What to expect at your first Pilates class at Thrive Studio, Broadstone

THRIVE Studio full-equipment Pilates studio in Broadstone with Reformers, Tower and Ladder Barrel

Thrive Studio is a specialist Pilates studio in Broadstone, offering full equipment Pilates classes as well as Mat work, all integrated with our therapy and performance-based skills.

Our classes are designed for those looking for small group Reformer Pilates in Broadstone, Pilates for back pain, or Mat work classes with personalised attention. They are also for those looking to start Pilates to help with pain or improve performance.

Due to our intentionally small class numbers, our classes are designed for all levels. Beginners are welcome, as the classes can be adapted to the individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all class.

Where is Thrive Studio in Broadstone?


Our studio is just off the high street in Broadstone. Coming off the high street onto York Road, our studio is about 140 yards (130 metres) to the right. It is in the old Broadstone Ballroom Dance studio, behind the Lib Dem offices.

The entrance is down the right side of the building, through the grey gate, and the door is on the left at the end. There is a step to be aware of when entering the building, and the studio is through the white doors in the lobby.

Should I choose Mat or Reformer Pilates in Broadstone?


Knowing whether to do Mat or Reformer Pilates classes can be a tricky choice. Here is some helpful information on what to expect from each class, to help you make the right choice.

Mat Pilates class at THRIVE Studio, Broadstone

Mat Pilates

Mat is the more well-known type of Pilates, which is performed on the floor with a mat. There is very little equipment needed (maybe a band or a ball). The majority of the exercises are bodyweight, and the focus is more on the movement and mobility aspects. Mat classes are limited to 8 people.

Mat classes are ideal for those who are not suffering pain but want to keep their body moving and help to prevent pain, and also for those who have previous Pilates experience.

Small-group Reformer Pilates class in progress at THRIVE Studio, Broadstone

Reformer / Full Equipment Pilates

Reformer/Full Equipment Pilates is limited to 4 people, so we can give you more attention and adaptations to the exercises. Rather than offering Reformer only, we offer the full range of Pilates equipment, including Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Tower and Raised Mat. This gives us more versatility when it comes to adapting exercises for you, and means we can offer a wider range of exercises in the classes.

Full Equipment Pilates is ideal for anyone who wants to focus more on strength or improved performance, or is focusing on improving pain and has found previous Pilates painful.

Do I need an assessment before my first class?


Therapy-led movement assessment at Thrive Studio, Broadstone

Before you begin, you will be offered a full assessment. An assessment is optional rather than compulsory. It allows us to carry out a full biomechanics (joint/muscle testing) assessment. This looks at movement and strength, and helps identify any areas that need attention.

The assessment is ideal for those attending Pilates who have pain and are looking to help improve this. It will cover muscle and joint testing relative to your history, and will also include any special testing. This gives us more information, so that we can be more accurate as to what could potentially be causing the pain.

We can then integrate these results into your class, so the exercises are more specific to what you need, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

A Start Up Session can also be ideal for anyone who has never done Pilates before and wants to get a good understanding of the fundamentals, so that they can hit the ground running in their first class.

What happens in my first Pilates class?


Your first class will focus on allowing you to learn all the fundamentals of Pilates, whilst offering you variations of any exercises you need. It will also give us a chance to see where you are at, so we can start making any necessary adaptations.

Published 11 November 2026

About the author — Alex Moore

Sports Therapist and founder of Thrive Studio, Broadstone. Member of the Sports Therapy Association (STA), fully qualified Pilates instructor (Mat & Equipment) with over 15 years' teaching experience, and a full Level 5 qualification in movement therapy. Has worked extensively with professional dancers and provided sports massage to theatre casts.