East of Eden: Yoga and Reformer Pilates

I came to East of Eden after spending 2 months on crutches and having surgery for a complex ankle fracture. The Reformer Pilates classes have helped me so much to regain strength, balance and mobility. Returning to exercise and trying out something brand new post-injury was quite scary but everyone I've encountered at the studio has been so nice, particularly Fabia who is always kind, attentive and helpful with her feedback to improve your form and technique. I always leave feeling great!

This is by far one of my favourites studios in London. East of Eden is such a wonderful space with friendly approachable staff and teachers. There’s a huge variety of classes and every workshop I’ve been to has been brilliant. Highly recommend xx

The warmest, friendliest, most helpful and loving yoga studio you could ever wish you. Abigail goes above and beyond to create a really special, educational, fa our friendly and generally wonderful environment. A real credit to her and an asset to the local community. Highly recommend.

Last week I attended a pilates class called 'Open Level'. There was nothing 'Open' about it and this is deceptive. The instructor 'Robin' asked about injuries at the start of the class but when I said I have a minor back injury she gave me a dirty look and said 'so you're seeing a physio and know what to do and not do, yeah?' and quickly continued with the class. She gave me no adjustments to follow and gave generally confusing instruction poorly demonstrated with far too many reps on each side of the body. When a couple of attendees reduced intensity of the reformer springs, she stopped teaching to increase them and forced them to continue. She was prickly and demonstrated a lack of care. I raised a complaint more as feedback with the owner Abi who actually retorted there was a basics class and open level isn't suitable for injuries - but then why does the instructor ask about them in the class? The 'basics' class is never available to book on class pass, a profit-based decision by the owner. Abi also said her experience was great and tried to sell me additional classes! She was not receptive to feedback and blind to her below-par instructor, clearly both of the same ilk - cost-driven, poor attitude, lack of care, con-artists. Dangerous. And the reformer machines were old and rickety too.

This is one of those places that makes Walthamstow special - it's a lovely pilates (both mat and reformer) and yoga studio with classes for all levels. There is even a gentle pilates class (for people like me who like exercise calm!) which leaves you feeling calm, stronger and more motivated - it's also a good way of disconnecting from work and the general anxiety of life as it's a beautiful space with plants and natural light. And the owner is a force of nature, it feels great to support in independent place like this.

Recently discovered this local studio and have felt in love with it! I've tried several of their classes now, and all of them have been great, even as a complete beginner. Staff is super friendly and personable, making you feel welcome from the moment you step through the door.

Kristina (or Christina? Not sure how to spell it!) in particular is such a sweetheart, really lovely and helpful, which is SO important especially for yoga newbies like myself! I'd always felt slightly intimidated by yoga classes, and never considered myself to be "the type of person that can do that", but the atmosphere and experience in East of Eden has just been wonderful :)

Amazing yoga and Pilates studio with a lovely cafe and welcoming atmosphere. I take reformer classes, which are brilliant — the teachers always provide good modifications to make the exercises more or less challenging depending on your personal level.

Attended Tanja's class and it was creative ! She introduced new movement and approach to yoga practice. Some are long hold make it great to build your strength. Definitely try it out.