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Emirates Woman
5 days ago
- Business
- Emirates Woman
How I got my job as... the founder of this Dubai pilates studio
This week, we speak to Victoriia, Founder of Balans Studio, a boutique fitness & recovery studio located in Dubai Marina. Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome. From starting off with a job at the Duty Free Store, to launching her own pilates and fitness studio in Dubai, while also juggling her role as a mom, Victoriia has. come. along way as the now founder of Dubai's most coveted pilates studio. To delve, into her journey further, Emirates Woman sat down with to see how her journey began. What was your favourite subject at school? Art and sports. I was always creative and loved expressing myself in different ways. Even then, I stood out with my ideas and my way of looking at things differently. What was your first job? My first job was as a sales assistant at Warsaw Airport in a Duty Free Store. I was fascinated by air hostesses, especially the Emirates crew. They always looked so fashionable, elevated, and almost unattainable. I dreamed of becoming one, and that ambition eventually brought me to Dubai. What brought you to Dubai? Emirates Airlines, which I was a part of for over six years. Dubai's energy and international community inspired me to build something meaningful here. What inspired you to enter the wellness space and launch Balans Studio? Working as cabin crew, I always stayed physically active—you simply have to in that job. The lack of routine can be harsh on your body. I noticed many women felt uncomfortable or even intimidated to go to the gym, and that inspired me to create a space just for us: a safe, welcoming, and uplifting environment where women can feel empowered, supported, and confident. Balans Studio was born out of that idea—wellness not just as a workout, but as self-care and balance. Talk us through the concept. Balans is a boutique fitness and recovery studio offering a mix of fitness classes including Pilates (mat and reformer), TRX, aerial, and more, as well as recovery options like cold plunges, sauna, and muscle treatments. We focus on quality and grounded feelings; everything is carefully selected, from award-winning organic hand-picked matcha to sustainable Balans mats made from rubber trees. Our goal is to make fitness more than just an exercise; it's a state of reconnecting body and mind. What are the key elements of your role? I oversee everything, from curating the best instructors and wellness products to ensuring every client feels personally cared for. A big part of my work is creating and executing the vision for a beautiful and welcoming space, building the community, hosting events, and supporting my team. Talk us through your daily routine. I'm a new mom, so balancing motherhood and running a studio requires organization; otherwise, it can become chaos. I start my day very early with physical activity—Pilates, cardio, cross-body training, or at least a stretch—followed by either matcha or coffee. Most of my day is spent working on the studio, either on-site engaging with clients and the team or brainstorming new events and community initiatives. And in between all of that, I juggle my favorite role: being a mom. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow the same footsteps? Be prepared to work hard and stay consistent. Wellness is about values and authenticity. Build something you truly believe in; people can feel genuine energy. Tell us more about the brand and its offerings. At Balans Studio, we believe in functional luxury. From natural rubber yoga mats to grip socks and our signature Balans Bag, every piece is designed to complement an active, wellness-focused lifestyle. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 'Build a community, not just a business.' People come back for the way you make them feel, not just for what you offer. And what is the worst? 'Wait until the perfect moment.' There's no perfect time to start anything—if you wait too long, the opportunity passes. What's the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? Starting a boutique wellness studio in a city full of options was intimidating. The challenge was to stand out while staying true to my vision, which meant investing in quality, creating a unique concept, and building trust with every client step by step. What's the future of the brand? Balans Studio will continue growing as a wellness community, expanding into more events, training programs, and eventually new locations. But no matter how big we grow, the focus will always be on personal connection and quality. For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Time Out Dubai
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time Out Dubai
19 Pilates studios Dubai: Where to go for reformer, mat classes and more
