The Pilates Pod

Fantastic experience: The Pilates Pod in Hitchin is amazing. I have MS and was really starting to struggle walking and feeling really stiff, so I decided to give it a go. Fiona has worked with me and this has made a huge difference, even my sister commented on how much better my waking is, when I saw her last. I love that it not about looking buff or having the best gym stuff. It’s for everyone. I love it!

Fantastic experience: Really helpful sessions to increase knowledge about pelvic floor and how it works in your body

Fantastic experience: The Pilates pod are incredibly welcoming. The classes are accessible to everyone and you alway feel supported with such small class sizes. The variety of apparatus and tools used in the classes is brilliant - no two classes are ever the same!

Fantastic experience: Why am I with the Pilates Pod? The expert instructors at the Pod have supported me through recovery from major surgery twice. Rebuilding core strength and core confidence after such big surgery and during chemotherapy afterwards was hard. I felt so supported and safe with the Pod team. Since then, I’ve continued and the Pod Pilates approach keeps my spine from turning into a question mark… That’s why I’m with the Pilates Pod!

Fantastic experience: I've been coming to The Pilates Pod since February 2022. I started because I had moved into the area and missed doing pilates which I had been doing in London. I also had a sore hip and tight back from a sedentary job. It affected my life as I had daily pain and stiffness. Pilates has helped the issue by ensuring I can move better and also gives me a period of mindfulness and focus on myself. I feel more energised and have less pain and stiffness. I had never really used apparatus regularly before but I love it as I really feel it allows you to work on your technique and helps me to really understand the exercises. I had a good pilates teacher in the past but it's only since coming to the pilates pod that I feel I really understand pilates and how all the exercises are connected. I love how holistic all the teachers are and the attention you get as the classes are so small and the teachers so knowledgeable. It's a lovely atmosphere too and the highlight of my week!

Fantastic experience: I came to Pilates Pod as a gunea pig for Fiona who was learning and I was intrigued at how different it was here from a village pilates class all on the mat. I then tried the 4 week intro classes which were amazing. Could I afford the monthly fee? It seemed like a lot. But now, could I afford NOT to come every week? No! - this helps me with so much with my running (canicross), keeping my body in good order. The small classes make it fun as we do make friends & have a say over what we need that week. Fiona takes us on a journey every week and pushes us from week to week too as we learn how to do Teezer or mermade stretches, always feeling taller afterwards. I love it & you feel like you are part of the Pilates Pod family. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: 've been coming to The Pilates Pod since last summer. I have never been to any form of gym or exercise class before and was very apprehensive, but having used lockdown to lose some weight and approaching a big birthday, I wanted to do something new. I am notoriously clumsy and have managed to break three bones in my left foot and also my right ankle over the last few years and I wanted to get stronger and more flexible, so thought I would give it a try. I couldn't have made a better choice. Everyone at The Pilates Pod is so lovely and welcoming and Fiona is a wonderful teacher. I look forward to my sessions so much and I am definitely getting stronger and more flexible and my posture and balance are better too. I also find it really calming, having to concentrate on each movement is a great distraction after a stressful day. I really enjoy using all the different apparatus and no session is exactly the same. I can't recommend The Pilates Pod enough

Fantastic experience: I absolutely adore My weekly one-to-one at Pilates Pod. Michelle and the other teachers are fantastic at pinpointing just where I need to work on that particular day to leave me feeling 100 times better than I felt when I walked in. I’m a fellow teacher and choose to travel here for my own self practice, and it is the favourite part of my week. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I'm about 2 thirds of the way into my Pilates teaching apprenticeship and so enjoy working with our wonderfully diverse clients. The Pod is a welcoming and intimate space where our clients feel safe and respected. Classical Pilates is such a great way to look after your body and mind. It's so rewarding to see how people grow in confidence, physically and and mentally in their practice which they then take into their everyday lives, whether that be lifting a buggy out of the car, enjoying their gardening, or having increased energy to play with their children. Having access to the apparatus enables our clients, with consistent practise, see and feel themselves change for the better!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic classical Pilates studio - small class sizes (max 4 in a semi-private), apparatus (reformers, barrels, Gratz spine correctors, pedipoles, foot correctors etc) and lots of flexibility with class credits and 6 month expiry dates

Fantastic experience: I was quite familiar with mat based Pilates work, but the reformer beds were new to me- and any concern that they looked like medieval instruments of torture were quickly dispelled after having my first 1:1! Michelle is an excellent teacher, incredibly experienced and in my case understood exactly how to best approach working with both injury recovery, and in particular hyper mobility issues. I had not found this to be the case along my fitness journey elsewhere so it was incredibly reassuring to feel a deep sense of safely tired muscles instead of sore joints after my first class. Nice bright space, great equipment with a wide range of classes to choose from, what’s not to love.

