The best pilates studios in Melbourne

Starting pilates for the first time or returning after a hiatus can be intimidating – so CorePlus takes a community-first slant that makes coming to class feel approachable, natural and judgement-free. There are too many CorePlus studios in Melbourne to mention here, so it’s likely there’s one right around the corner from your home or work. At CorePlus you can try your hand at mat or reformer pilates, or mix it up with a spot of yoga. Studios feature premium, state-of-the-art equipment and an elevated vibe to match. Expect a balanced, encouraging approach in light-filled, contemporary spaces.

KX Pilates set themselves apart from the pack in a couple of ways. Firstly, through their ‘Kaizen Experience’ (aka KX) fitness method, a Japanese concept that champions incremental, continuous improvement; and secondly through the sheer ubiquity of KX Pilates studio locations. With more than 100 studios in Australia, there’s more than likely one in your postcode. The atmosphere in KX Pilates studios is functional, driven and fast-paced. Studios are trim, comfortable and welcoming, and play host to classes that incorporate cardio elements for a more intense pilates workout. KX Pilates runs classes at a beginner, intermediate and advanced level, so you can tailor your experience – and they even offer pre-natal and post-natal classes.

Upstate invites you to create a positive state of mind, with studios and classes designed around their mission to uplift and energise clientele. Enter a sunshine-yellow Upstate studio location near you for classes that are meant to be fun. This could be a good pick if you’re new to pilates, or love the format but aren’t looking for a workout that takes itself too seriously. The Upstate MO balances building strength and getting your sweat on with a focus on mood, mindset and enjoyment. You can sign up for hot mat pilates or reformer classes, with yoga and boxing also on offer.

It’s in the name: Love Athelica is all about athletic pilates, sometimes called HIIT (high intensity interval training) pilates. They specialise in reformer classes, with heated mat options making their way to Victorian studios in 2024. Until then, you can enjoy one of three levels of reformer pilates workouts guided by energetic, motivational trainers. Choose the right level for you based on the intensity of workout you’re looking for, and decide whether to opt for +15 Flow classes which incorporate a well-earned, yoga-inspired stretch and flow at the end. Love Athletica studio spaces are bright, light and playful to keep the vibes up and make workouts enjoyable.

What’s different about Good Times Pilates? Let us walk you through a few aspects of their unique approach: Good Times Pilates studios have a smaller-than-some capacity of 10 people, meaning you’ll get more of that precious one-on-one time with your teacher. The smaller class size also contributes to a feeling of inclusivity – a “we’re all in this together” vibe, if you will. The studio fitout echoes the brand’s personality and care, with local and sustainably-sourced goodies available, cute change rooms and an inviting chill-out space. Sign up for one of a plethora of class types on offer; much more choice and personalisation than your average pilates studio.

Pilates Republic brings a Melbourne flavour to their fitness classes, with studios dotted around the north side of the city to help you get your pilates fix. Equal care is given to their reformer and hot mat classes, both of which feature multiple options depending on the type of class you’re feeling – strength or cardio-based, or a more low-key flow. As the name suggests, Pilates Republic places focus on community and equality, offering progressions or adjustments for clientele with all levels of experience and ability. Though classes don’t scrimp on intensity (expect a full-body, toning workout), the atmosphere is encouraging and individualised.

Peaches Pilates is on a mission to make pilates feel fun, inclusive and a little bit tongue-in-cheek. If you’re on the lookout for pilates classes with hype-up, 2000s-inspired playlists, trainers you want to be friends with and workouts that’ll kick your butt (in a good way), Peaches Pilates could be up your alley. The “Peaches Method” promises to never be too boring or too easy; instead, classes are challenging yet modifiable, and results-driven yet fun. Peaches Pilates studios feel like a social gathering place where you just happen to be doing a pilates class: inviting, comfortable and inspiring.

Enter a luxurious, relaxing and sensorial space at Little Mandarin Yoga and Pilates studios. Little Mandarin gathers experienced practitioners to lead form and results-led classes in reformer pilates, taking things back to the reformer’s original purpose of building alignment, balance and control. Trainers will help you achieve precise and accurate movements, which may not feel so intense in the moment, but you’ll certainly feel the burn later – slower does not mean easier! Take a Reformer 101 class for a comprehensive introduction to the format, or try Align classes for Little Mandarin’s classic workout, which are also offered in Mandarin Chinese.

Does an inclusive and enjoyment-based approach to pilates sound like something you’d be interested in? Then, let us introduce you to Soft Studio, a one-of-a-kind pilates and barre studio offering restorative, intimate fitness. Pilates is a deeply strengthening, toning form of exercise, and can be intense at times. But Soft Studio encourages clientele to find the joy and pleasure in movement too, uncovering a pilates practice you’ll love to return to time and time again. They have a variety of class types on offer, including their take on a classic pilates flow class and a pilates-barre hybrid that uses balletic conditioning movements.

MegaMode’s city-chic, centrally-located studio boasts views of the Melbourne city skyline and a designer-curated interior to help you unwind and plug into class. Whether you live or work in the CBD, MegaMode could be your new favourite workout – you can choose from a variety of classes including reformer and hot mat pilates options, with classes like MegaFormer+ and MegaHEAT+ promising to bring on the burn, if that’s what you’re into. There are more low-key class types available too, like MegaHEAT Form which focuses more on alignment and slow, controlled movements.

Studio Pilates are international reformer pilates experts, and take an innovative, exercise science-led approach to their workout formula. With classes sitting on the shorter side at 40 minutes, Studio Pilates could be ideal if you’re looking to squeeze a supercharged reformer pilates workout into a busy schedule. The clean, elegant studio aesthetic with signature Studio Pilates chandelier makes it easy to switch off and tune into class, packing a whole lot of deep core work into a short time frame. There are studios all over the world, and four right here in Victoria to help you carve out an efficient workout.

Pilates with a wellness lean, encompassing mindfulness, inclusivity and community: that’s what Arise Studio Health have built their practice on. Everyone is welcome here, so if you’ve felt intimidated by pilates in the past this could be a warm and encouraging environment for you to try it out. The offering includes several kinds of reformer classes – all led by expert trainers to guide you through the moves. Arise Studio Health holds ore- and post-natal classes too, as well as classes for mums and bubs. The studios have a minimal, natural feel, are 100% powered by green electricity and use locally-sourced products.

Street Pilates combine traditional moves with weights training to create a challenging, impactful workout that's a fresh take on the exercise form. Expect fast-paced, intense reformer workouts designed to strengthen, accompanied by banger beats to keep the motivation flowing. The studio is run by former high-performance sports coach Annie Counsel, who keeps the class sizes small to offer personalised training. All sessions are heated, with both cardio and strength classes that cater for all levels, as well an advanced class for those who want to take their pilates to the next level. 

This studio is all about incorporating movement into the daily routine, from sunrise to sunset. Run by two pilates-loving besties, Club AM:PM offers both reformer and mat pilates classes that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you love the burn of a heated, strength-focussed class or you want to get your heart rate high – this studio has a variety of classes on offer to mix it up each day. Stick to the traditional style with their signature sessions or try something new, like their 'jump club' reformer class. Whichever you choose, this studio promises a dose of feel-good endorphins and a welcoming community.