The Best Pilates Classes & Studios In New York City
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9 months ago
Where to get your sweat on in the Big Apple
NYC is one of the buzziest cities in the world – and it’s home to quite the thriving fitness scene. If you’re looking for a low-intensity workout routine that will help you feel stronger, toned and more mobile, then book into one of these snazzy Pilates studios in New York.
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A History Of Pilates In NYC
Pilates was made popular in the US by its founder and namesake, Joseph Pilates, who immigrated to New York City around 1925. It was here that he met his future wife, Clara, and two went on to set up their own fitness studio in the city – which proved popular with the local dance and performing arts community.
Classical Pilates refers to the style of Pilates developed by Joseph, which promotes flexibility, strength and stamina as well as the connection between mental and physical health. These exercises were performed in a precise sequence designed by Joseph, and were carefully crafted and measured to create a continuous and flowing movement throughout the body. Many Pilates studios across New York still offer these classes to students, although you’ll now also find contemporary Pilates classes which bring in different sequence combinations, equipment and cardio elements.
New York Pilates: Where To Book Your Next Class
1. New York Pilates
Best For: Energetic classes in a beautiful setting
The aptly named New York Pilates is one of the most raved about studios in the city, having become a hotspot amongst younger audiences in recent years. The chain of studios, which was set up by former ballerina Heather Andersen, is known for its beautiful boutique interiors, friendly community and energetic instructors (all of which have at least 400 hours of Pilates instructor training under their belt). Classes seem to favour reformer Pilates, with the studio’s signature ‘Abs, Arms and Ass’ workout billed as the major highlight.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
BOOK: newyorkpilates.com
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2. Avea Pilates
Best For: All skill levels
Another major fitness chain in the city is Avea, which specialises in a combination of classical and contemporary Pilates. Each studio is designed to feel as light and airy as possible – and is equipped with the latest Balanced Body Reformers, weights and equipment. Classes are designed to work with the students, catering to all skill levels and physical abilities to make it as accessible an experience as possible. Classes for new students start from as little as $32.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
BOOK: aveapilates.com
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3. Dynamic Body Pilates
Best For: Bespoke routines
After a quieter location? Regularly dubbed a ‘hidden gem’, this boutique Pilates studio is home to an expert team that will work alongside you to create a custom routine that will help improve your mobility and fitness. While Dynamic Body Pilates does offer your typical Pilates classes, keep in mind that the emphasis here is on physical therapy and pain management exercises.
Where: 80 Fifth Avenue at 14th Street, Suite 1003 NY, NY 10011
BOOK: dynamicbodypilates.com
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4. Core Pilates NYC
Best For: Range of classes
Having been on the NYC Pilates scene since 2002, Core Pilates is one of the city’s biggest hubs for fitness enthusiasts. Here you’ll find a range of Pilates classes, including mat and reformer, as well as small and private sessions that are really targeted to the individual’s routine. Instructors are known for creating customised Pilates workouts that build up the intensity for students, with regular modifications to allow for breathing room and variety.
Where: 900 Broadway at 20th Street, Suite 603 NY, NY 10003
BOOK: corepilatesnyc.com
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5. Body Evolutions
Best For: Building fluidity
Specialising in the gyrotonic movement method (a method that stimulates the nervous system while increasing your range of motion and strength), Body Evolutions is a Pilates studio that caters to all ages, levels and body types. The goal? To help students build up to a non-restricted pain-free fluid body. The studio, which was founded by Billy Macagnone in 2001, is a cosy space optimised for natural light – with the option to join small classes or book custom-crafted private sessions for one-on-one support.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
BOOK: bodyevolutions.com
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6. Westside Pilates
Best For: Classical Pilates
Want to feel like your exercise routine is tailored to you? Head over to Westside, where the team specialise in classical Pilates training in private, duet and small group sessions. Classes are beginner-friendly but can be cranked up to suit other skill levels due to small group sizes, making sessions with trainers feel curated to your specific needs and physical conditions.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
BOOK: westsidepilatesnyc.com
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7. 21 Pilates
Best For: Small classes
If you’re someone that likes a little more guidance during classes, then you’ll want to book in at 21 Pilates. This is a small studio with just a few machines, meaning that classes with your instructor are as intimate as you can get in a group setting – although you can still book private sessions if you’d like the one-on-one time.
Where: 242 West 38th Street, NY, NY 10018
BOOK: 21pilatesnyc.com
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8. Forma Pilates
Best For: Exclusivity
This referral-only Pilates studio was only founded in LA in 2020, but founder Liana Levi has made it one of the biggest names on the American luxury fitness circuit – with a celebrity clientele including Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Ariana Grande. Forma, which opened up its NYC branch in 2022, is home to a boutique-style studio that offers both private and semi-private sessions that combine traditional reformer Pilates with props (think weights, bands and balls) and cardio. You need a direct referral from a current studio member to join, but don’t worry if you can’t make it into the studio; Forma also offers a range of online classes via its app.
Where: Secret location for members only
EXPLORE: formapilatesla.com
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9. Club Pilates
Best For: Friendliness
With locations across the US, Club Pilates is something of a cult fitness brand. Serving up over eight million workouts each year, the studio chain centres around the belief that Pilates can help you move, feel and live better. Expect classes that cater to every skill level, friendly instructors and modern studios that feature reformers, TRX, exo-chairs, bosu balls, mats rollers and more. You can also sign up for your first class for free.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
EXPLORE: clubpilates.com
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10. Real Pilates
Best For: Empowering students
Teachers at Real Pilates go above and beyond to cultivate their students’ confidence and strength, with classes designed to give both a better foundational understanding of fitness and a faultless grasp of how Pilates that can help the body. Classes specialise in a combination of resistance training, bodyweight training and a focused mental approach to symmetrical strengthening – with an emphasis on kind guidance and authentic relationships.
Where: Multiple locations across NYC, see the full list here
EXPLORE: realpilatesnyc.com
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Featured image: Freya Yanggg Yang, Pexels
