Also known as machine pilates, reformer pilates is a low-impact full-body workout performed on a special machine containing strings, straps and a sliding carriage. The practice has boomed in popularity over the last few years, with plenty of studios now popping up all around Manchester.
Want to find out where you can book a reformers pilates session? Have a look at our guide below.
Just up the road from Spinningfields Square lies Kore Studios, a self-described “design-led” studio providing an assortment of classes, including two dedicated reformer Pilates sessions with differing intensity levels.
Flow Reformer is Kore’s beginner-level class, focusing on a low-impact workout that reduces joint stress. Power Reformer is the studio’s advanced-level class, which features heavier resistance training and a “deeper burn”
The RE: SCULPT studio at Ancoats focuses mainly on strength training during its reformer Pilates sessions, and with its dark studios and low lighting, it’s a venue which also offers an immersive workout experience.
There are four classes available: ‘RE: ignite’ (core and lower body focus), ‘RE: activate’ (core and upper body focus), ‘RE: sculpt’ (focusing on strength-building and muscle-toning), and ‘RE: tread’ (a unique hybrid workout combining treads and beds).
With four locations spread across the city centre, Restart is shaping up to be one of the most popular and fastest-growing Pilates studios in Manchester. Branches include Bankside, Circle Square, Deansgate and Cheetham Hill, with each studio offering five different classes to choose from
Private sessions are also available to book for parties of up to ten at the Circle Square studio, and for parties of up to 12 at the Cheetham Hill studio.
Located on Goose Green in the centre of Altrincham, you’ll find Runway Pilates’ first location, which opened over a decade ago. The studio provides a range of seven classes which vary in difficulty and intensity.
Moreover, this Runway branch also offers a dedicated low-impact ‘Mama & Baby’ class for postnatal women wanting to gradually rebuild strength and stability (specifically in their pelvic floor). Participants are welcome to bring their babies to the class and connect with other mums facing similar experiences.
As one of the most well-established Pilates spaces in Manchester, Runway Pilates has already built a solid reputation as one of the best studios in the city centre.
The Northern Quarter studio offers a range of seven different classes, with some sessions leaning into more low-impact traditional Pilates, and others providing a more intense modern take on the exercise.
In the heart of West Didsbury lies Soma, a boutique reformer Pilates studio designed to uplift its members through movement.
The space has four classes available: Start (a beginner’s class), Signature (a balanced full-body workout), Sculpt (a more advanced strength-based workout), and Stretch (a stretching and mobility class).
The Health Lab Manchester is a highly social studio which emphasizes the importance of community when it comes to exercising. Paired with The Health Lab is The Green Lab, a wellness café which offers fresh and healthy produce to enjoy before or after a Pilates session.
Situated between Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, The Reformer Studio offers a multitude of reformer Pilates classes for a variety of ability levels. Each session focuses on a different style of Pilates, from high-intensity ballet-inspired barre workouts to fluid flexibility and mobility training.
The Reformer Studio also offers both pre-natal and post-natal reformer Pilates classes, designed to guide expectant and new mums through their pregnancy journey in a “welcoming and empowering space”.
Opened in 2019, Whitefield Reformer Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio in Northern Manchester. As a smaller studio, it offers small classes, semi-private bookings and 1:1 reformer Pilates sessions, making it ideal for those looking for individual coaching and a quieter class.
- Words:
- Mia Hadjigeorgiou
- Published on:
- Mon 30 Mar 2026