Fantastic experience: It was great to work with Michelle & Ed last year at The Pilates Pod. There is no question over Michelle's passion for the wellbeing of her team, clients & businesses. Here's to another 10 years!

Fantastic experience: Michelle and her entire team go out of their way to make everyone feel individual and special. Everything can be adapted to work for you in Pilates, but only if you have the team that can work with you, understand the limitations you might have every day. If you are trying to find somewhere to go that treats you like a person, not a number on a membership or a body type that can't do everything, go and see Michelle. She can fix anything, she can create a program for you outside of even her normal - who else would help me via Zoom for a bed bound mediation and toe stretch, since that was all I could move at that moment? I'll be back with you as soon as I can- but thank you all for everything you've done for me over the last 6 years - POD on Prescription should be the next plan!

Fantastic experience: I joined the Pilates Pod to help strengthen my core and so reduce lower back problems. It really has helped. Michelle and the team are really good at what they do. Highly professional teaching, proper equipment and small class sizes at the Pod helped me progress. Like anything you need to be willing to learn and keep at it but it really works!

Fantastic experience: Dear Michelle, Clair, Ellen, Fiona et al, I am posting this review to let you know how much Pilates with you all is helping me. I recently had what was supposed to be my final visit on the MS2 Trial. However, they asked me to continue for another 18 months as I have made progress over 3 years and my disability score has dropped! (Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are all included). Awesome! A positive mental attitude, regular appropriate exercise and an MS friendly diet all contribute. Your pilates equipment classes are so beneficial, promoting flexibility, strength, balance, development of core and abs, stability and co-ordination, with toning too! My posture is improving and I notice far greater and more efficient movement after each session. The reformer in particular, improves me body alignment and elongation, with the springs offering different levels of resistance. I am more body aware which contributes to my general wellbeing. I always leave being able to focus on what I have achieved rather than what I am unable to do. Michelle, you head up an outstanding group of instructors, professional, knowledgeable, personable, caring and quite simply, really lovely people. You all make the Pod what it is, a haven to visit. A huge ‘Thank You’ to you all. Love Wilma xx

Fantastic experience: I have recently started at the Pilates Pod and am currently having 1 to 1 sessions with Michelle. I’ve got a very long history of back issues, migraines and naughty discs due to old Horse Riding injuries as well as a very tight Pelvic Floor. I honestly can’t describe the difference I’ve felt already, Im now aware of my pelvic floor and my core and make a conscious effort to engage it correctly every day. Michelle has made me feel so comfortable in the studio, I have very little body confidence and have spent years avoiding the gym etc because I don’t feel like I quite fit in but there is absolutely no prejudice at the Pod and no image I feel like I personally need to conform to. I am so happy to have found the Pilates Pod and am genuinely excited to get back to where I should be with my body health. X

Fantastic experience: A lovely studio in the heart of Hitchin. Michelle the studio owner is brilliant and so knowledgeable about Pilates. I have attended 1:1's with Ellen which were great and helped me strengthen my whole body. Definitely not just another Pilates class/studio - the classic apparatus really sets them apart from other studios and makes classes really interesting. The whole team make you feel so welcome and i always feel relaxed and at ease. i cant recommend them enough if you want to take up or further your Pilates practice.

Fantastic experience: Michelle sponsored my sons football team even though we are 160 miles away. She did this out of the kindness of her heart knowing full well she’d probably see no business return for her sponsorship. What a lovely thing to do. I would recommend the Pilates pod to anyone purely for this wonderful gesture.

Fantastic experience: Michelle and the team do an excellent job, offering classic pilates. The studio is well equipped and the staff are friendly. Great work everyone!

Fantastic experience: Michelle and Ed are lovely, committed local business people who have built up the Pilates Pod through hardwork and devotion to wellbeing. The Pilates Pod is a relaxing space and everyone is friendly, warm and supportive. Lovely place, great people. 5*

Fantastic experience: I have known Michelle and the team for many years now. I'd been to other Pilates places before that and thought they were okay - but that's until I went to Pilates Pod. It's clear they're professionally trained at Pilates Pod and without their help I don't think I would have recovered from my operation. Thank you Pilates Pod .

