The Studios, Kit & Workouts These Top PTs Swear By
Image: @PillarWellbeing
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The Studios, Kit & Workouts These Top PTs Swear By

From weighted walks to lymphatic boots, this summer is all about smart movement, elevated recovery and rituals that go beyond the gym. Here, five fitness insiders share what’s working for them – from the low-impact workouts delivering serious results to the recovery tools they rate…
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Image: @PillarWellbeing

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@Bala; @Adanola

Aimee Victoria Long

PT

A hybrid workout that combines reformer Pilates with conditioning is my go-to. It’s the best of both worlds – the reformer gives you that deep, controlled muscle activation that’s amazing for core strength, posture and joint health, while conditioning work adds a dynamic layer to build endurance. Alternating between the two in one session keeps things interesting, challenges both stability and power, and leaves me feeling both lengthened and strong. For me, it’s also the most intelligent way to train for longevity. 

I’m seeing more of my clients embracing cycle-syncing workouts. Matching your training to the different phases of your cycle makes sense – it supports performance and recovery without pushing the body. More broadly, I’m also seeing a shift towards intentional, low-impact training – things like resistance-based flows and mobility-focused strength sessions. People are craving consistency and sustainability over constant intensity. 

In terms of kit, I’ve been reaching for the Bala Beam. It’s so versatile for mobility, sculpting and core work. Plus, it looks great, which is always a bonus. My activewear rotation tends to include Adanola seamless sets for their flattering fit, and Alo Moves performance wear when I want something more technical but still polished enough to wear outside of the gym. 

I take recovery seriously. At the moment, I’m prioritising lymphatic drainage massage and contrast showers – simple but effective. I also make space for long walks, solo or with a podcast, and mobility flows in the evening. 

When I want a studio that challenges me, I always go back to Enmei. It’s a Lagree-style workout that recruits every muscle and focuses on time under tension. It’s mindful, tough and efficient – I always walk out feeling stronger.

I swear by collagen and electrolytes. I mix Correxico marine collagen and Ancient + Brave electrolytes into water before or after a session – the collagen supports skin and joint health, while the electrolytes are a game-changer for hydration and recovery, especially in the warmer months. 

I’m also a fan of nootropicsPuresport’s formula is my go-to – it’s amazing for focus, especially when I have a packed day of coaching. I also can’t be without Form Nutrition’s plant-based protein, which is delicious, light and easy to digest. 

Visit AIMEEVICTORIALONG.CO.UK

@AlinaaAvram; @Varley; @PillarWellbeing

Alina Avram

Pilates Instructor At Pillar Wellbeing

Strength Pilates is the foundation of my routine. It blends mindful movement with functional strength and challenges the body in a balanced, intelligent way. I always leave a session feeling longer, stronger and more centred. 

Low-impact strength is only going to grow. We’re already seeing more interest in Pilates, weighted walking and hybrid events like Hyrox. There’s also a real rise in community-led fitness – think outdoor training clubs and running collectives. Plus, wearable tech and AI-driven programming are changing the way we train and recovery – it’s smarter and more personal than ever. 

My Oura Ring has changed the way I approach training. It looks like a piece of jewellery but gives you such rich data on sleep, recovery and stress. I love that it helps me track patterns without being invasive – and influences how I plan my workouts and rest days. 

I spend a lot of time at Pillar at Raffles. It’s beautifully curated, from the gym to the class offering. But when I want a change of scenery, I’ll head to KXU – everything from the equipment to the lighting feels elevated. And for a clear head, I love a run through Hyde Park.

My gym bag is always stocked with a sachet of WelleCo protein. It’s clean, plant-based and great when I’m between clients. I also rely on Artah’s cellular hydration – no added sugar, just smart electrolytes – and keep Medjool dates and Hu chocolate to hand for an energy lift. 

APL TechLoom trainers are my go-to for training – they’re light but supportive. For recovery, I rate the Therabody JetBoots – they’re wireless, efficient and ideal when your legs feel heavy after back-to-back sessions.

I’m gravitating towards brands that bridge style and performanceVarleyOysho and AMADA all hit the mark. For off-duty days, Vuori’s soft, elevated loungewear is a favourite. 

Cold water immersion has become a summer staple. It’s an instant nervous system reset. Afterwards, I layer a magnesium-rich body serum and spend ten minutes using the Sensate, a smart device for stress relief. 

