
Category Archives: Fitness
Rooftop roundup… our season at Coq D’Argent
We took our workplace Pilates classes out the office to the fabulous roof terrace at Coq D’Argent. It was so great to wake up with the City and teach in this beautiful setting. Feedback from everyone who came was fantastic.
Staff from; The City of London Police, Goodman Masson, CBRE Global Investors, Schroders, London Sport, Janikin Rooke, Grey London, Standard Charter (..to name a few) joined us on the roof.
Pixxie Lott even came along to a class!
We were so lucky with the weather and ran the classes through August to the end of October. Classes were taught by our Founder Julia. Read on for some rather lovely reviews and photo highlights
“I’ve been to Pilates with Julia before at London Sport HQ, so when I heard about the morning rooftop classes, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse! Julia’s a fantastic teacher and very inspirational. Her enthusiasm set again the backdrop of a sunrise against London skyline is one of the best ways to start a Friday morning.
I was utterly hooked. I’m really upset it’s winter now, so we aren’t able to do it anymore – I’ll definitely be back with the sun next year!” Lizzie Stanton, Funding Manger – London Sport
“I just wanted to thank you for the class this morning, we all really enjoyed it – what a great way to start the day!” Natasha Brady, Project Coordinator –
City of London Police
“What better way to start the day than with a Pilates class on the roof of Coq d’Argent?! When Julia first approached me with the idea I thought it was just great, and the team agreed. We booked out an entire session. It was such a success that we rebooked a few weeks later. Everyone loved the class and raved about Julia’s teaching style. A thoroughly enjoyable and recommended class.”
Louise Goddard, EA – Goodman Masson
“Initially I thought the early mornings would be difficult to take. But, once I’d got myself to the Coq d’Argent rooftop on a warm summer’s morning, I wished I could do Pilates with Julia up there every day! A true escape from London’s morning chaos, I almost skipped to work after every class. Can’t wait for next year.”
Ana Saffer, Account Manager – Grey London
“Early morning Pilates on the roof at Coq D’Argent was definitely worth getting up for! The setting was fabulous and Julia was excellent at making the class work really well for all levels of abilities. We rewarded ourselves with a work breakfast after the session and got to work buzzing and energized”.
Janikin Rooke staff
BBC Radio 4 – Office cake or office workout
We featured on BBC Radio 4’s report ‘Cake Culture vs Active Workplaces’. Listen to hear our Pilates classes at software company, Pivotal, and what staff have to say about how much they value their weekly classes.
Listen to the full report here… we’re at 2 minutes!

We’ve been bringing lunch break Pilates and Yoga classes to Pivotal for over seven months. Staff tell us how much they enjoy the classes and value the break from their computers.
Pilates and Brunch – Saturday Sessions
Exciting news… we’ve launched our Mindful Movement Pilates classes with City restaurant Coq d’Argent.
Our first class on Saturday 1st October will take place in Coq d’Argent’s stunning rooftop garden, with participants invited to exercise, relax, and release tension surrounded by spectacular City views.
Some of you may have already joined us for our popular weekday morning classes at Coq D’Argent which are a fantastic way to start the working day. We’re really delighted to have the opportunity to help Londoners start their weekends well too!
Pilates is proven to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, it can ease back pain, and is also great for general fitness and wellbeing. Our Mindful Movement Pilates classes suits all ages, skills, and fitness levels, with alternatives given for each exercise, allowing everyone to enjoy and benefit from the classes. The exercises focus on core muscles, thus improving posture and strengthening the entire body, and also incorporate mindful breathing to help reduce stress and tension.
Classes will be taught by our founder and leading instructor Julia Scodie.
Dates and tickets
Saturday 1st October – Book here
Saturday 5th November – Book here
Saturday 3rd December – Book here
Following the classes, guests are invited to enjoy Coq d’Argent’s indulgent brunch dishes, including;
Mushroom pancake with poached egg and Hollandaise sauce; Croque-Madame with roasted ham, Emmental cheese, béchamel, fried egg and mixed salad; London oak smoked salmon and spinach benedict; and Heritage tomato and basil salad. All dishes are served with a choice of coffee, tea, juice or a mocktail included in the price of your ticket.