Fantastic experience: I attended the postnatal pilates and as a complete beginner I had no confidence at first with what I was doing. However, the instructor helped guide me through each exercise and took the time to correct me when I was going wrong and also explained everything in full detail as to what and why we were doing it. Great that I could also bring my baby girl and that some of the exercises included her too. Would def recommend to first timers as I certainly felt comfortable by the end of the classes.

Fantastic experience: My wife and i were recently tried a taster session with the amazing Pilates Pod. Having tried a couple of other studios, we were pleased to find Michelle and the team so welcoming, friendly and helpful. The well appointed reception area is situated right at the studio door which is extremely well equipped, always in use and kept pristine. The Pods enthusiasm and body positive attitude really resonated with us and we very much look forward to continuing sessions with them. Keep up the great work guys.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to the pod for over a year and love it - all the teachers are brilliant and my hip flexors are completely transformed! The level of teaching is top notch. Long live the pod ! :-)

Fantastic experience: Cured my knee pain after one session! Lovely staff and brilliant classes, very highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: On the 1st March, I had the first major operation in my life - I guess as a 58 year old I could count myself lucky. Medically it was, an excision of intradural lesion, Left L4/5 microdiscectomy and decompression. To me, it was a remedy to having extreme pain down my left leg and backside Following some initial physiotherapy, it was recommended I started Classical Pilates - I wasn’t sure what that was all about, but it was another major step forward and really increased my core body strength. So, on the 1st September, I set out on a run (I had been running for a few months by now) and 1 hours 56 minutes 30 seconds later, I had completed a half marathon. Now that really impressed me. That is the fastest I had run in at least 5 years, perhaps 10 years. I normally try to do one half marathon a year, I have now done 3 including my annual Windsor half marathon at the end of September. So if you're going through what I experienced, keep going and trust in the Pilates Pod Hitchin

Fantastic experience: Having endured decades of slipped discs and lower back pain which was finally sorted (mostly) with surgery, it was suggested that I try Pilates as a way to build some core strength and avoid a reoccurrence. As a much as I was intrigued, I was concerned that a slightly overweight grandfather would look somewhat out of place in a studio! Chancing upon The Pilates Pod website however, I thought what the heck, let’s give it a go and I am so glad I did. For a start, the environment is friendly, inclusive and not the least bit intimidating. I thoroughly enjoy my weekly 1-on-1 sessions – in fact, I look forward to them, even the 7.30am lesson! – and the results in the first few months have been noticeable. I have been episode free, have a better posture and greater range of movement, and generally feel much more supple and fitter overall. I’ve found my sessions to be the perfect partner for my other new passion – cycling – and while weight loss was not the main objective, I am nevertheless delighted to have lost almost two stone since my first visit. So thanks Michelle and Megan for your tuition, enthusiasm and patience.

Fantastic experience: I love it here. First time in my life I have the strength I never had before. I used to go to the gym torturing myself 4-5 times a week - step aerobics, spinning, high intensity classes, swimming, etc, but was never satisfied with my body and the way it looked. On top to that, I had been carefully watching what I was eating and how much - that was miserable. I always felt depressed that despite all the effort, I didn't have the results. I started at the Pod with pregnancy classes and followed on with postnatal to recover. When I was ready, I joined normal classes - and within less than a year of two apparatus classes a week, I've got a perfectly balanced body - strong and flexible, without "killing" myself. To be honest, I've never had such firmness under my skin before, and that's a huge achievement, considering I've just hit my 40. The classes are an absolute joy! Thanks, guys, for making me stronger and happier!!!

Fantastic experience: I'm a bit shocked at a review posted earlier, so I felt the need to add to my review as I am not quite sure that the correct studio was mentioned. I don't think that this person has actually been to or contacted the Pod. There is no way you could possibly hear someone at the door from the Pod as it is situated at the back of the building and entry is through an intercom system. I'm also not sure why this person did not leave a message on the answerphone or email as I have always had responses via both means of communication. This is really sad and I hope that Michelle and her wonderful team realise that the work they are doing and the passion they have for Pilates is inspiring. You will not find a more dedicated team, who's love for Pilates is absolutely contagious, we are so lucky to have you in Hitchin. Today was me getting back in the stirrups! Literally! I was lucky enough to get a 1:1 Personal Training space with Rufina, who enticed me with all the awesome equipment in the Pilates Pod. I loved the Tower and Reformer and the resistance they offered! This type of Pilates is definitely my kind of Pilates, the kind where you find those missing abs! Thank you Rufina, you’re amazing!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely fantastic Postnatal Pilates Class at The Pilates Pod in Hitchin. Life saver after having my son.

