The best Pilates studios in Singapore

There are so many benefits of Pilates! Developed by German trainer Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, it offers low-impact exercises that work wonders for both body and mind. Whether you’re into Classical or Reformer Pilates, it’s a fantastic way to enhance your wellbeing. Check out these top Pilates studios in Singapore – there are some special offers for EL readers too!

Singapore Pilates studios to try

FLEX Studio for classical Pilates in Singapore

FLEX Studio brings more than two decades of classical Pilates heritage to Singapore. Founded in Hong Kong in 2005 by third-generation educator Heather Thomas, the studio expanded to Orchard Road in 2023, continuing its focus on authentic classical Pilates taught as it was originally designed.

Classes at FLEX are intentionally small, with no more than four students per session. This allows instructors to focus closely on form, breath and alignment, with an emphasis on strengthening the deep core muscles that support the spine and pelvis. Clients come here for a range of reasons, from post-rehabilitation and pregnancy support to managing conditions such as scoliosis, while others are drawn to the structured pace of classical Pilates on Gratz apparatuses.

For those new to the method, there are private or small-group beginner sessions to build familiarity with the movements and equipment. Private Pilates sessions allow for a steady progression in control, coordination and body awareness, with instruction tailored to the individual.

Alongside studio classes, FLEX is also a centre for classical Pilates teacher training. Since 2018, Heather Thomas has led Real Pilates Teacher Training (RPTT) programmes in Asia, guiding more than 50 instructors through the classical syllabus. FLEX is currently the region’s only host site for RPTT, now entering its sixth cycle in Singapore.

The training follows the full classical system, developed through the lineage of Romana Kryzanowska. Rather than focusing on memorisation, the programme develops observation, analysis and adaptive teaching skills. Trainees study the complete repertoire across all classical apparatus, progressing through four structured modules from Beginner to Advanced.

Special offer for EL readers

Quote “EL100” for a private assessment. First-time visitors only.

#05-02 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road
WhatsApp 9016 3539 | sg.flexstudiopilates.com

VAURA Pilates for high-energy reformer Pilates in Singapore

At VAURA, Pilates is reimagined with a distinctly high-energy approach. The studio combines the precision of reformer Pilates with elements of athletic conditioning, creating sessions that feel as much like a strength workout as they do a mindful reset.

You can expect these sessions to challenge coordination, endurance and control, with sequences that engage every major muscle group. The environment adds to the experience. Neon-lit interiors, upbeat playlists and a dynamic pace help keep participants fully immersed in the session. It’s the kind of workout that encourages you to disconnect from emails and daily to-do lists, and instead focus on breath, alignment and flow. Most participants leave feeling stronger, more aligned and noticeably energised.

New to the studio (or to reformer Pilates in general)? The experience at VAURA is structured and supportive. Trainers provide clear guidance on technique and progression, whether you’re attending your first class or refining more advanced movements. The focus remains on moving well, building strength progressively and developing confidence within the class format.

Special offer for EL readers

Get an $88 Intro Pack (five classes for $88) with promo code ‘EXPAT88’. It’s valid for 30 days from the date of first booking. (Applicable to new clients only.)

Studios at Cross Street, Joo Chiat and Tanglin
vaurapilates.com

Advantage Pilates for a wide range of classes

If you’re looking for a Pilates studio in Singapore that takes technique seriously without feeling intimidating, put Advantage Pilates on your radar. The studio welcomes a wide mix of clients – from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners – with a clear focus on intentional, sustainable movement.

Group Equipment and Mat classes run for 50 minutes and are capped at eight participants. This keeps things focused without losing that small-group energy. Sessions make use of Reformers, Chairs and Towers for full-body workouts that build strength, mobility and coordination while maintaining an emphasis on control and alignment. There’s a structured progression pathway too, with four class levels: Gentle Equipment Foundation (only available at the Marine Parade studio), Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Start where you’re comfortable and progress steadily as your confidence grows.

Prefer a more tailored approach? The 55-minute Private or Duet sessions offer a customised experience using equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Ladder Barrel. These sessions are often chosen by clients managing injuries and rehabilitation, navigating pre- or post-natal changes, or working on specific postural goals. Instructors assess alignment, movement habits and physical history before designing a programme that evolves over time.

