For over seventy years, Pilates has been shaping, toning, stretching and healing bodies through a combination of Eastern mindfulness and Western fitness. Invented by Joseph Pilates during the first World War, Pilates–or Contrology, as it was originally named–helped wounded soldiers slowly re-develop their muscle strength from the hospital bed. If you’re thinking of taking of taking up the practice, check out these top pilates studios in Hong Kong for the washboard abs you’ve been dreaming of.
Iso Fit
Iso Fit first opened its doors over 20 years ago and has been a favourite with Hong Kong’s fitness-devotees ever since. The focus at this studio isn’t on losing weight or socialising, it’s about health. You won’t even touch the machines until your fitness assessment, an hour-long endeavour that will allow your trainer to tailor sessions specifically to your needs.
Inside the studio itself are some of the best machines available, many of them unique to Asia, so you know you’re getting a quality workout. Group and private sessions are available, as well as GYROTONIC classes, which combine the key principles of gymnastics, swimming, yoga and dance for a workout that will really tone you up.
Iso Fit, 802-805, 8/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central 2869 8630 | isofit.com.hk
Studio 2 Pilates
Located right in the heart of Central, this Pilates studio has everything you need to get into the best shape of your life, whether you’re coming off of an injury or starting a new fitness programme. Unlike larger, mass-market studios, Studio 2 Pilates works with each student to help them reach their own unique goals. They offer a range of different classes, including private sessions, duet sessions, group sessions and more.
Studio 2 Pilates, 1/F World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central 2868 5170 | studio2pilates.com | Facebook
VIM Pilates Studio
VIM Pilates Studio offers Pilates and Pilates-inspired fitness training in their intimate studio space. It’s also the only studio in Hong Kong that trains instructors in the rigorous STOTT® Pilates method, so you’re learning from the teachers of the teachers. Those looking to spice up their normal routine can explore the AntiGravity Fitness group class, and put their core muscles to work hanging upside down.
VIM Pilates, 19/F QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2572 2683 | vim-pilates.com
One Pilates Studio
Internationally trained instructors offer a range of sessions from mat classes to ‘led reformer’ classes, all taught in the ‘pure Pilates’ method. The studio caters to beginners and long-time practitioners alike, gently guiding and challenging each student for an individualised experience. By limiting group sizes to just six, instructors can provide every student with a unique and challenging experience.
One Pilates Studio, 12/F Shiu Fung Hong Bldg, 239 – 241 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan , 6907 7311 | onepilatesstudio.com
Options Studio
An extension of the Singaporean original, Options Studio provides challenging classes at reasonable rates. All instructors are trained through Pilates Academy International certifications programmes, rigorous training that focuses on the bodies natural movement. A selection of classes will keep you challenged and inspired, including Core Reform Pilates, created by Options Studio themselves. They also offer pre- and post-natal classes for new and expecting mothers to stay active and healthy.
Options Studio, 15/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, +852 3188 8112 | options-studio.com
H-Kore
Reformer Pilates taken to the extreme, H-Kore is not your typical workout. The chic new space hosts classes of no more than 10 students at a time and pushes them to the limit with Lagree Fitness workouts. Lagree Fitness is a fast-paced, full-body workout that tones muscles and burns fat. The massive studio still manages to feel cosy and intimate, with students hanging around before and after classes to catch up. If you’re ready for a fat-burning, muscle-shredding fitness challenge, you’ve got to check out H-Kore.
H-Kore, 3/F, Wincome Centre, 39 Des Voeux Road, Central, +852 2441 9000 | h-kore.com | Facebook | @hkorestudio
Flex Studio
The most comprehensive Pilates studio in the city, Flex Studio has been bending and stretching students for over a decade. Taught by a team of highly trained instructor, many of whom come from dance backgrounds, classes here will leave you feeling connected, graceful, and reinvigorated. We love the BLT Pilates Allegro, an hour-long class that specifically targets the bum, legs and lower belly. They also have classes designed for children and teenagers, so the whole family can get involved.
Flex Island South (Wong Chuk Hang), +852 2813 2212 and Flex Island Central, +852 2813 2399 | flexhk.com | Facebook
Anhao
Anhao is an intimate, boutique studio in Sheung Wan that offers an array of fitness classes, including yoga, boot camps and of course, Pilates. Their classes teach the STOTT Pilates® Method, which embraces the natural curvature of the spine. When you buy a class package you can access all of their classes, including Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates without paying any additional costs. Their phone app makes it super easy to check out the weekly class schedule and book yourself in, so the only stressful part is getting up to the top of Ladder Street.
Anhao Sport & Wellness Coaching, 5 Ladder Street, Sheung Wan, +852 6397 8284
In-Motion
One for Kowloon-side, In-Motion is the only fully equipped Pilates and GYROTONIC® studio across the harbour. Small class sizes ensure your practice is tailored to suit your needs and abilities. If you’re looking to mix up your routine, register for a Thailates™ class, a fusion of Pilates and Muay Thai that will challenge you to the extreme, working muscles you didn’t even know you had. The team here can cater to people of all ages and levels, including the elderly and new or expectant mothers.
In-Motion, 14/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2376 0033
