to help everyone possible. We typically have at least one client a week whom we take on on a pro bono basis as they have serious health issues but don't have the means for dedicated rehab Pilates.

Can I continue my other treatments/training while practicing Pilates?

Absolutely! STOTT PILATES® is designed to complement and adjust to any other medical treatment you may be undergoing and we are always happy to discuss your training with your doctor should you request us to (and only if you request us to). We will always recommend you seek appropriate specialist medical advice for injuries and other acute issues and we will never put you at risk from injury - our goal is to make you healthy. STOTT PILATES® is also proven to be an excellent addition to any existing training program. We offer specific sports-focused packages which can help you fine-tune your golf swing and improve your lap times, or whatever your target happens to be. Call Us now to discuss a bespoke program to support your health & fitness activities.

What is the difference between the STOTT PILATES® Method and other Pilates techniques?

STOTT PILATES® incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES® exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints, placing more emphasis on scapular stabilization. As well, there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to everyday life.

How is STOTT PILATES® different to weight training or other resistance exercise?

Pilates is three-dimensional i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes. Spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention. STOTT PILATES® exercise is customisable for special needs in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on re-balancing muscles around the joints. Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that can lead to injury. Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement). STOTT PILATES® exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness. Weight training and STOTT PILATES® can be combined in your fitness program and are complimentary.

What are the benefits of STOTT PILATES®?

The benefits include but are not limited to:

- Increased strength without unwanted bulk

- Increased core strength, stability and peripheral mobility

- Improved fitness levels which may help prevent injury

- Greater ease of movement through a full range of motion

- Heightened body awareness and mindfulness of movement

- Decreased impact on the joints

- Added variety as a compliment to other forms of exercise

- Improved performance of specific sport skills

(golf, skiing, hockey, etc.)

- Enhanced balance, coordination and circulation

- Pain management

Are you insured?

Of course. All instructors, practitioners and therapists at London W1 Pilates carry appropriate insurance.

What qualifications do you have?

All instructors at London W1 Pilates have requisite experience, qualifications and certificates for pilates instruction. Up-to-date qualifications for all STOTT PILATES® instructors can be found at www.merrithew.com/instructor-training/instructor-finder/instructor-finder.

Are your clients famous?

We value the privacy of our clients no matter whether they are royalty, celebrities, a local resident or a pensioner. We work with utmost discretion and would never disclose who you are or or why you chose to visit London W1 Pilates. Our goal is simply to improve your health, strength and stamina so you can enjoy life at its fullest. Appointments are timed to ensure overlap between clients is kept to a minimum.

Do you have other Pilates studios in London?

London W1 Pilates currently only operates from its boutique rehab Pilates Studio in Marylebone.

Do you offer any other services aside from Pilates?

London W1 Pilates currently only offers Pilates in London in its various forms under the STOTT PILATES® method. Whether its rehab pilates in London, matwork Pilates in London, reformer Pilates in London, STOTT PILATES® in London, Private Pilates in London, Semi-Private Pilates in London or Pilates Group Classes in London.