Fantastic experience: I've only just started coming to The Pilates Pod (I'm about five or six weeks in) but I absolutely love it. If you live near Hitchin and you want to learn the proper Classical Pilates method, this is the place to come. They have amazing apparatus such as the reformer, the Wunda Chair, and the Tower, and all the teachers are fantastic and super knowledgeable. If you have any injuries, I'd recommend starting with a few 1:1 sessions to find out what works best for you and your body. I now do a weekly studio class which is brilliant. The classes are kept small so you much get better teaching and supervision. I've suffered from a painful lower back for a few years now so I have to be a bit careful with my back care. The doctor recommended Pilates and I'm feeling really optimistic that it will help me manage it and improve my back strength and flexibility. I have friends who have attended pregnancy and post natal classes here and they said the classes were great too. The best Pilates studio in Hertfordshire I reckon! Thanks to Michelle and her team for being so welcoming to a total newbie!

Fantastic experience: I was persuaded to do Pilates last October by my wife to help get more flexible and strengthen my back. I’m already starting to feel the benefit of all the hard work. The duet sessions we have are always fun and help me relax after a long week. The Pilates Pod team are wonderful and put a lot of time and effort into making sure you enjoy your Pilates experience.

Fantastic experience: I am both a teacher of the method here and a client. I love attending regular sessions with Michelle, they keep me strong so that I am able to assist the clients during their own workouts. Wonderful team x

Fantastic experience: First time to the Pilates Pod in Hitchin and first time doing any type of Pilates although I must admit, I was a little sceptical! As soon as we set foot in the reception, we were greeted by knowledgeable and friendly staff in a relaxed but professional environment and my misconceptions began to dissipate. They were eroded completely once our instructor Stacey introduced herself, the premise behind Tower Pilates and began the lesson. Indeed the high quality equipment resembled some sort of mediaeval torture equipment, but under Stacey's awesome tutorledge, the small class of men and women I joined were introduced to a very enjoyable albeit challenging set of core and back focused exercises. Next day's all over muscle ache revealed I had been working hard and evidently had a tougher workout in 55 minutes at the Pilates Pod than during a 2 hour gym session. I am a sceptic converted and will most certainly return for more!

Fantastic experience: I would definitely recommend pilates, and in particular The Pilates Pod, to any men who are looking to build core strength and flexibility or deal with ongoing body issues. It is not just for women and I am put in my place regularly by the performance of the gentler sex during the Pod's classes. What I particularly like about the Pod compared to other studios and instructors I've tried, some local, is that they teach set sequences of exercises and treat each session as a real workout. The sequences are based on mat work and equipment and each exercise within them has many levels of difficulty. This means you can learn the orders and practice yourself or save time in the studio by remembering the sequences. The instructors are great at telling at what level you are at and teasing and testing you with harder versions of the exercises, which keeps things really interesting they are second to none. With the fantastic new equipment the Pod has just installed, things have got a whole lot more interesting and fulfilling and I can't recommend it enough.

Fantastic experience: I'm fairly new to Pilates Pod, and wow, I keep asking myself why I didn't book a class here sooner! The team are just great - so ridiculously knowledgeable about the whole practice and technicalities of pilates. The equipment in the studio is pretty impressive, and although looks a little daunting at first the instructors are right on hand to help you and guide you through everything so that you are getting the most from your session and working at the level that fits you. I'd never used apparatus like this before, so it's an amazing niche to have! Nothing else like that around here. Thats the other really great thing about the Pod - because they keep the class numbers small you get a much more personalised work out and assistance when needed. I was used to being in a class with 20+ people, so its handy to know that now I'm doing it right because the instructors here are right there to guide you and not have to keep a watch over an entire troupe! As well as classes, I've been having 1:1 sessions with Ellen, she's just great. Lots of reassurance, explains things clearly and makes sure I'm comfortable in what I'm doing even when she's pushing me to improve too. (certainly not one of those trainers that just barks instructions mindlessly because its what they think you "should" be able to do in a session) Awesome place, awesome team, awesome results - would absolutely recommend

Fantastic experience: The level of tuition and individual guidance is insanely good at The Pod. It's a fantastically well-equipped pilates studio with friendly, expert trainers and a fun atmosphere. I can't believe we have a facility like this in Hitchin! I have been going to The Pod for three years now. Every week I learn (and feel!) something new. Just love it.

