From Recovery To Revival: My Pilates Journey At Nobu Pilates

Nine months post-op from hernia surgery and a Tommy Tuck. My body felt new, but my core, not so much. I needed to rebuild, to find my strength again. The wellness world can feel exclusive. But I was ready to dive in. Pilates kept calling my name. It promised balance, strength, and a deeper connection. I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. My journey led me to an amazing studio. Nobu Pilates London Review: It’s more than just a workout.

Nobu Pilates London Review

My core, once my powerhouse, felt disconnected. I needed more than just a workout; I needed a restoration of balance. That is when I found my sanctuary at Nobu Pilates London.

Many people view Pilates as a “white girl” fitness trend. However, history tells a much richer, more inclusive story. Did you know the legendary Kathy Stanford Grant was a primary muse to Joseph Pilates? She was one of only two people he personally certified. This practice belongs to us, and we belong in this space.

Strength in Every Line: My Post-Op Wellness Journey at Nobu Pilates

As part of a Style Cartel Magazine collaboration to find the Best Pilates Studios in London, I stepped into Nobu Hotel Portman Square. The atmosphere is pure luxury. It feels like a sanctuary, yet it performs like a high-end lab. At £27 per class, you experience a “Luxe Life” that is surprisingly accessible.

Nobu Pilates: Where Luxury Meets Movement

I immediately connected with my instructor, Delicia (find her at @moveshewantstomove). Seeing an instructor who looks like me changed the entire energy. She was hands-on and encouraging. She complimented my strength and motivation, which boosted my confidence instantly.

Why Everybody Deserves the Reformer

I often see rooms filled with “waif-thin” women. Initially, that can feel intimidating for curvy women or those in recovery. However, my discipline proved I was the strongest in the room. I wasn’t the skinniest, but my core was working the hardest. Women of colour and curvy women deserve to occupy these wellness spaces with pride.

The Nobu Method: Power, Precision, and Pure

Marsha Lindsay, the Creative Director of Nobu Pilates, designed three signature classes:

• POWER: A fast-flow fusion using the Jumpboard for cardio and endurance.
• PRECISION: Focused on deep muscle activation and high reps to feel the “burn.”
• PURE: The foundations of the original method using the Reformer, Tower, and Chairs.

Tips for Post-Op Recovery & Results

Frequency: Aim for Pilates 2–3 times a week for optimal core restoration.

Cross-Training: Complement your sessions with low-impact walking or swimming.

Visible Results: You will feel stronger in 10 sessions and see a change in 30.

The 75-Day Challenge: I wouldn’t recommend two workouts a day post-op. However, giving up sugar and reading 10 pages daily is a brilliant wellness habit.

My journey back to myself started on a Reformer. Pilates gave me my balance back. It helped me reclaim my core after surgery and reminds me of my own power daily.

What do you think of the Nobu Pilates London? Leave a comment and follow Style Cartel on social media for more love advice and beauty news.

Photos by In-house  Sasha – Nobu Pilates social media manager Nobu Pilates London

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