Business Details
17 Years
experience
Expert Pilates Classes in Cambridge
Established in Cambridge in 2009, Activate Pilates has cultivated a loyal client base through dynamic reformer Pilates classes and tailored private sessions. Our fully qualified instructors prioritise individual progress, focusing on strength, toning, flexibility, and posture improvement. Located in scenic parkland just 3 miles from Cambridge city centre, we offer group classes (max 7 people), one-on-one private sessions, and personal training. With free parking and accessible facilities, we combine expert instruction with a welcoming environment.Our team includes STOTT PILATES-certified professionals with backgrounds in physiotherapy and sports therapy, ensuring technically precise yet adaptable sessions. Whether you're a beginner or advanced practitioner, our structured class levels and customisable private sessions cater to diverse needs. We maintain a commitment to client satisfaction through consistent quality, professional development, and a focus on measurable results.
Services
Group Pilates
Private Pilates
Personal Training
Reformer Pilates
Ante-natal Pilates
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 15+ years combined Pilates experience
- Tailored sessions for all fitness levels from beginner to advanced
- Convenient Cambridge location with free parking facilities
- Specialised ante-natal Pilates and rehabilitation-focused private sessions
- Comprehensive equipment including reformers, TRX, and suspension trainers
Associations and certifications
- STOTT PILATES
- APPI Equipment Certified
Services
Group Pilates
Our group Pilates classes utilise reformer equipment in sessions limited to 7 participants. These 55-minute workouts combine resistance springs and pulleys to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance muscle tone. Classes are structured into four levels from beginner to advanced, ensuring appropriate challenge for all abilities while maintaining technical precision.
Private Pilates
Tailored private sessions in our dedicated basement studio with specialist equipment including reformers, split pedal chairs, and arc barrels. Sessions address individual needs from injury rehabilitation to advanced conditioning, incorporating stability balls and exercise bands. Ante-natal adaptations ensure safe, effective workouts throughout pregnancy.
Personal Training
Customised personal training programmes combining Pilates equipment with free weights, TRX suspension trainers, and outdoor training. Sessions focus on functional strength, cardiovascular fitness, and sport-specific conditioning while maintaining engaging, progressive workouts tailored to individual goals and fitness levels.
Reformer Pilates
Specialised reformer Pilates sessions using adjustable resistance systems to develop core stability, muscle endurance, and joint mobility. Classes incorporate jumpboard cardio elements and progressive difficulty levels, with equipment configurations adapted to individual capabilities and training objectives.
Ante-natal Pilates
Pregnancy-specific Pilates sessions combining reformer work and mat exercises to maintain core strength, improve posture, and prepare for childbirth. Sessions focus on pelvic floor engagement, gentle stretching, and controlled movements adapted to each trimester's requirements.
People
Steve Cresswell
Lead Instructor
STOTT PILATES-certified instructor since 2006 with Premier Training qualifications. Combines Pilates expertise with sports therapy background, specialising in kettlebells and suspension training. Marathon runner and certified sports massage therapist.
Alex Cresswell
Senior Trainer
Former physiotherapist with APPI equipment certification. Specialises in rehabilitation Pilates and ante-natal sessions. Brings clinical expertise to private sessions using reformer equipment and tailored exercise programmes for injury recovery and prevention.
Questions
What Pilates class levels do you offer?
We provide four class levels: Essential Reformer (beginner), Reformer (intermediate), Reformer Plus (advanced), and Jumpboard (cardio-focused). Entry to advanced classes requires instructor approval.
Can I book a first Pilates class easily?
Yes, contact our studio directly to book your introductory class. No prior experience needed for beginner sessions, and we provide equipment orientation for new participants.
Do you offer ante-natal Pilates sessions?
Yes, we provide pregnancy-adapted Pilates using reformer equipment and mat exercises. Sessions focus on safe core engagement and posture maintenance throughout all trimesters.
What personal training equipment is available?
Our personal training includes Pilates reformers, free weights, TRX suspension trainers, BOSU balls, and outdoor training options. Sessions combine strength, cardio, and functional movement exercises.
How do I access the studio parking?
Free parking is available in designated areas. Daytime classes use the left driveway, 6pm/Saturday 10am classes park on the grass verge opposite. Follow signage to our white-doored studio.
Reviews (4)
Sue Baker
Apr 18, 2020
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If you want an excellent reformer pilates workout, come here - they do a whole variety of reformer workouts and they do matwork too,limited numbers mean more one to one attention. Alex and Steve have great teaching styles, making us laugh tends to add that extra level of intensity to the exercises - I woudnt go anywhere else. *****
Yvonne Brookes
Dec 10, 2017
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An excellent way to build core strength and flexibility, have fun and generally feel well. It has even helped with stamina and fitness for skiing. Wish I’d discovered pilates in my twenties! Well done Steve, Alex and the team
Leigh McClelland
Oct 28, 2017
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I enjoy and feel the ‘enriching’ power of every single one of Steve's classes that I attend! Activate Pilates is one of my absolute favourite places in Cambridge. Time flies by while you work on your core, length and strength, listening to Steve's instruction, (good!) humour, and soundtrack. I cannot recommend the classes highly enough. You won't find any better in Cambridge.
Philomena Cannon-Brookes
Jul 28, 2015
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A really great environment to work out. Steve, Alex and Veronica are fantastic instructors. Have been going there for 4 years now and it is excellent.