Fantastic experience: I have been attending classes at the Pilates Pod on a fairly regular basis for a couple of years now. All of the teachers are fantastic; I mostly attend Ellen's classes and she is among the most reassuring, approachable teachers I have ever had - and also amazingly competent! Small classes mean that the teachers are able to offer very personal attention to each individual...something I really benefit from as my memory is not what it once was! The other feature I enjoy is the fact that I can buy credits, but can use them whenever it suits, rather than being tied to one time and day each week. The studio has benefited from a lot of new equipment recently and having tried it out this week, I look forward to spending more time exploring it. My overall experience can be summed up as "Hello Hitchin Pilates Pod, goodbye backache!"

Fantastic experience: I've been going to Pilates Pod classes for over 4 years and I love it. The staff and trainers are professional and friendly, and the equipment is amazing. As one of their oldest clients (in age) I appreciate how they push me but are tolerant when I don't seem to progress as the younger members do. I love going to classes and am sure it's because of them that I am as fit as I am.

Fantastic experience: I had my first class at the Pilates Pod yesterday evening and it was great! The teachers are amazing and they teach all the small details about Pilates to get the most from your workout (which you don't get anywhere else in Hitchin!) Can't wait for my next class!

Fantastic experience: I have problems with both my back and my knee and have benefitted enormously from my pilates sessions with Ellen at the Pilates Pod. She is an inspirational teacher and her positivity and her professional and sympathetic approach has enabled me to be far more flexible and in much less pain than previously. Pilates is hard work but fun and the people at the Pilates Pod are great..

Fantastic experience: I've been coming to the Pod for over two years, after wasting far too much time incorrectly wondering whether it was just 'for women only'. It was the best decision I've made, and has helped me improve my posture, flexibility and general fitness. Great mix of classes and quality teaching that manages to be challenging as well as fun.

Fantastic experience: This place is too good not to go to! Moved away, too broke sometimes, but always find a way to come back, just leaves me feeling amazing. XXxx

Fantastic experience: This is the place to come if you want small classes with exceptional teaching. My progress in Pilates and overall fitness is 100% the result of the staff who are dedicated to individual personal improvement. I always leave with a smile on my face, feeling fitter and stronger.

Fantastic experience: I have attended pilates classes with The Pod for many years. The classes are very well taught with individual attention given to each participant and their needs. After failed back surgery some years ago the pod has me back on my feet, classes have been excellent for my posture and strength and has also helped me through my pregnancy too! I’ve been to both the classes and had personal training sessions. Classical Pilates by excellent well trained teachers in a bright and friendly studio! First class!!

Fantastic experience: It takes two to tango and pilates is one of the best partners! Tango requires core strength, good balance and good posture. Pilates has helped me to achieve this, especially in the barre style classes, and I can now dance with more style. Thank you, Pilates Pod, especially Ellen and Claire for bringing the joy of dance into my life.

Fantastic experience: I have been coming to the Pilates Pod for a few months now. I did an Intro to Pilates course with Ellen back in May as I found trying to learn with DVDs and YouTube videos wasn't really cutting it. I had a great introduction and learnt so many things about technique and the basics of Pilates that you just can't get from a DVD. I've been trying out all the classes on offer and I've been really impressed with not only the variety available but how much of a work out Pilates is. I always thought that Pilates style workouts would be a bit too gentle for me but I've left each class with a sweat on and the sense of a proper workout. I was initially a bit worried about the cost but theres a few ways to pay depending on your budget from paying per class to an annual membership and a few other options in between. Classes are really small and personal (maximum of 8) so you get a personal service and don't just feel like a number! All the instructors are really friendly and knowledgeable too and will always ensure you're getting the most out of your class whilst being supportive... I'm a runner and wish I'd discovered the Pilates Pod before I did the London Marathon this year as I've learnt so much about my body in the last few months and its really made my running technique stronger (and less painful). Fantastic local business!

Fantastic experience: The hub of all things Pilates, the Pilates Pod is an excellent place to go right from being a beginner through to advanced. They teach you the core basics in fine detail so you really get an understanding of Pilates and how it actually works to benefit the body. The classes are small so that everyone gets individual attention and the teachers are fab. Very friendly, warm and highly recommended!