1 hour to 1.5 hours
Mat classes like yoga and mat pilates are both easy, low-impact workouts that require minimal equipment, but the two are very different.
The practice of yoga has a rich history rooted in spirituality. While yoga is certainly physically demanding, its ultimate goal is to find release and inner peace through movement. Yoga practices involve many holds and flow through these positions at a much slower pace than Pilates, and often incorporate a set flow or breathing pattern throughout the class. Many of the yoga poses are believed to have a variety of health benefits, both mental and physical. In addition, there are specialized “Bikram” yoga classes that are held in heated rooms and are said to have many health benefits.
Pilates, on the other hand, is fast-paced, with lots of fast-paced repetitions aimed at burning muscle and toning targeted areas. Like yoga, Pilates challenges balance and flexibility, but it primarily focuses on strengthening the body, especially the core. Some Pilates classes may also incorporate balls, blocks, light weights, and other equipment, but it’s still primarily bodyweight exercises.
Many studios in Metro Manila offer both yoga and Pilates classes with a varied weekly schedule, and some even offer meditation and sound healing sessions.
Mat Class Studios in Metro Manila
- Soul Space – Verve Tower 1 (BGC)
- The Breathing Room PH – Icon Plaza (BGC)
- Sunspace – Prince Tower (Salcedo Village, Makati)
- Torre Yoga and Wellness – Cityland 10 Tower 1 (Salcedo Village, Makati)
- Nada Concepts (Yoga, Sound Bath) – Six Axis Center (Poblacion, Makati City)
- Bikram Yoga Makati (Yoga) – Aguirre Building (Salcedo Village, Makati)
- Treehouse Yoga (Yoga) – RGM Center (BF Homes, Parañaque)
- Nude Floor (Yoga) – Ayala Mall Circuit (Makati)
- Open Mat (Yoga) – Country Space 1 (Salcedo Village, Makati)
- Saddle Row (Yoga) – Power Plant Mall (Rockwell, Makati)
More from Tatler: 5 tranquil retreats in Hong Kong for meditation and mindfulness
