Joseph Pilates developed his training system in the early 20th century and it’s truly stood the test of time...
Joseph was a nurse during the first World War, where he used his knowledge of anatomy, physiology and yoga to help his patients recover and strengthen their body and mind.
After the war, Mr Pilates moved to New York City and founded a studio, where he began teaching his method to dancers, athletes, and other people seeking rehabilitation from injuries. Over the years, Joseph refined and developed his method with specialized equipment, such as the reformer.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Pilates is as popular as ever, with the practice a now a big hit amongst both men and women across all ages. Some use Pilates for rehabilitation from injury, as it was originally intended, but many enjoy the method as a great way to improve strength, flexibility and posture.
We’ve returned to the city of Joseph Pilates’ first studio, 100 years since its launch, to highlight the very best Pilates studios and concepts.
Want to see how all Pilates studios and other clubs ranked? Check out The Fit Guide New York.
[solidcore] Chelsea
Address 155 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
One of the first things you’ll notice at a [solidcore] class is the room is dark and atmospherically lit, making it perfect for those that don’t want the exposure and attention of a brightly lit room. Music is added to the mix to create a fun, high-intensity workout environment.
[solidcore] offers a 50-minute, total-body, strength workout on what they call “a pilates-inspired reformer”. Coupled with an attentive and motivating coach, this makes for a highly recommended immersive workout experience that took home our top class experience award.
Solidcore Chelsea won The Fit Guide 4-Star Award and our highest 5-Star Class Experience Award.
SLT Tread
Address 88 Madison Ave 3rd floor, New York, NY 10016
Although not strictly 100% Pilates, SLT Tread had to get a mention as their class experience was one of the highest-scoring in New York. The concept is a spin-off from the popular and successful SLT Pilates workout, but with a treadmill cardio component thrown into the mix.
Split straight down the middle with 25 minutes each of running and Pilates, SLT Tread is an experience that is quite different from its sister-brand SLT, with dark rooms, pumping music and motivating coaches.
During our anonymous visit, the coach did a wonderful job of balancing out the precise nature of Pilates instruction with guidance on pace and motivation for the runners.
SLT Tread won The Fit Guide 4-Star Award and our highest 5-Star Class Experience Award.
SLT Flatiron
Address 137 5th Ave #2, New York, NY 10010
SLT stands for “Strengthing” your core, “Lengthening” your limits and “Toning” your body.
In their “no-fuss studios” you can expect an efficient and effective workout on Megaformer Pilates machines, offering 50-minutes of controlled, purposeful movements that you’ll certainly feel the next day in muscles you didn’t know you had.
If you’re new to Pilates, we recommend starting with their Essentials class, before progressing to All Levels. If you’re up for a challenge and have some experience, check out their Hardcore class.
SLT Flatiron scored a Recommended rating for both the overall experience and the class experience.
Bodyrok SoHo
Address 598 Broadway 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10012
Bodyrok makes the bold promise that you can get more in their 45-minute sessions than a typical 60-minute session. Their Sculpt class offers a sequence of “Hybrid Pilates Movements” on their custom-built Bodyrok Reformers, which feature unique extras such as a jump board, ropes and bungees.
In a workout that they describe as “Pilates redefined”, expect atmospheric lighting and an experience that’s, as founder Jake Irion put it, “luxurious and strong”.
Bodyrok SoHo scored a Recommended rating for both the overall experience and the class experience.
New York Pilates West Village
Address 124 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
New York Pilates, with seven locations across New York, Long Island and the Hamptons, has really developed a cult following amongst the city’s fitness community.
We evaluated the West Village location, which boasted high-quality reformers and a friendly, competent instructor.
Check out their signature Abs Arms Ass section if you want to focus on those areas in a high-intensity “immersive mind-body experience”.
New York Pilates West Village scored a Recommended rating for both the overall experience and the class experience.