Special offer for EL readers

Using the promo code ‘EXPAT40’, new clients can get $40 off their first Equipment Class. Simply purchase one Drop-In credit for Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Advanced HIIT Group Equipment classes at $25 (usual price $65) via the Advantage Pilates app. This offer is limited to one redemption per person and is valid across all Advantage Pilates studio locations. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance; late cancellations or no-shows will result in forfeiture of the credit. (Note that socks are mandatory for all classes.)

Studios at Marine Parade, Raffles Place, Upper Thomson and Bukit Timah
advantagepilates.sg

10 Benefits of Pilates

#1 Exercises for everyone

Pilates, which can be done with a just a mat or with the use of specialist equipment like the Pilates reformer, can be practised by anyone, regardless of age, gender or fitness abilities. That’s because Pilates instructors can adjust the exercises to suit each client’s specific needs and health conditions; in fact it’s a popular choice for prenatal and postnatal fitness, as it strengthens the pelvic floor, helping the body both to prepare for the delivery and to recover post-delivery.

#2 Stabilises the core

The key to stability is the core (sometimes known as the “powerhouse”!), which includes the abdomen, lower back, obliques and pelvic floor. Having a stronger core means you can work out better as a whole, whether it be running, yoga, football, boot camp, you name it. Learning how to use muscles that provide stability while we move our extremities helps to safeguard against injury during daily chores or sports.

#3 Corrects posture and alignment

Correct posture and alignment are also key to effective functioning throughout everyday activities, whether it be working out at the gym or sitting at a computer. A benefit of Pilates at a studio in Singapore is that it helps improve body awareness. In turn, this encourages proper alignment. This is important so that the muscles can work effectively without excessively straining any one muscle group.

#4 Enhances your breathing

The improvement of your posture and the ability to stand or sit taller will encourage better, deeper breathing day to day.  The focused breathing used to control the Pilates movements helps to optimise the deep abdominal contractions that are involved.

#5 Boosts the mind-body connection

Along with focused breathing, the concentration required to perform the exercises can help improve body awareness. This, in turn, can transfer to other areas of your training and your life. Quality in Pilates is far more important than the number of repetitions performed.

#6 Tones and strengthens

Pilates exercises involve all muscle groups, so you work on the entire body from head to toe. There’s a strong focus on deep abdominal contractions with each exercise, which improves core strength and tones the abdominals. Also, using your body weight, or equipment and props, helps to develop overall body strength and tones muscles.

#7 Enhances mobility and enhances flexibility

Posture deterioration, muscle tension, aches and pains are usually caused by tight muscles. The Pilates repertoire moves each joint in all possible angles. This improves flexibility and helps muscles reach their optimal length.

#8 Helps ease and prevent back pain

Having a stronger core means you’re less likely to develop a back injury. In fact, Pilates movements are often used as part of the rehabilitation – in addition to prevention – of lower back and neck injuries and pain. Just one of the many benefits of practicing Pilates at a studio in Singapore!

#9 Optimises balance and muscle control

Movements from Pilates studio instructors help create symmetry in the strength of opposing and unilateral muscles. Working one side of the body independently from the other side, and with the same resistance, achieves balance in the internal force production of left and right side muscles.

#10 Increases bone density

Pilates studio instructors will guide you through using both bodyweight and resistance from apparatuses. They’ll also use props to provide a good stress to the skeletal system. Pilates exercises delay this degenerative process, making our bones more resilient and less likely to fracture as we grow older – just another of the key benefits of Pilates!

A quick history of Pilates

As a sick child in late 19th-century Germany, Joseph Pilates – the son of a gymnast father and naturopath mother – dedicated himself to becoming stronger by studying anatomy and various forms of exercise. He got himself into top physical shape, posing for anatomical charts and becoming an accomplished circus performer, gymnast, skier and boxer in England.

Pilates was forced into an internment camp during World War I. That’s when he began developing his concept of Contrology – essentially what is now Pilates mat work. The focus was on core postural muscles and awareness of breath. As a caretaker for injured interns, he also invented rehabilitation equipment made from springs and hospital beds. This system became the foundation for his body-conditioning method using specialised apparatuses.

Around 1925, Pilates and his wife brought his technique to New York City. There, he opened his first studio catering primarily to performers and professional ballet dancers. The exercise system gained a devoted following, and is now taught by Pilates instructors around the globe in different variations.

This article on Singapore Pilates studios and the benefits of Pilates first appeared in the February 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.

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