Pilates Studios in Pittsburgh

If you’re looking to create lean muscle and improve your understanding of your body’s power, Pilates might be a good workout to work into your wellness routine! But, what is Pilates exactly? Similar to yoga, Pilates is a style of movement that strengthens the body through continuous movement, and it’s only about a century old and was invented by German trainer Joseph Pilates. Using standardized poses and either fast or slow movements, Pilates typically also includes the use of a reformer, which is a bed-like piece of equipment with a sliding surface, ropes, and pulleys.

In Pittsburgh, there are Pilates studios that can help you reach your fitness and mindfulness goals with a range of class options, from contemporary-style studios with full classes and pop music or individual training sessions in soothing, energizing spaces – and there are even virtual options, too! We’ve picked ten of our favorite Pilates studios in Pittsburgh where you can get your shake on:

[solidcore]

[solidcore] just opened its third location in Pittsburgh in the Strip District, and its popularity is only growing. [solidcore] offers a tough workout that is both high intensity and low impact, so you can get your heart rate up while focusing on breaking down your muscles to build them back stronger. Their 50-minute classes include a reformer as well as low lights and music, so it feels more like a contemporary group fitness class than a yoga studio – and it’s a great way to keep your energy up while your body shakes!

Ramp ‘n’ Rize

Located in Sewickley, Ramp ‘n’ Rize is a boutique fitness studio that offers classes on the TransformerPro machine, an innovative version of the traditional Pilates reformer on which you’ll slide vertically and push and pull your body’s weight using weighted cables. Try their 40-minute class to jump right in, or sign up for a session of their Ramp Essentials class to learn the basics of the machine in an environment for newcomers. (The studio also offers “Rise” classes on their vertical climbing machines!)

Moxie Mind & Body

Moxie Mind & Body has locations both downtown and in the South Hills where instructors use the classical Pilates method to help you train your body for optimal movement. Currently, Moxie is offering virtual classes throughout the week as well as appointment times for private or semi-private in-person training sessions, so you can learn from hands-on instruction how to best push your body to its limits.

Pilates Sol

Pilates Sol offers one-on-one private training at their boutique space on Penn Avenue, which is perfect for beginners who are just starting out and learning the ropes as well as seasoned Pilates practicers who want guidance on how to step it up! Using state-of-the-art equipment and their depth of knowledge from years of practice, Pilates Sol instructors can work with you to help you reach your goals, whether you want a tough workout or just some time to focus on yourself.

Harmony Pilates

Harmony Pilates describes itself as “a space where you can make your life better, whatever your age or physical goals.” After all, what’s the point of exercise if it can’t make your daily life better? Experienced and beginner Pilates practicers alike are welcome to their space, and they also offer Pilates teacher training if you’d like to make your passion for movement your career!

Phi Pilates

Sure, Phi Pilates is a Pilates studio, but it’s not just that – it’s a “school where your body will learn good posture and healthy movement patterns.” Sounds great, right? At their 9,000-square-foot studio, you can take in-person group or private classes, and you can also access live virtual classes or on-demand workouts from their website. Phi Pilates also offers deep tissue laser therapy, which can help fight pain and inflammation and speed up the healing process after your classes.

Dragonfly Pilates

Virtual boutique studio Dragonfly Pilates offers one of the widest ranges of class styles for members to take virtually from the comfort of their home gym setup. Whether you have a reformer at home, some Pilates props like balls or rings, or even just a yoga mat, Dragonfly Pilates has small-group, intimate virtual classes that are designed for whatever type of equipment you have, so a good, satisfying workout is always possible!

Club Pilates

Club Pilates is a national chain of boutique, locally-owned studios with locations in Shadyside, the South Hills, the North Hills, Moon, Wexford, Murrysville, Hampton, and soon-to-be McMurray! They describe their low-impact classes as “a workout without the hurt,” but trust us, you’ll still work up a great sweat! They have a wide range of classes for teens and adults that incorporate traditional and even suspension equipment for a unique workout.

Equilibrium Movement Studio

Wexford-based studio Equilibrium Movement Studio features virtual and in-person classes that are deliberately small, so that their knowledgable instructors can offer “meaningful modifications and variations that fit your body and keep you moving on the right path.” In addition to Pilates classes with reformers, the studio also offers barre and yoga classes, as well as specialized classes for young kiddos and active seniors.

SPARK MOTION Body Studio

At SPARK MOTION Body Studio, you can practice Gyrotonic® movement, which is a style that encompasses “opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength and movement efficiency.” Previously known as the Pilates Center of Pittsburgh, SPARK MOTION is now a one-stop shop for enhancing your body’s movement through a range of Pilates-style practices!

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.