Looking for the best Pilates studio in Singapore? Or wondering which Pilates studio is good for you?
There are plenty of choices when it comes to Singapore Pilates. But a beautiful studio, lots of reformers or a packed class schedule don’t always mean you’ll get a great Pilates experience.
So, what makes a good Pilates studio? Here are six things to look out for.
1. Small Classes Mean More Attention
Pilates is all about precision.
It isn’t just about getting through a list of exercises. Your instructor should be watching how you move, helping you understand the exercise and correcting you when needed through verbal cues, hands-on cues and demonstrations.
That’s hard to do in a large class.
At LIVE Pilates, we keep our group Pilates classes to five Reformer-Towers. This gives our instructors time to observe each person, make adjustments and modify the workout when needed.
You get more attention. Your instructor can teach with more intention. And small details that might otherwise be missed don’t get missed.
With Pilates, those small details matter.
2. Look for Strong Pilates Foundations
A good Pilates studio in Singapore shouldn’t just teach you what to do. It should teach you how to move.
In STOTT PILATES®, six biomechanical principles guide the Pilates method:
Breathing, pelvic placement, rib cage placement, scapular movement and stabilisation, head and cervical spine placement, and lower body alignment.
These principles are the foundation of how the exercises are taught and performed.
At LIVE Pilates, we incorporate these principles into our Foundation classes, helping beginners understand the basics before progressing to intermediate and advanced classes.
So when choosing a good Pilates studio, ask yourself:
Are they teaching Pilates principles, or simply doing general workout on a reformer?
3. Qualified Instructors Matter. Experience Matters Too.
Your instructor plays a huge part in your Pilates experience.
Start by looking at how they were trained. With the rapid growth of Pilates, there are many different instructor courses available. The depth and quality of training can vary greatly.
Look for an internationally recognised Pilates syllabus with a strong foundation in movement and anatomy.
At LIVE Pilates, our instructors are trained in STOTT PILATES®, an internationally recognised Pilates education system by Merrithew™ that takes a contemporary and intelligent approach to the Pilates method.
But the training is only the beginning. Experience and mentorship matter too.
Since every body is different, a good instructor needs to understand which exercises may benefit you, which may need to be modified, and which may not be appropriate for your body.
How do you work with someone with a particular physical concern? What is challenging enough without being too much? Which exercises will leave the client feeling stronger and better after the session?
These are the nuances that come with experience, guidance and good judgement.
At LIVE Pilates, our instructors are encouraged to learn from one another and seek guidance from more experienced instructors when working with specific client needs. This collaborative approach helps us create a programme that is appropriate, effective and beneficial for each individual client.
Because sometimes, the right exercise isn’t the hardest exercise. It’s the one that’s right for you.
4. Good Equipment Helps
You may have noticed that every Pilates studio in Singapore uses slightly different equipment. Some have reformers, some have towers, and some have a much wider range of Pilates equipment.
Does it matter?
Good teaching comes first. But good equipment matters too.
Pilates equipment should be sturdy, well-made and able to support you safely and confidently through your exercises.
At LIVE Pilates, we use Merrithew™ equipment from the STOTT PILATES® family, with a full range of equipment available for private sessions:
Cadillac, Reformer with Tower, Stability Chair, Ladder Barrel, Arc Barrel, Spine Corrector, Spine Supporter and Jumpboard.
Our group classes use the Reformer with Tower, giving us more options for movement than a reformer-only setup.
So whether you’re working on an inverted hang on the Cadillac or performing bodyweight exercises on the Reformer, you can focus on your movement with confidence.
Why We Choose Merrithew™ Equipment for Pilates
5. Find Classes That Fit You
A good Pilates studio in Singapore should offer classes for different bodies, goals and stages of life.
Pregnant? Your body has different needs.
Recently gave birth? Your Pilates programme may need to change again.
For seniors, a slower pace and more deliberate work on strength, balance, mobility and functional everyday movement can be more useful than simply doing a harder workout.
At LIVE Pilates, we offer classes for different life stages, as well as different levels of experience.
Foundation — for beginners and those building their Pilates fundamentals.
Tone & Sculpt — for intermediate movers looking to build strength and control.
Fluid motion – an intermediate class focused on mobility work.
Total Core — for advanced movers who want a greater challenge.
We also offer specialised classes for prenatal, postnatal and senior Pilates.
The goal isn’t to make every class harder, it’s to give you the right challenge for where you are.
Take a look at our various group classes here and read more about prenatal pilates, postnatal pilates and senior pilates.
6. Having Both Group and Private Pilates Is a Plus
Group classes are great. You get to move with others, build a routine and enjoy the energy of a class.
But sometimes, you want something more tailored.
Private Pilates can be especially useful if you’re new to Pilates and want to get the foundations right, have a specific physical concern, are returning from an injury, or simply want a session built around your body and posture.
At LIVE Pilates, we offer 1-to-1 and duet private Pilates.
We also offer private group sessions for people who want to practise with their partner, friends or family. Bring 2 to 5 people, choose a suitable timing and enjoy a session together.
So, What makes a Good Pilates Studio?
The best Pilates studio in Singapore isn’t necessarily the biggest one, or the most aesthetic looking one, though that might be a bonus.
It’s the one where the instructors can teach Pilates well, pay attention to you and adapt the session to what your body needs.
Maybe you’re completely new to Pilates and want to build strength. Maybe you spend long hours at a desk and want to stay active. Or perhaps you’re working around a particular physical concern.
Whatever your reason, you should feel the difference after your session.
Joseph Pilates is often quoted as saying:
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a whole new body.”
Good Pilates isn’t about doing more repetitions or using heavier resistance just for the sake of it.
It’s about doing the right movements, well and efficiently.
Looking for Pilates in Singapore?
LIVE Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio in Singapore, located at Winstedt Road near Newton MRT.
We keep our group Pilates classes small, our teaching intentional and our focus on you.
If you’re looking for good Pilates in Singapore, we’d love for you to experience LIVE Pilates.
Get in touch with us to find the class that’s right for you.
