If you want a new approach to fitness and have tried everything from running and Zumba, to lifting weights and HIIT, you may want to sign up for Pilates to strengthen your core and work on your flexibility. Hong Kong has loads of classes and studios that offer conventional mat practices, Reformer Pilates, Gyrotonic sessions, and even non-standard fun ballet barre elements. Read on to find where the closest Pilates classes and studios in Hong Kong are for you.
What is Pilates?
The Pilates method was created in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom the practice was named. It’s a principle-led fitness system, guided by nine philosophies: breathing, concentration, control, centering, rhythm/flow, balanced muscle development, precision, relaxation, and whole body movement. It aims to provide a good balance of flexibility, strength, and muscle tone to help people with posture problems and make them more aware of their bodies in general. There are different types of Pilates, the most common being the Clinical, Classical, Mat, Contemporary, and Reformer varieties — each of which has a different focus, and may require equipment.
Elevate Pilates — Central
This conveniently located studio has state-of-the-art equipment in a spacious and welcoming setting designed for mindful movement and growth. They do Reformer Pilates group classes and one-on-one sessions, as well as movement classes that include suspension training and ballet — hardly surprising, considering that Elevate was founded by two former pro ballet dancers. You can also sign up for post-rehab, pre- and post-natal, and athletic conditioning sessions here.
Location: 3/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central & Western District
Opening Hours: 8:45am-9pm
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2698 4228
Pilates Body HK — Sheung Wan
This studio has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner, regular, or looking for advanced classes. For instance, the Cardio Burn & Stretch programme uses a jumpboard to get your heart rate going, while the Full-Body Strength sessions are more abs-focused. All their classes — which include Full-Body Burn & Sculpt, Full-body Sculpt, and Full-Body Alignment Focused — are small so that each member gets the attention they need from the instructors.
Location: 19/B, Tung Hip Commercial Building, 244-248 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 10am-8:30pm (Monday-Thursday), 10am-2pm (Friday), 10:15am-3pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | + 852 4622 7613
Anhao Wellness — Mid-Levels, Causeway Bay
Anhao Wellness specialises in Reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, yoga, and personal training. The mat Pilates classes focus on increasing core strength and flexibility through the use of the body’s own weight, while the Reformer sessions help participants develop body awareness to increase their fitness. The studio’s personal trainers will work closely with you to assess your fitness goals and devise a schedule to help you achieve them. Anhao’s yoga teachers are experts in practices like Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin Yang, and Vinyasa.
Location: 1/F & 4/F Sunny Sky Center, 5 Ladder Street, Mid-Levels | 19/F, Art Piece, 3 Matheson Street Causeway Bay
Opening Hours: 7:15am-10pm (Monday-Friday), 10am-6pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 5199 4795
Embody — Discovery Bay
Embody has been running personal training and small group classes for mat and Reformer Pilates, yoga, HIIT, and movement for over 15 years. The instructors here place great emphasis on injury prevention, mobility, and pre- and post-natal fitness. And if you’d like to try something different, they also have barre classes that combine ballet, strength, and flexibility to create a cardio format with no jumping or impact on the joints.
Location: DB Plaza Unit 211 & 225, Block B & D, South Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau
Opening Hours: 8am-8pm (Monday-Friday), 8am-6pm (Saturday), 9am-5pm (Sunday)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 6624 8712
ISO Fit — Central
This is one of the more established studios in Hong Kong, having opened in 1998. The studio is equipped with a full range of Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment, as well as auxiliary exercise accessories. A team of experienced professionals trained to use them will guide you through your sessions. Remember, if you want dedicated Pilates or Gyrotonic classes, you need to book a one-on-session. Check out their Pilates options for expecting and new mothers, golfers, runners, and rehabilitation if you have these specific concerns.
Location: 802-805, 8/F Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
Opening Hours: 8am-9pm (Closed on public holidays)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2869 8630
Be Plus Pilates Gyrotonic — Tsim Sha Tsui
While this studio offers standard Gyrotonic, mat Pilates, and reformer Pilates classes for groups and individuals, they’re also committed to promoting Pilates among specific groups. They help men train small, deep, and core muscles so they perform better in high-intensity exercises. They also have a team of prenatal and postnatal trainers to aid pregnant women alleviate discomfort during pregnancy, such as leg cramps, lower back pain, and swollen legs. And if you’re a member of a dance or sports team, try their classes to improve posture and flexibility, reduce joint stress, and increase body control and muscle coordination.
Location: Room 702, Yue Haw International Building, 1 Kowloon Park Drive, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 9am-9pm
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3709 6716
TOPFIT Fitness — Central
If you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, enhance core stability, or refine your posture, you may want to look into what this boutique fitness studio and gym has to offer. They conduct a low-impact Pilates Allegro workout that targets strength, flexibility, and body control. Sign up for Wunda Chair sessions to improve postural alignment through a series of controlled, functional movements. And, of course, you can opt for their mat Pilates classes that use props like resistance bands, balls, and foam rollers to help you achieve a leaner, more toned physique.
Location: 6/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Opening Hours: 7:30am-9pm (Monday-Thursday), 7:30am-8pm (Friday), 9am-6pm (Saturday), 10am-5pm (Sunday)
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2877 9988
O2 Pilates — Multiple Locations
O2 Pilates encourages people to break the limitations they set on their bodies, and believes that with practice, regular folk can master seemingly difficult Pilates movements. Their group and private mat Pilates, Pilates Allegro, and Reformer, and Pilates Chair classes ensure there’s something that appeals to different sorts of people. Each class has a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 10 participants.
Locations: Jordan | Wan Chai | Kwun Tong | Central | Quarry Bay (see addresses here)
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 9520 3291
If you’re looking for other fitness options in the 852, check out these guides:
- Best Muay Thai Studios in Hong Kong
- Best Yoga Studios in Hong Kong
- Where to go Rock Climbing and Bouldering in Hong Kong?
- Top Gyms and Fitness Centres in Hong Kong
Header image credits: Embody Studio
