Mat Pilates & Barre Classes in Guildford

Pilates offers wide-ranging benefits across all stages of life. It builds strength and stability from the inside out, improves posture and movement efficiency, supports injury prevention and recovery, and can help reduce pain while enhancing overall wellbeing.

At Guildford Pilates Place, we work with clients aged from their teens through to their eighties, with goals ranging from elite sports performance to pre- and postnatal care, long-term health conditions, injury rehabilitation, and sustainable movement for everyday life.

If you’re new to Pilates - or returning after time away - you may be wondering where to start.

Mat Classes

Mat Pilates is the most accessible form of the method, performed on the mat using bodyweight resistance alongside small props such as mini-balls, bands, rings, weights, and foam rollers.

Mat classes focus on building strength, body awareness, control, and coordination, and are an excellent option if you prefer a grounded, mat-based approach or feel less confident with balance and moving equipment.

One of the great advantages of mat Pilates is its portability - you can practise almost anywhere, making it a practical option for those who want a consistent routine beyond the studio.

Our mat classes cater to all levels, with clear progressions and modifications offered throughout.

We also offer online mat Pilates classes for those who are unable to attend the studio in person.

Reformer Classes

The reformer is a versatile and highly adaptable piece of equipment designed to both support and challenge the body. Using a moving carriage and adjustable spring resistance, the reformer provides continuous feedback, helping to improve precision, control, and movement quality.

The springs can be used to add resistance or offer assistance, making the reformer suitable for a wide range of bodies, abilities, and conditions. With hundreds of possible exercises performed lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing, it allows for intelligent progression and variety while remaining joint-friendly and supportive.

Our reformer classes are capped at a maximum of five clients, allowing instructors to provide personalised feedback, modifications, and progressions tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Which should I choose?

Both mat and reformer Pilates offer distinct benefits, and they work exceptionally well together. Joseph Pilates designed the method as a complete system, with each piece of equipment serving a unique yet complementary purpose.

Incorporating both mat and reformer classes into your practice can deepen your understanding of movement, enhance strength and control, and support long-term, functional wellbeing.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, we’re always happy to guide you.

We run several mat and barre classes weekly.

Classes run in 8-week blocks, creating the consistency you need for lasting transformation. When you book a block, you automatically become a member of Guildford Pilates Place, which gives you:

• Priority booking for each new term
• A secured weekly time slot that becomes your regular class
• Access to additional classes at discounted member rates
• Flexibility to swap sessions within your term (subject to availability - see our class swap T&Cs below).

How it works: Simply email us to discuss availability, and we'll assign you a specific weekly time slot. This becomes your dedicated space for the entire 8-week block. Want to attend more than once a week? You can book multiple slots or add extra classes at your member rate.

Joining mid-term? If space allows, you can join a class mid-block. The block price will be pro-rated for the remaining sessions, and you'll receive full membership benefits immediately.

New to Pilates? We offer introductory packages so you can experience our approach before committing to a full block.

Ready to book? Email us to discuss availability: pilates@guildfordpilatesplace.co.uk

Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows you to move freely - leggings and a t-shirt work perfectly. Avoid baggy clothes so your alignment is easy to see. Don't forget grip socks.

Most clients notice changes within weeks, but think beyond quick results. You're learning to move differently, which takes time. Consistent, regular practice is what delivers the best results.

Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend starting with 1:1 sessions to assess your body and create a tailored programme before joining group classes.

We work closely with osteopaths and physiotherapists across Guildford, and in some cases, may suggest consulting a specialist first to ensure you can participate safely and get the most out of your sessions.

We offer a Swap System that allows you to cancel a regular class and book a swap, subject to availability and the terms below:

• We require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. You can manage your bookings in the MindBody website or app, or let us know via email at pilates@guildfordpilatesplace.co.uk
• All swaps must be completed within the same block. They cannot be carried over to future blocks or exchanged for 1:1 sessions or studio credit.
• Swaps can be arranged in advance. For example, if you know you’ll miss a class towards the end of a block, you can cancel early and complete your swaps at the beginning of the block.
• Swaps are subject to availability, so arranging them as early as possible gives you the most choice.

Please Note: You may need to be flexible with the day, time, teacher, or level to book your swaps, particularly towards the end of a block.

• If you are unable to arrange all swaps before the end of the block, these will expire with no exceptions. It is the responsibility of the client to arrange and attend any swaps needed.
• If less than 24 hours' notice is given, no swap or credit will be offered, unless we can fill your space at short notice from the waitlist.
• Reformer and online mat swaps are on a like-for-like basis (i.e., reformer = reformer, online = online). barre and in-person matwork classes are interchangeable, and they may also be swapped for online mat (although not the other way around)