Is Pilates your preferred type of exercise? Wondering where to get a session in the city? Look no further for where to head for a dose of strength training to improve muscle tone and boost your stability and endurance, as we've got 13 places in Dubai where you can book classes, from mat to reformer and more. Now all you need to do is order a new Pilates ensemble and start warming up those muscles. 11 Pilates Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: 11 Pilates. 11 Pilates is all about reformer Pilates and offers a variety of group classes ranging from beginners to advanced and private sessions. The studio boasts top-notch equipment and views of Dubai Marina. Dhs72 (trial class). Dusit Princess Residence, Dubai Marina, (052 933 1528). Align Pilates Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Align Pilates Reformer, mat, tower, chair and barre (inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates) are the styles of classes available at Align Pilates in JLT. The studio dubs itself as having a transformative approach to Pilates and hopes that those doing classes will change the way they feel about their bodies forever. Dhs75 (trial class). Dubai Star, Cluster L, JLT, (054 556 1281). Balans Studios Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Balans The reformer pilates class at Balans offers a real full-body workout using spring-loaded machines. Ideal for all levels, classes focus on core strength, posture and flexibility. The super stylish studio makes every session both challenging and aesthetic. Dhs175 (single class). Emaar 52|42, Dubai Marina (050 612 0771). Blended Wellness Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Supplied This popular salon–meets–fitness studio recently set up shop in Dubai Marina, adding another solid spot for reformer Pilates to your list. The space is sleek and inviting – floor-to-ceiling mirrors, soft pink accents, and motivational quotes set the tone – but it's the well-run classes and expert instructors that keep people coming back. From Dhs69 (single session). W Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, (04 423 8325). In The Pink Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: In the Pink This place is a one-stop shop for all things wellness. The new studio in Dubai Hills is a women-only space where you can find a cute new workout fit before getting involved with a mat Pilates, yoga or stretching classes. Suitable for all levels, you can even stop in for a healthy lunch and a matcha in the café before heading home. Dhs200 (3 trial classes). Dubai Hills Estate, (052 560 5523). Jal Yoga The Dubai Marina studio covers all the bases – from flowy yoga sessions to reformer Pilates classes that'll leave your core on fire (in the best way). The space is bright, minimal and energising, with cool-toned walls and plenty of natural light – and yes, the mirrors are selfie-approved. From Dhs155 + VAT (single reformer class). Trident Residences, (058 106 0693). KōR Pilates The new Pilates studio has opened inside the InterContinental Dubai Marina with stunning powder pink walls, lots of light and some very cute selfie spots. Offering a selection of classes, you can choose options for strength classes, stretching and beginner-friendly sessions. There are plenty of package offers to check out, from single sessions to full-time memberships. Dhs150 (single class). Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. InterContinental Dubai Marina, (058 903 5912). Mojo Reformer Pilates Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Mojo Reformer Pilates Mojo offers a full-body workout that is a fusion of traditional Pilates and dynamic strength training. It also has its own juice bar, and the studio asks you to fill in your preferred music choices and body part to train when booking, with trainers then focusing on the most popular requests. Dhs75 (single class). Concord Tower, Dubai Media City, (04 360 3399). Naya Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Naya This studio is located in Motor City. Beginners will work their way through Pilates mat classes before being able to start using the reformer machine. Once you've mastered these, you can then try the reformer jump board, a class that adds cardio to get your muscles into shape by adding a jump board to the reformer machine. Expect kicks, jumps and other moves that will have you out of breath and your muscles burning. The intensity of all sessions can then be adjusted over time. Dhs169 (single class). Kojak Building, Motor City, (050 176 7022). Pilates Academy Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Pilates Academy Pilates Academy is located in JLT, offering a range of classes including: Cardiolates (Pilates with cardiovascular training elements), MOTR (movement on the roller), CoreAlign (Pilates with core stability focus) and SilkSuspension (Pilates exercises on suspension apparatus). If you book one of the equipment classes, you can expect a small and intimate session as there will be a maximum of five participants. Price upon request. JLT Cluster X, (056 798 4655). Plume Book a reformer session at Plume this week – where the workout's intense and the space is next-level beautiful. You'll be powering through core burners while secretly admiring the interiors. Post-class, make time for a sauna session, a dip in the pool, and a proper reset in one of the cosy lounges. Dhs190 (single reformer class). Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah, (04 256 6349). Posture Posture isn't just easy on the eyes – it's a seriously well-equipped space that delivers on the details. Think quality reformer beds, roomy studios, and a recovery area that doubles as your post-class coffee stop. From high-energy barre to grounding sound healing, classes are led by a global team that knows their stuff. From Dhs150 (single class). Class timings vary. Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, (058 515 0624). Pure Motion Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Pure Motion The stunning new studio has landed in Jumeirah Golf Estates, offering a well-rounded wellness experience through movement and mindfulness. Whether it's reformer or mat pilates, yoga or sound healing that you're looking for, this serene spot has it all. Offering single, five-class and ten-class packages for yoga and pilates, you can even book out a private session if you really want to work on your form. Dhs299 (3 trial classes). Jumeirah Golf Estates, (054 233 6404). Real Pilates Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Real Pilates This studio, with branches in JLT and Jumeriah, covers all bases when it comes to regular Pilates and then some. Choose from three versions of mat workouts including Pilates core; which strengthens and stabilises the core, Pilates sq, which adds exercises that also strengthen the back, arms and legs and incorporates small equipment such as resistance rings and toning balls, and body burn which mixes all of the above mat exercises with functional fitness moves. They also have equipment-based Pilates for those who can't get enough of the reformer. Dhs365 (5 trial classes). Multiple locations, (04 345 3228). Reform Athletica Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Reform Athletica Reform Athletica studio in Jumeirah is stylishly decorated with artwork from local galleries and promotes a message of sustainability through its efforts to minimise single-use plastic consumption. Alongside Pilates, the studio also offers TRX, yoga and kettlebell training. Not around Jumeirah? No problem – there's another studio in ICD Brookfield Place with a similar schedule of classes. Dhs157 (single class). Villa 40, 165a Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah and ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC (04 323 3670). Sculpt Sculpt in Dubai Media City offers a dynamic mix of wellness classes, including reformer and mat Pilates, vinyasa flow yoga, barre burn, sound healing and candlelight aromatherapy. Each session is designed to energise and restore, with an affirmation card handed out at the end for an extra boost of motivation. Dhs150 (single reformer class). Class timings vary. Arjaan by Rotana Hotel, Dubai Media City, (050 650 3959). Studio14 Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Studio 14 A boutique wellness space with a community-focused approach, the studios are some of the best spots in the city for an elevated workout. Dedicated solely to reformer Pilates, you can expect expert-led classes designed to get the most out of the equipment. Located both in Jumeirah and Motor City, the two branches offer easy access no matter which side of the city you live on. Dhs170 (single class). Jumeirah and Motor City, The Hundred Wellness Centre Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: Hundred Wellness Pilates classes are taken up a notch here. Exercises are performed on bars and using springs and straps to correct any imbalances, build strength, power and stability, and help achieve greater mobility within the body and spine. You're requested to carry out a regular Pilates class before attempting this version. The studio also offers mat, reformer and circuit-style Pilates, yoga, physiotherapy and chiropractic services. Dhs140 (single class). 53b Street, Jumeirah 1, (04 344 7333). The PAD Pilates studios Dubai. Credit: The PAD The brainchild of Yasmin Karachiwala, trainer to the Bollywood elite, The PAD (Pilates and dance) can be found in The Greens. The spot offers group mat sessions, which are designed as entry-level and will teach you the fundamentals of Pilates. There are also aerial (where you use a fabric hammock), Bodhi (using robes to suspend yourself), chair Pilates (modified pilates movements while seated in a chair) and reformer classes. The studio also offers a bit of fun in the shape of Bollywood dance classes, offering the cardio fix that Pilates doesn't give you, and there are plenty of class packages available too. Dhs195 (Pilates single class). Onyx Tower 1, The Greens, (056 905 4588). Amazing things to do in the UAE 30 fully redeemable pool passes in Dubai Get your money's worth at these Dubai spots 50 free things to do in Dubai in 2025 You won't believe what you can do 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 You're going to want to save this list
Emirates Woman
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
10 aesthetic wellness studios to book in 2025
