Nobu Pilates: Luxury in Motion
Tucked inside the iconic Nobu Hotel at Portman Square, Nobu Pilates isn’t just another sleek London fitness studio—it’s a global statement in movement, luxury, and innovation. At the helm of this exclusive concept is Marsha Lindsay, a powerhouse in Pilates whose journey from competitive kickboxing to classical Pilates education has shaped one of the most elevated wellness experiences in the world.
A Journey Fuelled by Recovery, Strength, and Purpose
Marsha’s journey didn’t begin with Pilates—it began in the ring. As a competitive kickboxer, she was no stranger to discipline and physical intensity. But after an injury led her to physiotherapy, she was introduced to Pilates as part of her recovery—and what started as rehab quickly became a lifelong passion.
“I realised how powerful it was in my very first session,” she says. “Not just for recovery, but for long-term strength, control, and longevity in movement.”
Marsha’s passion led her to Classical Pilates training with Holly Murray—an intensive education that armed her with the tools to work with a wide range of bodies and conditions. Over time, she saw a gap in the UK market: a space where authentic, high-calibre Pilates could meet elevated hospitality and service. In May 2021, Nobu Pilates was born.
Merging Mindful Movement with High-End Hospitality
When Nobu Hotel Portman Square approached Marsha to launch a wellness concept within its luxury ecosystem, she immediately saw the synergy.
“Nobu is all about detail, quality, and experience,” she says. “That ethos matched my vision perfectly.”
The result? A studio that feels like a sanctuary but performs like a performance lab, with three signature class formats designed to deliver results while honouring Pilates principles.
“One thing I noticed early on in my Pilates journey is that Pilates can sometimes be intimidating for newcomers, so my goal was to design exclusive classes that offer something that caters to the individual’s goals, taste, and experience,” said Marsha.
Designing three signature classes: POWER, PRECISION, PURE
Each Nobu Pilates class is tailored to a different fitness personality, experience level, and goal—without ever compromising on form or philosophy.
POWER is a dynamic, full-body and fast-flow fusion Reformer and Jumpboard class built for energy, endurance, and choreography-based training.
PRECISION channels strength training through higher reps and deep muscle activation, which makes clients feel the ‘burn’. It’s all about sculpting the upper and lower body and is inspired by Marsha’s background in personal training.
PURE focuses on the foundations, offering a full-body educational workshop using all Pilates apparatus—from Reformer to Tower to Chairs.
“They’re not just workouts—they’re experiences built around individual goals, with Pilates at the core,” Marsha explains.
Luxury in Every Detail
For Marsha, luxury isn't just the setting—it’s in the teaching quality and personalised care.
“We cap classes at ten people. That’s the maximum number where an instructor can properly monitor, correct, and connect.”
Each session is designed to blend strength, mobility, and education within 50-55 minutes, ensuring both safety and sophistication.
Pilates, Reimagined for the Modern World
While Nobu Pilates pays homage to classical technique, Marsha believes in evolving the experience—not the essence.
“Innovation isn’t about reinventing Pilates—it’s about evolving how it’s experienced,” she says. “We stay loyal to the roots, but meet people where they are.”
This mindset has made Pilates feel fresh, accessible, and aspirational to an entirely new audience—from high-profile clientele to first-time movers alike.
“And just as importantly, we’ve elevated the delivery. Luxury is about consistency and attention to detail,” Marsha explains. “We have a clear vision of the kind of experience we want to create—and how every touchpoint, from the teaching to the studio environment, reflects that vision.”
Global Appeal, Local Relevance
With Nobu’s worldwide brand recognition, Marsha has already started seeing the global potential of her concept.
“Pilates is finally being received as it should be,” she says. “What used to be a hard sell is now the go-to for strength, mobility, and posture.”
This May, Nobu Pilates hosted its first-ever international retreat at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, where guests trained under the sun on a rooftop overlooking Talamanca Bay. The retreat was so successful, extra spaces had to be added.
What It Takes to Stay Elevated
To maintain the Nobu Pilates standard, Marsha hires only comprehensively trained instructors—ideally with classical credentials.
“That kind of training demands depth, discipline, and anatomical understanding,” she notes. “It’s not for everyone, but it ensures we never compromise.”
Marsha is also deeply passionate about representation, working to challenge outdated ideas of what Pilates looks like—and who it’s for.
“For a long time, Pilates wasn’t seen as a ‘real’ workout. And even today, we still face challenges like engaging men, or improving inclusivity across the board.”
As a woman of colour leading one of the most high-profile studios in London, Marsha is redefining leadership in wellness.
Advice for the Next Generation
For instructors dreaming of building a premium wellness brand, Marsha has clear advice:
“First, master your craft. Invest in comprehensive education and know the ‘why’ behind every movement. From there, define the experience you want to create—luxury is consistency and detail at every touchpoint.”
What’s Next for Nobu Pilates?
With global interest growing, Marsha hints at a future where her signature classes expand to more Nobu locations.
“The retreat in Ibiza was just the beginning,” she smiles. “We’d love to bring Nobu Pilates to more cities around the world.”
As for Marsha herself? She’s not slowing down. She continues to teach, mentor, and innovate—all while building a movement around mindful, elevated living.
Marsha Lindsay, is the Founder and Creative Director of Nobu Pilates, recognised for her extensive expertise in the field andacute eye for curating a sophisticated and in-Vogue brand, as well as excelling in business performance. A go to for global talent when in town, and aspirational in her own brand personality with a drive to break the Pilates stereotypes, her reputation has grown in London and beyond as the most credible face in Pilates.
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