Pilates, the mind-body exercise, has experienced a surge in popularity, becoming ClassPass’s most popular workout in 2023. This low-impact exercise, utilizing repetitive movements on a mat or reformer machine, offers transformative results. New York City, a hub for fitness enthusiasts, boasts an array of Pilates studios catering to diverse needs and preferences. Here’s a glimpse into some of the city’s top Pilates destinations.
Forma Pilates, founded by Liana Levi, has garnered attention for its exclusivity. Originally operating out of her mother’s pool house, the studio attracted celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Now a bicoastal phenomenon, the SoHo studio maintains its exclusive nature, requiring referrals for booking classes. This ensures a personalized experience, with instructors familiar with each client’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Their reformers deliver an intense, muscle-shaking workout, leaving you sore for days.
Erika Bloom’s Tribeca studio offers a holistic approach to Pilates. With over 20 years of experience, Bloom possesses an innate ability to identify and address imbalances. Her studio provides private sessions, incorporating postural assessments, osteoporosis protocols, injury prevention, and pre- and post-natal care. Bloom emphasizes the importance of addressing the body holistically, considering fascia, the nervous system, stress responses, diet, and inflammation. Her philosophy focuses on strengthening the intrinsic muscles around joints, particularly those in the pelvis region, for optimal core stability and a sculpted physique.
Kimmy Kellum’s East River Pilates, based in Williamsburg, embodies a contemporary approach to Pilates. Starting with rooftop classes for her friends, Kellum’s studio has evolved to include multiple locations, offering reformer and mat classes. Their elegant studios feature a springboard, a wall-mounted apparatus providing a wider range of motion for a challenging core workout. The studio caters to client preferences, offering a high-intensity class combining HIIT exercises with classical mat Pilates, as well as pre- and post-natal programs. Notably, East River boasts a team of Australia-trained physiotherapists, adding expertise in biomechanics and rehabilitation to their Pilates offerings.
Amy Nelms, a classical Pilates devotee with over two decades of experience, has built a loyal clientele through word-of-mouth. Her private sessions, conducted in a serene Flatiron District studio, provide personalized instruction tailored to each client’s individual needs. Nelms’ meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the body allow her to identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding clients toward optimal posture and overall well-being.
Nice & Tall Pilates, located on 56th Street, holds historical significance as the original New York studio established by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the method. They offer a variety of classes catering to all experience levels, making it an accessible option for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The studio features a range of apparatuses, including reformer machines, mats, and wall units, providing diverse workout options.
These studios represent a diverse range of Pilates approaches in New York City, catering to various preferences and fitness goals. From exclusive boutiques to classic studios and innovative spaces, the city offers a vibrant Pilates scene, allowing you to discover the perfect fit for your mind and body.
