Despite having been invented by German-born physical trainer, writer and inventor, Joseph Pilates more than a century ago, this popular mind-body exercise has seemingly shot in popularity over the past three years — even A-listers such as Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have exchanged the once popular HIIT workouts for exclusive pilates classes.
After plenty of research, it seems as though COVID-19 is behind the surge of interest in pilates (and most recently Miley Cyrus’ performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards where she showcased her toned arms which as a result had thousands of women across the world frantically booking their next or first pilates class).
Aside from the Flowers singer’s toned arms, we were forced to swap our gym memberships for our living rooms during social distancing, and finding a workout routine which required minimal equipment became a top priority — this is where pilates came in and although the pandemic has passed, pilates is here to stay.
Here are 5 Pilates Studios you need to go to in Dubai:
Posture
Where: Palm Jumeirah
Situated on the Palm Jumeirah (and soon Downtown Dubai) is Posture. Founded by London-born and pilates-obsessed Elle Sawyer in 2021, this modern, minimalistic and healing pilates studio prides itself in hiring only the best fully qualified expert instructors from reputable pilates schools around the world. With Posture, it isn’t just about burning calories. It’s getting to know your body and its boundaries, and cultivating an important QI.
For more information, please visit thisisposture.com
Pure Pilates
Where: Barsha Heights
Born from a strong love and dedication to the original work of Joseph Pilates is Pure Pilates. Founded by Susanna Foustok, Susanna set up the studio to share the teachings of her mentor, Elder Jay Grimes who studied alongside Joe Pilates. Pure Pilates offers private and small group classes with Gratz equipment and highly trained instructors.
For more information, please visit purepilatesdubai.com
Reform Athletica
Where: Jumeirah 1 or ICDBP
This boutique fitness studio is inspired by the vibrant fitness scenes of New York, London and LA. Reform Athletica offers six signature classes, each carefully developed by a team of head trainers to ensure all your training bases are covered.
For more information, please visit reformathletica.com
Cultivate
Where: Al Wasl Road
After enduring the excruciatingly difficult pandemic times, when school life and office life became part of home life, Carine – an expat and mum of three – founded Cultivate. Carine was searching for a place where she could reconnect with her mind and body, and when she couldn’t find it, she decided to create it. Cultivate offers yoga, circuit training, HIIT, CrossFit and of course, Pilates.
For more information, please visit cultivate.fit
Blended Wellness
Where: Dukes The Palm
Blended Wellness is a concept curated by its founder, Dominique Laird as a result of her life-long struggle with self-worth and value. Blended Wellness aims to redefine the meaning of “standards” across the globe, celebrating the notion of one being, simply, enough.
For more information, please visit blendedwellness.com
Featured Image Courtesy of yourreformer on Instagram
