(March 2025) Victoria Park, affectionately known as the 'People's Park,' is a beautiful green sanctuary in East London. The surrounding area is rich with a diverse array of eateries, cafes, pubs and activities. Here's a guide to some of the best spots in and around Victoria Park for you to visit and enjoy:

(March 2025) Hackney Bridge is a vibrant community hub in East London, offering a diverse array of eateries, bars, and creative spaces. Here's a curated list of 12 must-visit spots in and around Hackney Bridge:

(March 2025) Canalside at Here East is a vibrant destination in East London, offering a diverse selection of eateries, bars, and trendy spots along the picturesque waterfront. Here's a curated list of 12 must-visit venues at Canalside:

Both FS8 Stratford and Strong + Bendy studios are just a few minutes walk from Hackney Wick station.

FS8 offers all their classes in one studio. Strong + Bendy has a dedicated new reformer studio on Prince Edward Road and Yoga and Pilates at the OG studio on Trowbridge Road.

(March 2025) The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a legacy of the 2012 London Olympics, has transformed into a vibrant hub of sports, culture, and leisure in East London. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, serene green spaces, or culinary delights, the Olympic Park area offers something for everyone. Here's our curated list of 11 must-visit spots in and around the park:

(March 2025) Fish Island, nestled in East London's Hackney Wick, is a vibrant enclave blending industrial heritage with contemporary culture. From art studios to eclectic eateries, there's something for everyone. Here's our curated list of must-visit spots on Fish Island:

You will never hear us talk about weight-loss, transformation plans, calorie restriction, or ‘clean’ eating.

Our instructors have taken ‘Fitness Professionals Against Weight Stigma’ training, to ensure that they do not bring weight stigma into the studio and do not assume weight-loss as a goal for any customer.

Our classes are structured so that we always offer options to level up or down the intensity of your workout to suit you that day.

We are part of a growing number of movement spaces who focus on movement for mental health over aesthetics.

Is Strong + Bendy mindful of those who are neurodivergent?

Yes! Below is some information you may find useful, but if there’s anything missing feel free to email our studio owner on rhian@strongandbendy.co.uk.

April 2025

London's fitness scene is brimming with exceptional Reformer Pilates studios, each offering unique experiences to help you achieve your wellness goals. Here's our curated list of the top 8 Reformer Pilates studios in London, from East London to West.

If you’ve ever stepped into a Pilates studio, chances are you’ve been intrigued by the sleek, almost futuristic-looking machine at the center of it all: the Reformer Pilates bed. At Strong + Bendy, we’re big fans of this versatile apparatus, and today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about it. From its components to how it works, let’s dive into the magic of the Reformer Pilates bed.

Reformer Pilates is gaining popularity, and with that comes numerous questions from newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. At Strong + Bendy, we're all about making fitness accessible, fun, and informative. So, let's dive into the most frequently asked questions about Reformer Pilates and give you the lowdown.

Reformer Pilates is having a major moment right now, but like all great things, it has a fascinating origin story that spans decades. At Strong + Bendy, we love connecting the dots between where movement practices come from and how they’ve evolved into the game-changers they are today. So, whether you’re a seasoned Pilates pro or just getting started, here’s everything you need to know about the history of Reformer Pilates: from its beginnings to its modern-day glow-up.

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Reformer Pilates and wondering what it’s all about, we’ve got you covered! 

So, what exactly is Reformer Pilates, and how is it different from mat-based pilates? 

What classes are suitable if I’m new to exercise? 

We welcome all fitness levels in all of our classes. 

However, each class does differ in intensity and the type of equipment used, so below is more information on each class to help you make an informed choice on the right class for you. 

Feel free to come to a class a little earlier if you’d like to have a chat with the teacher about what’s coming up in the class. They will make sure there’s modifications available if there’s something you feel you can’t or don’t want to partake in.