Amaya Henry Amaya Henry | May 14, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
Chances are you've seen the Pilates craze taking over your social media pages, and let us tell you, it's for good reason. Pilates has been around since the 1920s when Joseph and Clara Pilates opened the very first Pilates studio right here in New York City. Low impact yet incredibly effective (trust us - you'll be sweating), Pilates is a great option for those seeking to strengthen their body and improve flexibility while protecting their joints. Whether you're after classical Pilates, a Reformer class, mat Pilates or a contemporary twist on the original technique, we’ve rounded up the 16 best Pilates studios in NYC.
See Also: The 16 Best Workout Classes In NYC
Multiple locations / Website
If you’re new to Pilates, Club Pilates is a great place to start. All new members receive a 30-minute free introductory class to familiarize themselves with machines and other equipment. Club Pilates organizes its class based on four levels: 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5. The higher the level, the higher the difficulty and intensity.
Multiple locations / Website
Harlem Pilates is a Black-owned Pilates and wellness studio that looks to “make Pilates and wellness more accessible to our community.” From beginner to advanced classes, this studio has something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to their reformer classes, they also offer jump board, mat, and barre classes.
900 Broadway #603 / 332.334.8780 / Website
Founder Michelle Fama combines Pilates with storytelling at Core. Apart from mat classes, Core Pilates sessions are limited to a maximum of six people per class, ensuring an intimate feel. For those who like variety in their workouts, Core offers a 30/30 class where you spend 30 minutes on the Reformer and 30 minutes on the Core Tower, as well as full Tower classes and mat classes.
Multiple locations / Website
Renowned for its fashionable workout wear, New York Pilates is sure to keep your body toned. No matter which of the four NYC locations you choose, you’ll get a great workout in a great space. Their trademarked Arms Abs Ass class is a 45-minute high-intensity class that’s open to all experience levels. For newcomers and students, they offer various discounts to get you started. Headed to the Hamptons this summer? Visit one of their locations out East!
Multiple locations / Website
The Fit In is a Black-owned Pilates studio offering private, duet and semi-private Pilates and strength training classes. Whether you’re taking mat, chair or Reformer classes, FIT In classes are known for creating an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere. Their stylish gear is courtesy of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)- owned brands as well as brands from allies of the Brooklyn community.
Multiple locations / Website
By combining classical and contemporary Pilates, Avea Pilates allows for participants of all experience levels. They also use the latest Balanced Body Reformers for a quality workout. Expect to feel both relaxed and sore upon completing this class.
Multiple locations / Website
The Nofar Method of Pilates is the result of years of research, with the goal of creating a safe and effective exercise for all body types. This style prioritizes core strength and flexibility while also developing lean and strong muscles. Since the Nofar method is an advanced form of Pilates training, it recommends that you complete 10 regular Pilates classes before you begin your training with it.
Multiple locations / Website
With its low lights and loud music [solidcore] is notorious for getting your abs working while creating a club-like atmosphere. At [solidcore], they utilize their own Reformer machine named Sweatlana for “various levels of tension and resistance training.” These classes are Megaformer-based sessions aimed at building strength through muscle exhaustion. If you're looking to sweat and walk out with shaky legs, this is the class for you.
Multiple locations / Website
The white walls and lush plants of the Good Day Pilates studio bring a refreshing and intimate ambiance to their Pilates classes. They offer classes for people of various experience levels and with the small class sizes, the instructors are able to closely monitor each individual. These Reformer classes are grounded in physical therapy with exercises to help the body correct harmful everyday movements like poor posture. If we move better we can move better!
Multiple locations / Website
BODYROK has redefined Pilates, creating an addicting class that we can't help but come back to again and again. Their classes will push your body to the limit as you work both on and off their own unique Reformer designed by top engineers to define and sculpt your body. The workouts are also projected on the wall making it easy to follow along with your instructor and the rest of the class. With each class having its own curated playlist, you’re sure to ROK out.
39 E. 20th St., 2nd Floor / 212.727.7896 / Website
Located just three blocks from the heart of the Flatiron district, Gramercy Pilates NYC is known for the quality of the relationship between instructors and participants. Before you begin taking classes, you’ll be assessed by one of their certified Pilates teachers to identify any ailments or issues that you might have. Following this, the certified teacher will create a customized and sustainable fitness program to meet your goals. During your classes, you’ll be personally guided to maximize your training.
636 Broadway / 617.610.1524 / Website
If group sessions aren’t your vibe, Le Petit Studio NYC is the right place for you. Lead instructor and founder Annie Venier has over 20 years of Pilates experience giving her all the necessary tools to help you on your Pilates journey. In addition to her group classes, she offers private sessions as well as duo-semi-private sessions. Additionally, for those who are unable to make it to the studio, she offers in-home training.
Multiple locations / Website
For those who want to take in NYC's skyline while their muscles shake thanks to Pilates, Power Pilates' Flatiron location offers mat classes outside on their terrace. In addition to their mat classes, they offer classes on the Reformer and tower machines. While Power Pilates has certain trainers in rotation, they spice things up by also featuring guest trainers who come in and teach specialty classes.
Multiple locations / Website
Looking for a combination of hot yoga and Pilates? Then YO, BK’s Inferno Hot Pilates class is the place for you. This class takes place on a mat in a heated room with energetic music and great vibes. If you’re looking to push yourself even further, they offer Inferno Plus+ classes that incorporate weights and resistance bands.
252 W. 14th St. 2nd Floor / 646.484.6624 / Website
Pilates People organizes its classes based on the part of the body it’s focusing on. There’s Feel It Reformer (focused technique), Work It Reformer (athletic toning), Jump It Reformer (fun cardio), Stretch It Reformer (creative stretching) and Recover It (centered rebuilding). These specialized classes allow for a focus on specific muscle groups for a guided and international workout
Multiple locations / Website
SLT focuses on Strengthening (your core), Lengthening (your limits), and Toning (your body). Their motto, “Get sore. Not sorry,” perfectly encompasses the studio's can-do attitude. SLT’s classes specifically focus on developing slow-twitch muscle fibers with controlled movements and counter-resistance. By starting with SLT, you get access to a two-week unlimited class pass to get your body acclimated to their workouts.
From the Megaformer BODYROK classes to the Mat classes at Power Pilates, there’s something for everyone in the Pilates community.
Photography by: courtesy of New York Pilates