Before I was a Pilates teacher, I wasn’t even looking for Pilates.
I had signed up for an adult ballet class — mostly just to move, after long days in a marketing job, hunched over PowerPoints and stuck in meetings. That’s where I first learnt Pilates. My ballet teacher at the time (PBT’s own Alycia Chua!) taught us an hour of adult ballet followed by an hour of Pilates. It was a great combo for someone like me — stiff from sitting, but craving some grace and movement again.
One day, I bumped into Alycia again at PBT’s Pilates Marathon. Turns out, she was now teaching at Pilates BodyTree, which was just two streets away from my office at Stanley Street! I went to check it out and soon found myself attending her classes regularly.
Back then, I didn’t realise how lucky I was. It was only after exploring other gyms and studios that I really appreciated what I had stumbled into — the teachers at PBT were different. They weren’t just cueing generic moves. It was precise and personal.
That was the start of my Pilates journey. And now, as a teacher myself, I meet people every day who are still searching for the right place — Googling “best Pilates classes” or “top Pilates near me” — hoping for something that fits.
So if you’re wondering what makes a Pilates studio “the best”, here’s my take.
1. “Best” is personal, not popular
The word “best” gets thrown around a lot. But what’s best for your friend or colleague may not be what your body actually needs.
I’ve had clients come in with old injuries, stiff necks, tight backs, or just a vague sense that workouts elsewhere weren’t working. Sometimes they’d been doing all the “right” things – yoga, strength, HIIT.. but something still felt off. That’s usually when they start searching for something better.
2. What actually makes a Pilates studio good?
Here’s my take, based on both being a client and now a teacher:
• Teachers who see you
Not just cueing from the front of class, but actually watching how you move, correcting misalignments, and explaining what good movement should feel like, and even what it should not feel like.
• A proper movement assessment before starting
This is something we feel strongly about at Pilates BodyTree. Every new client begins with a Mobility Fitness Assessment. It helps us see your current movement patterns, and tailor your sessions accordingly. This sets the foundation so you don’t end up pushing through pain or reinforcing imbalances.
• Personalisation before performance
Some studios push hard with fast-paced routines. That works for some. But if you’re looking for private Pilates sessions that build your fitness without strain or injury, go for a place that actually adapts to your body.
• A vibe that helps you show up
You don’t need a chandelier or oat milk latte in the lobby. But you do want a clean, welcoming, non-intimidating space where you feel comfortable asking questions and showing up consistently.
3. What we try to do at PBT
At Pilates BodyTree, most sessions are private, or at most a duet, so that you get undivided attention and a program that’s just right for your body. Our studios are fully equipped with Reformers, Towers, Barrels and more – and we use everything mindfully, not just for the sake of it.
We do have group classes, but those are private and requested by our students who already have good awareness of their bodies and the ability to take regressions when they need it. You know what I mean, they aren’t the ones who would push through to do the most advanced move because they know their bodies are not ready for it yet. That’s what we consider a competent mover, not the ones who push through a movement and then perform at a poorer quality.
We’ve also designed our locations to be accessible for working professionals and busy adults. You’ll find us in:
- Far East Shopping Centre @ Orchard (right next to Shaw House)
- Chinatown Point
- United Square @ Novena
Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning after injury, or simply looking to move better, we welcome you to start with a Mobility Fitness Assessment.
4. TL;DR Choose a studio based on whether they focus on refining YOUR movements, not whether you feel the burn
The results will come when you’re actually working on your imbalances, not on the ‘burn’.
Here’s a quick list to ask yourself when looking for the best Pilates studio near you:
– Are the teachers attentive and do they correct mistakes?
– Do they focus on breath, control, entering concentration and flow or are they just offering a group workout?
– Is the space easy to get to regularly?
– Do I feel heard and supported?
If the answer is yes to most of these, congratulations, that’s probably the “best” Pilates studio for you!
Find out if we’re the one?
Start with a Mobility Fitness Assessment →
Or read more about what makes our teaching different →