Visit PILLARWELLBEING.COM & follow @ALINAAAVRAM

@PilatesByMarsha; @OuraRing; @RadianceCleanse

Marsha Lindsay

Creative Director Of Nobu Pilates

Muay Thai has reignited my love of movement. I trained in kung-fu and kickboxing as a child, and after a trip to Thailand earlier this year, I felt compelled to revisit martial arts. I now train with Mati Parkhouse at Circle8 Fitness – one of the best in the business. Our one-to-one sessions are a powerful blend of physical and mental challenge – they push my fitness, co-ordination and memory in ways I hadn’t expected.

Mobility and bodyweight training are having a moment – and rightly so. Calisthenics, in particular, is on the rise, and it dovetails perfectly with the Pilates ethos – control, alignment and strength. I’m also watching the padel explosion with interest – I haven’t played yet but everyone I know is hooked. It’s dynamic, inclusive and social – a winning combination. I love seeing the comeback of group training and shared movement – there’s such joy in that collective energy. 

I’m a wellness tech junkie. I walk to work every day and track my steps with my Apple Watch. At home, I have massage guns, vibrating foam rollers and a foot massager. My next investment is a red-light therapy helmet – I’ve been exploring options to support hair health, and that’s top of my list. 

My recovery rituals are sacred. Lymphatic drainage boots are a staple when I get home, especially after a long day on my feet. I swear by magnesium salt baths and essential oils, and I always spray magnesium onto the soles of my feet at night – it eases post-workout aches and promotes better sleep. 

There’s always a protein bar in my gym bag. Fulfil is my go-to brand – they’re high in protein, low in sugar and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. I rotate the flavours depending on my mood, but they’re a staple. 

I do a radiance cleanse every quarter. Usually a three- or five-day programme to reset, recharge and give my system a break. It’s a chance to slow down, realign and come back to my routine with more clarity. I’ve also been eyeing up the Oura Ring for a while – it blends well into everyday wear but what really appeals is the insight it gives into sleep and recovery. Anything that helps me train smarter is always worth exploring. 

Follow @PILATESBYMARSHA

@PilatesByBryony; @Arrae; @KX_London

Bryony Deery

Founder Of Pilates By Bryony

Pilates is having a moment – and for good reason. It’s low-impact and one of the most effective ways to build strength, tone and confidence without burning out. I’m seeing more people realise it’s something you can do daily. I do two strength sessions and four Pilates classes a week – it’s the sweet spot for feeling strong, sculpted and energised.

When I’m in London, I train at KX. The recovery set-up there is next level. Estelle Manor is my favourite UK escape for workouts and winding down. For kit, I live in my Salomon trainers, and I always wear my Oura ring to track my recovery properly.

Long walks are underrated. I love walking my dog or calling a friend for a catch-up while getting some steps in. When it comes to recovery, I also can’t get enough of lymphatic drainage. When I can’t get to Elyane in London, I use the Skinny Confidential ‘Le Spoon’ at home. And I always do legs up the wall in the evening to reduce inflammation – it works. 

Targeted supplements are having a momentArrae’s Tone gummies have become a staple for digestion and definition, while Kroma’s bone broth sachets are always in my gym bag. I never skip Form’s chocolate protein in my smoothies, and I’ve levelled up my hydration game with electrolytes – LMNT and Humantra are the two I swear by. 

Follow @BRYONYDEERY

Mirafit; @AinslieAinslie

Kate Rowe-Ham

Women’s Health PT & Coach

I’m mixing things up with unilateral movements. Strength training has always been part of my routine, but right now I’m focusing on things like single-leg deadlifts, step-ups and single-arm presses. They challenge my balance, build functional strength and support mobility, which is something I’m always thinking about in midlife. They also help identify any imbalances and force the core to work harder. I walk away from these sessions feeling more capable – and that’s exactly what I want from my training. 

I’ve started wearing a weighted vest on my walks – and it’s made such a difference. It’s a really simple way to add resistance and support bone density without picking up weights. I use one from Mirafit

This summer, I’m being intentional about my downtime. I’ve started stepping away from my phone more and carving out time to read – even if it’s just ten minutes with a coffee in the garden. That little reset does wonders for my headspace. I also love cold water therapy – whether it’s a dip, cold shower or just splashing my face – it helps me feel present and grounded. 

Supplement-wise, I’m never without creatineAncient + Brave’s creatine is a staple – it’s brilliant for strength and recovery, especially in midlife. I’ve also been using Momentous supplements and am enjoying Ainslie & Ainslie’s sleep supplement.

I’ve noticed a growing interest in longevity training. The focus is shifting – it’s less about aesthetics and more about staying strong and mobile as we age. I’m passionate about helping women in midlife realise lifting weights isn’t just for gym bunnies – it’s one of the most empowering, effective things we can do. 

Follow @KATERH_FITNESS

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