BOOK TICKETS FOR OUR FIRST SATURDAY SESSION HERE or
contact info@exerciseinthecity.com if you have any questions
National Fitness Day at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
We were delighted to have been invited by ukactive to help kick off National Fitness Day this year.
Alongside a showcase of activities to launch the day, our Founder Julia taught Pilates classes for attendees. The launch featured on London Live…
.. and we met the fabulous Darcey Bussell! Great to check out her new dance fitness workout DDMIX.
National Fitness Day this week
It’s National Fitness Day tomorrow and we’ve some exciting news. We’ll be helping kick off the day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park teaching Pilates classes alongside some rather exciting names!
National Fitness Day the most active day of the year will launch at the Olympic Park with Darcey Bussell CBE delivering her dance fitness workout DDMIX. Sam Quek, Rio Gold Medallist (Team GB Ladies Hockey Team) will be joining alongside a showcase of activities from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park partners… and us! Our Founder Julia will be teaching Pilates classes on site.
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Prima Magazine
Prima Magazine August 2016
LISS exercise: What is it and should you be doing it?
Forget HIIT, low intensity steady state cardio (LISS) could be the perfect form of exercise for you.
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Pilates for staff at Girlguiding Head Office
We’ve been teaching weekly Pilates classes for staff at Girlguiding head office in London since 2012… over four years! It’s been so great to watch staff strengthen and improve so much.
Catherine joined classes from the beginning and is now a Pilates-pro!…
“I can’t express strongly enough how good it is to be able to take 45 minutes out of a working week to do Pilates with Julia. Everyone knows sitting at a computer all day isn’t the best position to be in but we go back to our desks energised and ready to take on the next challenge. Julia comes to our work and we use one of the bigger meeting rooms with desks pushed to the side.
Prices for Pilates classes are normally so prohibitively high Exercise in the City is good value, and it’s a massive bonus to have Julia come to us so it’s not a stress or bother getting to a gym or other venue.”
Catherine – Girlguiding head office
Our Pilates class has proved to be so popular with staff we often have to add an additional class during the week to meet demand.
Classes are organised by staff themselves and take place in either a meeting room or in the kitchen area with chairs stacked and tables pushed aside.
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Serve with a side of Pilates!
Pilates with a view at Coq D’Argent
Wake up your body and start the day with panoramic Pilates on the spectacular garden roof terrace at Coq D’Argent.
We’re taking our workplace Pilates classes out of the office and giving businesses an opportunity to treat staff to a morning workout with a difference.
Start your day in this breathtaking setting with stunning views over London’s most popular landmarks, as you stretch, tone and strengthen your body with an hour-long invigorating Pilates class. You can choose to stay for the view and enjoy breakfast or a post-workout smoothie on the terrace.
A morning team building event with a difference to improve the health and wellbeing of your staff… or just a great excuse for a treat!
Due to limited spaces classes must be booked in advance 
- Location Coq D’Argent Roof terrace
No.1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ - Time 7.30am to 8.30am class
- Class suitable for all levels
- £10 per person (Discounts for group bookings)
- Option to stay and enjoy breakfast after the class. A great setting for your morning team meeting
Class dates *LAST WEEK*
Wednesday 19 October Spaces available
Friday 21 October Spaces available
Classes booking up fast… To find out more and book email julia@exerciseinthecity.com
Stay for breakfast and enjoy the view
Coq D’Argent are offering 20% discount* on a delicious breakfast after the class. The perfect way to refuel and to set you up for your day at the office. View the breakfast menu
*Breakfast discount for groups of up to 8 people. For larger groups set menu options are available. Class participants should make their breakfast bookings in advance directly with the venue quoting ‘Exercise in the City’
About Coq D’Argent
Located by Bank Station, in the
heart of the city, Coq D’Argent boasts spectacular City views from its gardens and terraces. An elegant, fine dining space guaranteed to impress. Find out more about the restaurant and view menus www.coqdargent.co.uk
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