What is "Open Gym" at Simply Pilates London

If you’ve ever wondered what Pilates looked like in its original form, our Open Gym sessions offer a chance to experience it. Inspired by the way Joseph Pilates taught in his New York studio, Open Gym brings you back to the roots of the method — personalised, progressive and empowering.

A Return to the Classical Pilates Approach

Joseph Pilates didn’t teach in large, uniform classes. Instead, he guided each client individually, introducing a handful of exercises for them to practise until they felt confident, safe and capable on the equipment. Once those movements were mastered, he would add new ones, often starting with the mat and the reformer, then gradually incorporating other apparatus based on the client’s needs and goals.

Our Open Gym sessions follow this exact philosophy. You’ll work through a personalised Pilates program at your own pace, with the support of a knowledgeable instructor who moves around the room offering guidance, adjustments and progression options.

Small Groups, Tailored Attention

At Simply Pilates London, Open Gym sessions are intentionally kept small — with a maximum of four clients per session. This ensures you receive individual attention while still benefiting from the energy and motivation of a small-group environment.

Each client works on their own program, but you're never on your own. Your instructor is there to help refine technique, answer questions and keep you moving toward your goals.

Start With the Open Gym Intro Pack

Before joining regular Open Gym sessions, we recommend completing our Open Gym Intro Pack, which includes:

* Two introductory sessions, where you’ll learn the foundational exercises and equipment,

* One Open Gym session, to help you get comfortable with the format.

Once you’re confident and our instructors have cleared you, you’re ready to join any of the Open Gym sessions on our weekly schedule. We offer a range of times throughout the week to suit every lifestyle.

Ready to explore Pilates the way it was originally designed?

Open Gym offers freedom, personalisation and the space to truly develop your practice — one session at a time.