While we're all guilty of scrolling on our feeds for countless hours, seeing aesthetic bali-inspired wellness studios, it's time for us to pick up our own mat and begin the workout. As the UAE becomes a hub for wellness studios designed with minimal interiors. For a calming experience to take a break from the hustle of daily life, these studios are the perfect rejuvenating haven To revamp your fitness routine, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the wellness studios to visit in the UAE. Balans This quaint boutique space offers a venue to switch off from the hustle of daily life. The intimate studio can accommodate up to seven individuals in the Pilates room and Yoga studio. With a focus on recovery, advanced contrast ice baths and specialised muscle recovery treatments, each customer can feel healthier, fit and more aligned with their wellness goals. For more information visit Gigi View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mahrah (@ As the first studio in the Middle East to introduce Miniformers, Gigi provides exclusive Lagree workouts alongside traditional Megaformer sessions. This makes it a unique destination for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers. This wellness sanctuary located in Dubai's Mirdif Avenue Mall, offering a harmonious blend of Lagree and yoga practices. The studio's design is inspired by the serene beauty of deserts and forests, creating a tranquil environment for its members. For more information visit HWH Studio Having recently opened in Dubai's new Delano hotel, this space is crafted to be an oasis of calm and inspiration, offering a curated selection of classes, treatments, and experiences designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul. Our new studio is a seamless blend of Delano's iconic elegance and our commitment to holistic well-being, providing guests and visitors with an environment where luxury and wellness harmonise. Overall, this luxury boutique Yoga, Pilates and Wellness space offers visitors an immersive experience to switch off in solitude. The studio is led by renowned yoga instructor Adrienne Everett in Burj Al Arab too. For more information visit Sohum This luxurious new Ayuvedic wellness space features a yoga studio, sound healing, hot and cold therapy rooms. Sohum Wellness Sanctuary is a premium holistic wellness center located in Al Quoz First, Dubai. The sanctuary offers a range of Ayurvedic experiences aimed at promoting balance, healing, and reflection. It's located in Al Quoz First, and includes holistic treatments including Reiki, Sound Healing, and Shamanic Breathwork. It's open 9am to 9pm. For more information visit another mars View this post on Instagram A post shared by Another Mars (@anothermars_ae) Inspired by Himalayan healing, this rehabilitation spa is a membership-only venue in the heart of Umm Suqeim. Paus Club 2.0 Enjoy world-class padel courts, yoga classes, reformer Pilates, and strength training sessions. Connect at community events designed to inspire. Paus Club is located on Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim 1306 with an array of wellness treatments and programmes for everyone who enters to unwind. For more information visit Form Studio View this post on Instagram A post shared by FORM STUDIO (@ Form Studio is a dedicated Lagree fitness studio located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. They offer a variety of classes, including Lagree, Yoga, and Deep Stretch, all instructed by a fully Lagree-certified team. It's located in Saadiyat Noon Building, Abu Dhabi, open from Monday to Thursday: 6AM to 8PM. Brrn Barre View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brrn Barre (@brrnbarre) This LA-inspired wellness studio has made waves in Dubai this year. With Hot Cardio at its core, the studio offers a fusion of Barre, functional training and core Pilates movements in the hot rooms with infrared heating to target all our wellness needs. The studio will be located in Goshi Warehouse City, Al Quoz. For more information visit PEAQ – Social Wellness Club This social wellness club in Dubai, offers a unique sanctuary where fitness, recovery, and community converge. This innovative space, inspired by traditional communal wellness practices, provides a haven for individuals seeking to escape the fast-paced city life and prioritize their well-being. With a focus on holistic health, PEAQ offers a diverse range of services, including high-intensity workouts like Lagree Method, rejuvenating recovery treatments like ice baths and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and calming practices such as breathwork and sound healing. Beyond physical wellness, PEAQ fosters social connections through its in-house café, providing a welcoming environment for members to relax, work, and socialise. By combining cutting-edge fitness techniques with traditional healing practices and a strong sense of community, PEAQ redefines the concept of wellness, offering a transformative experience for those who seek a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. For more information visit Plume Studio View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plume (@ Dubai's newest women-only fitness and wellness destination, now offers a refined menu of therapy services designed to restore balance, release tension, and elevate overall well-being. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, post-workout recovery, or targeted muscle relief, each session is personalised by an expert therapist to meet your unique needs. Therapy options include sports therapy, lymphatic drainage, and stress-relieving treatments that enhance mobility and support physical renewal. It's located on 440A Al Wasl, Jumeirah 2, Dubai. For more information visit – For more about Dubai's lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram. Feature Image: Instagram @flow2glow @mouchouu__
