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After a long day at the office, what we need more than anything is to stretch our stiff limbs, and to get our blood pumping with some good old exercise. If you want to increase your flexibility and train your body, all while looking impeccably graceful, then Pilates is the sport for you.
Pilates is a fitness programme that takes inspiration from yoga and has been around since the early twentieth century. But unlike yoga, which focuses on the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through posture-based fitness, Pilates relies on slow but dynamic movements that push the body to its extreme in challenging poses.
The original creator of Pilates centred his programmes around seven core principles: breath, concentration, control, centring, flow, postural alignment, precision, relaxation, and stamina. In short, the goal of mastering Pilates is to centre the self and to utilise slow and controlled movement to strengthen and lengthen major muscle groups in the body.
And although Pilates does not include rapid, heart-pounding sets like HIIT training, it adopts a similar principle of intense concentration when “active,” both mentally and physically, prioritising quality over quantity when it comes to movements. So if you’re feeling a little apprehensive about jumping into a cardio-intense workout or hitting the weights, or just wanting to try something new to kick-start your fitness journey again, Pilates might be the thing for you.
Pilates hasn’t just taken over the modelling and entertainment industry, but the sports scene as well. Its ability to improve both fitness and health, as well as focus on building core muscles and increasing flexibility, has made it a popular addition to the workout regimens of athletes like Olympic gold medallist Missy Franklin, Maria Sharapova, and Lebron James.
As one of the most renowned fitness chains in Hong Kong, it’s no surprise that Pure also offers Pilates programmes. Its Reformer Pilates class packages range from one class (valid for one week) to 20 (valid for 23 weeks), or even unlimited classes within 30 days for those who want to go all out for a month. With more than 20 Pure locations across Hong Kong, fitness is made convenient even for those with the busiest schedules.
Although the moves might look easy, Pilates is just as—if not more—physically strenuous than a lot of competitive sports. One badly executed move could cause more harm than good, making it exceedingly important to learn from those who are experts in the fitness field.
Estelle Neve, a former French national gymnast, established Anhao in 2012, combining her knowledge of health and fitness to lead a team of professionals that specialise in athletic training, injury prevention and recovery, and pre- and post-natal care. Anhao offers four programme types: mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, yoga, and personal training.
Anhao, 1/F & 4/F, Sunny Sky Center, 5 Ladder Street, Mid-Levels, Central | (+852) 5199 4795
When people picture Pilates, the Gyrotonic system is the most common image that pops up. Comprised of a pulley system, the Gyrotoner, Jumping Stretching Board, and Archway, the Gyrotonic system combines the foundational principles of gymnastics, swimming, yoga, and dance. Major muscle groups are trained independently and interactively. As Pilates is an ever-changing workout programme, Gyrotonic adapts with specialised attachments.
Iso Fit boasts the most updated and avant-garde Pilates and Gyrotonic training systems. With specific pieces of equipment exclusive in Asia to Iso Fit, clients can develop exclusive workout programmes here. Iso Fit’s state-of-the-art training systems and trainers can tailor workout programmes to individual client needs, including pre-natal and post-natal Pilates, sports performance development, or fitness and posture improvement.
Iso Fit, Unit 802–805, 8/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43–55 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2869 8630
Improving one’s flexibility is a hurdle that most folks who exercise find hard to get past, especially since Hong Kong’s infamous long working hours typically reduce people’s limberness to that of a wooden board. Enter Pilates!
One of Defin8’s main draws is that it boasts Hong Kong’s first-ever infrared Pilates facility, which is designed to rejuvenate your body on a cellular level and from the inside out. The Infrared Reform8 Pilates programme enables clients to quickly loosen their muscles, resulting in more efficiency in the learning process as they can perform more vigorous routines.
Defin8 Fitness, 17/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 9863 5605
Flex Studios’ mantra is all about combining the mind with movement, prioritising not just physical but also mental well-being. Founders Anna Serafinas Luk, a former ballet dancer, and Heather Thomas, a yoga expert, aim to help clients create healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
There are workshops on well-being and fitness for those looking to develop and incorporate healthier lifestyle habits. For parents looking to get their kids on the active path early, Flex also offers a FlexKids programme! True to its name, this place offers flexible schedules tailored to workout interests and levels.
Flex Studio, 3/F, Man Cheung Building, 15–17 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 5740 5103
As the name suggests, Options Pilates Studio has an array of programmes for clients to choose from, so you can pick whichever suits your needs best. Whether you suffer from chronic back pain, tightness in your neck and shoulders, and old injuries, have recently given birth, or simply want to get back into exercise and don’t know where to start, its instructors have your back (no pun intended).
To make things even more personalised, Options Pilates Studio emphasises personal care with a focus on one-on-one classes, or small group classes. It offers mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, and Jungle Sports Fitness classes, so that you can learn at your own pace.
Options Pilates Studio, 12/F, 16 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 3188 8112
First published on 15 March 2021. Written by Grace Chong. Last updated by Punita Chan.
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