Meet Marsha Lindsay, Founder and Creative Director of Nobu Pilates

Marsha Lindsay, is the Founder and Creative Director of Nobu Pilates, recognised for her extensive expertise in the field and acute 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. Regular clientele such as Alec Maxwell, Emma Thynn, Harris Reed and Maya Jama as well as her elite influencer network and premium brand affiliations make Marsha one of the most recognisable names in Pilates.

• Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved with Nobu Pilates? 

I’ve always been active and competitive – before Pilates, I trained in kickboxing and even competed in tournaments. However, an injury led me to physiotherapy, and Pilates was recommended as a complementary training method. From my very first session, I was hooked. I realised how powerful it was – not just for recovery but for building strength, control, and longevity in movement. That journey led me to pursue a career in Pilates, and when the opportunity to create Nobu Pilates arose, it felt like the perfect fit. Nobu’s dedication to excellence and innovation aligned seamlessly with my vision for a world-class Classical Pilates studio.

• What inspired you to pursue a career in Pilates?

Pilates transformed the way I approached movement. Coming from a high-impact sport like kickboxing, I was used to power and intensity, but Pilates taught me the importance of precision, control, and balance. It’s a method that challenges both the body and mind, and I knew I wanted to share that experience with others. I also saw an opportunity to break the stereotypes around Pilates and create something truly aspirational yet results-driven – which is exactly what we’ve built at Nobu Pilates.

• What sets Nobu Pilates apart from other Pilates studios?

Nobu Pilates is a Classical Pilates studio equipped with the full spectrum of Pilates apparatus – not just Reformers, which is a common misconception. We offer three exclusive signature classes – Power, Precision, and Pure – each uniquely designed for Nobu Pilates, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else. These classes are tailored to different goals and preferences, all while staying rooted in the core principles of Pilates. By integrating our deep Pilates expertise with strength training, we help clients elevate their fitness, enhancing mind-body connection, deeper muscle activation, faster recovery, and, most importantly, long-term functional movement.

• What are some of the key benefits of Pilates for both the body and mind?

Pilates is a holistic practice that strengthens the body while sharpening the mind. Physically, it builds core strength, improves flexibility, enhances posture, and refines body awareness for better balance and movement. Cognitively, its focus on breath and precision helps reduce stress, boost clarity, and promote a deep mind-body connection.

At Nobu Pilates, we take these benefits further with expertly designed Classical Pilates programmes, ensuring every session enhances strength, mobility, and overall well-being.

• What’s your favourite Pilates move or exercise and why?

It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, it would be the ‘Series of Five’, also known as the ‘Abdominal Series’. This sequence of five mat exercises (with variations on the Reformer, Tower, and Chairs) is incredibly effective for building core strength. It’s my go-to when I only have a few minutes or when I give clients homework to keep progressing between sessions. It fires up the abs with no mercy and is one of the best ways to get results in a short amount of time.

• What advice would you give to someone who’s new to Pilates?

The key to success with any fitness routine is integration into your lifestyle. It’s important to choose a fitness location that fits with your weekly schedule. For example, having a membership close to home but working long hours elsewhere can set you up for failure. You need to remove as many barriers as possible – if it’s easy and convenient, you’re more likely to stick with it.

When starting out, don’t dive in too deep. It’s easy to get caught up in social media trends that make intense workouts look appealing, but many don’t realise the foundation work that’s required to build strength and stamina safely. Pilates is a perfect starting point because it builds strength, improves awareness, and teaches you proper form. As you progress, whether you’re lifting weights or running, you’ll have a solid foundation that will help prevent injury and support long-term results.

• How do you stay motivated in your own fitness journey?

Balance is something I constantly work on and encourage others to check in with. Exercise has always been my happy place, both physically and mentally, and it’s been a huge support during tough times. However, I’ve learned the importance of not overtraining – too much can lead to fatigue and even injury. I make a conscious effort to balance high-energy workouts with low-impact, restorative practices like Pilates, massage, IR saunas, cryotherapy, and breathwork.

Nutrition also plays a big role. In recent years, I’ve become more mindful of fueling my body properly, seeking expert advice to better understand what I need. That said, I also believe in balance and enjoyment, so I always allow myself one ‘naughty’ day a week where I don’t overthink fitness or food!

• How do you create a welcoming and inclusive environment for clients at Nobu Pilates?

At Nobu Pilates, everything is carefully curated to reflect the luxury and quality the Nobu brand is known for. From the design of the space to the services we offer, every detail is considered to create a premium experience for our clients. Beyond Pilates, we also provide wellness treatments like facials, massages, body treatments, and physiotherapy to ensure a holistic approach to well-being.

Our team is handpicked and trained to the highest standard, ensuring that our passion and brand ethos are always reflected in the way we deliver service. We also work with carefully selected partners whose products align with our commitment to sustainability and accreditation. Every decision, whether it’s about a new offering or a small detail, is made with expertise and care to create an environment where our clients feel welcomed, valued, and truly cared for.

• What’s your favourite Nobu Pilates moment or achievement?

There have been so many incredible moments over the years, but launching Nobu Pilates is without a doubt my biggest achievement. Seeing an idea turn into a thriving brand and community has been truly rewarding, especially knowing that clients love it enough to recommend it to others.

Not to forget the most incredible collaborations such as KLOSS, Charlotte Tilbury, YSL, Longines; the list goes on. It still feels like a dream, but I love changing up the PIlates scene and doing fresh and ‘out of the box’ collaborations.

Another defining part of my career has been my time as a Teacher Trainer. Passing on knowledge and helping shape the next generation of Pilates instructors has been profoundly fulfilling – especially watching them go on to build their own successful careers.

• When you’re not teaching or practicing Pilates, how do you unwind?

Honestly, unwinding isn’t my strong suit – I’m so passionate about my brand that it’s hard to switch off! On my days off, I stick to my training routine, spend time with loved ones, and most importantly, try to digital detox as much as possible. It’s a work in progress, but stepping away from screens and being present makes a huge difference.

• What’s your favourite Nobu dish or experience outside of the Pilates studio?

There are so many incredible dishes, it’s impossible to choose just one! But right now, I’m in the mood for the crispy rice with spicy tuna – it’s absolutely divine. Honestly, I dream about it sometimes!