There's a misconception that pilates is an easy-going style of workout that doesn't require the same strength and effort as traditional gym workouts. Well, we're here to smash that myth once and for all. Pilates isn't just a challenging and effective workout, it's a safe one too. Guiding you to move your muscles in controlled, low impact, specifically targeted ways, you'll get seriously strong in no time.
Keen to give it a try but not sure where to start? We've got you,
Here are 13 of Auckland's best pilates studios.
STRONG Pilates
Victoria Park, Newmarket, The Bays
STRONG Pilates arrived in Auckland after taking Australia by storm thanks to its innovative Rowformer machines that are part reformer and part rowing machine. Offering a workout that's low impact but high-intensity in a pumping club environment, STRONG ties cardio and reformer pilates together in a way that will kick all your goals and have you achieving the body you want with just one membership. If that sounds like a bit of you, check out our full review here.
Core Collective
City Works Depot
The boutique method and training style offered at Core Collective is energising, encourages strength and builds muscle while creating a healthy body and mind. Located at the City Works Depot, the beautiful open and modern studio has reformer machines that give you a low impact but extremely effective workout. There is beginner, intermediate and advanced classes as well as post-natal and private options as well, so something for you wherever you are in your pilates journey.
So Fitness
Auckland CBD
If you step into a building on the corner of Princes St and Eden Terrace and follow the neon glow you’ll find yourself in boutique pilates studio, So Fitness. With eight reformers in their atmospheric semi-industrial style space, every class is a vibe. The six instructors make a mighty team with collective backgrounds in clinical pilates, physiotherapy, rhythmic gymnastics, ballet and more so you know they’ve got your back (literally and physically). There’s an impressive 40 classes on offer every week and you can choose from Beginner Reformer or Intermediate Reformer. Each class encourages attendees to move with their breath, building muscle tone and control while strengthening the mind and mind-body connection all at once. Rad.
Studio 5 Pilates
Grey Lynn
Tucked away from the busy Ponsonby road is reform fitness gym, Studio 5 Pilates (née Movement Lab). With a team of instructors who embody a healthy mind and body outlook, your trainers will encourage you to be your best self yet. Make the change and challenge yourself in this safe and friendly environment, try out a one-on-one class or choose to be involved in a group session and have the freedom to decide how tough you want to make your workout.
Vitality Lab
Morningside
It's a studio within a studio at boutique gym, Vitality Lab, with a brand new reformer offering they're lovingly calling ' Vital Reform'. With over 20 group reformer classes every week, including some exciting hybrids like SpinFormer (on bikes) and Reform HIIT & Power, there's plenty to get amongst, even if you're just starting out. Membership is available for just the reformer pilates studio or you can opt to join both the pilates and regular gym classes which gets you access to barre HIIT and LIIT circuit-style classes, strength training, running club, yoga and more.
Kia Kaha Studios
Takapuna
This beautiful North Shore studio aims to assist people in finding their strength in order to develop self-confidence, better well-being and an overall healthy body. The exercise programs at Kia Kaha Studios focus on activating specific muscle groups and work on strengthening and lengthening the spine so that you can be more flexible, have better balance and overall body awareness. Offering a range of classes, the pilates focused workouts have everything from mat work to reformers and different levels for beginners through to advanced.
Wild Pilates
Online
The dynamic classes of Wild Pilates use a range of online classes to provide a low impact muscle toning and strengthening workout. Whether you are after a 15-minute sweat session or something a bit tougher, there is plenty on offer with 250 on-demand workouts ready and waiting at the click of a button. There are morning, day time and evening sessions every day or you can book in for your own private session to get a more attentive workout with one of the expert trainers.
Peak Pilates
St Heliers, St Johns, Grey Lynn, Botany, Takapuna, Millwater, NextGen Parnell
With seven different locations in Auckland, Peak Pilates will have a studio near you and with their expert training style, it's definitely worth heading along to check them out. The classes are designed to help strengthen, tone, shape and increase flexibility. They also specialise in injuries and the highly trained physiotherapists available are the best team to get you feeling back on track if you are recovering. There are no forced subscriptions and they offer everything from absolute beginner classes to more challenging Pilates for advanced students.
Reform Fitness
Silverdale, Victoria Park, Newmarket, Parnell, Takapuna
The team at Reform Fitness do things a little differently from the standard Pilates class. There are no slow, holistic, mindful movements to be seen—instead think body-enhancing, muscle trembling, dynamic and challenging reformer Pilates. If you're looking for a workout that will push your body then this is the one for you. These are controlled functional exercises that focus on isolating muscles, working till they fatigue and then stretching them out. (Pssst, if you're looking for Kcöre, that's now part of the Reform family.)
PilatesFIT Boutique
Hobsonville
This boutique studio in Hobsonville Point is all about inspiring students to enjoy the challenge of working out for the body and mind. PilatesFIT is run by Chelsea Kawana who wants her studio to be welcoming and high energy, where people can have fun while working hard. The in-person and online workouts are designed to help improve strength, posture and flexibility while also toning and sculpting the whole body through controlled movements. The 50-minute sessions are challenging but highly addictive and have you coming back for more every time.
Physio Pilates
Grafton
The expert physiotherapists at Physio Pilates are the best team to go to if you are recovering from an injury or need to be more careful to prevent injury when working out. The team works to ensure the best possible recovery and can tailor each workout and treatment to suit personal needs. The friendly and caring environment has a full range of Pilates equipment and each person is encouraged to move to whatever their physical ability, challenging yourself as much or as little as you like. The first visit is a one-on-one class where the instructor will listen to your goals and together you will work through the best options for you.
Studio Three
Grey Lynn
Specialising in Pilates, Xtend Barre and Yoga, Studio Three is all about your individual goals and helping you get there. The team of highly trained instructors motivate and encourage you to push yourself in the right direction. The beautiful wooden floors and large windows make the studio light and full of fresh air, creating a welcoming and enjoyable place to work out. The range of classes offered every day make heading along to a session easy and there are specific level classes for whatever stage in your practice you are at.
Movement Pilates
Ellerslie
Get started on this year's fitness goals with Reform fitness boutique, Movement Pilates. Located in the heart of Ellerslie Village you will find the warm and welcoming space of Movement, where no matter your level of experience or how fit you may (or may not feel), all are welcome. Offering both private and small group sessions, these workouts will have you feeling motivated and energised while teaching you mindfulness, balance and coordination, just to name a few! Best to book in advance to ensure your space.
Want to try some Yoga instead? Here are Auckland's best yoga and hot yoga studios.
Image credit: Core Collective, Studio 5 Pilates, Kia Kaha, Reform Fitness & Studio Three.