In the world of health and fitness, new trends and fads emerge regularly, but one exercise remains timeless and enduring: Pilates. Pilates is a system of controlled movements and conscious breathing that is no longer confined to rehabilitation clinics.
Pilates studios are taking the fitness scene in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by storm thanks to their growing fanbase and diverse benefits, with popular London studio Karve opening on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz on Sunday.
“Dubai is truly a health and fitness city with a young, active population,” says Gulseun Denis, lead trainer at Tula Pilates + Wellness in Springs Souq. “Pilates has many benefits and is a great complement to other sports and training.”
Pilates is often described as a mind-body exercise and was created in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates. He developed the method while recovering from various illnesses and injuries. He believed that strengthening the core muscles would lead to optimal health and posture.
Although Pilates originally focused on rehabilitation, its potential to increase strength, flexibility and coordination has made it into the fitness mainstream.
Pilates has evolved over the years and there are different types designed to suit specific goals and skill levels. Denise explains that mat Pilates is the foundation of Pilates.
“For people new to Pilates, I recommend mat Pilates,” she says, “where you learn the principles and philosophy of Pilates.” Mat Pilates is done on a mat, using your own body weight, and is great for beginners because it doesn’t require any equipment and focuses on controlled movements and breathing techniques.
There’s also Chair Pilates, which, as the name suggests, uses a sturdy chair to support and balance you while you exercise. This option is suitable for people with limited mobility or those recovering from an injury. Cadillac Pilates uses equipment with bars, straps and loops and is designed for more advanced exercises.
Also popular is Reformer Pilates, which uses machines with springs and pulleys to add resistance and allow for a greater range of motion.
“Pilates with these three pieces of equipment is ideal for people who are familiar with Pilates,” says Denise. “The Reformer machine, for example, is extremely useful for people who need to rehabilitate after an injury, or for pregnant women who are comfortable using the machine.”
While some may think Pilates is for a certain body type, she added that it can be beneficial for “anyone who needs flexibility, strength and mobility.”
“It’s really important that everyone who comes to a class feels welcome, motivated, and supported,” she adds. For beginners, Denise recommends arriving early before class to meet the instructor and get a brief introduction to the machines, if necessary.
Pilates is known for improving core strength and flexibility, but Denise says it can also improve the mind-body connection: “Pilates increases the number of motor units in your brain for each part of your body, which is important for your body to function healthily,” she adds.
PAD: According to Shaazia Qureishi Kanchwala, co-founder of Pilates and Dance, The Greens, choosing the right Pilates studio means choosing the style you want to learn.
“It’s also important to decide whether you want to train with equipment or on a mat,” she adds. “It’s also really important to find an instructor and studio that has a vibe that you like, because at the end of the day, you should leave feeling great, and different people have different energy levels.”
Studios in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Tula
The Springs Sooke studio, which opened in February, offers a variety of classes including reformer pilates, barre pilates, aerial pilates and pre- and post-natal sessions, and you can also book private Cadillac Pilates sessions.
Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 8pm, Saturday, 8am to 5pm, Sunday, 10am to 7pm, from AED 175 per class, Springs Souk, Dubai, 055 474 0012
posture
The boutique Pilates-focused studio recently opened a second location in Downtown Dubai. The minimalist studio is equipped with a few reformer machines and offers group flow, tempo and tower classes. The studio, which also has a location on Palm Jumeirah, offers mat Pilates classes and vinyasa yoga. Meditation and sound healing are also planned for more holistic sessions.
Daily times vary. Starting from AED 168 per class. Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. about this website
Cima
The new women-only studio at Jumeirah Village Circle has three studios in one hub. The Reformer studio has eight machines and offers beginner, intermediate and all-level classes to choose from. There’s also an aerial studio, as well as a general wellness area for yoga, mat and barre sessions.
Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 5pm, from AED 130 per class, Jumeirah Village Circle, 052 689 0628
Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha
This vast women-only wellness centre in Abu Dhabi is most popular for its beach and padel facilities, but it also hosts reformer pilates classes across its 34,000sqm facility. Other amenities include a shaded infinity pool, a spa and restaurant. Children are welcome and there is an indoor playground.
7am to 10pm daily. From AED 156 per class for non-members. Al Bateen. Matcha Albateen
Updated: June 23, 2024, 7:06 AM
