Latest news with #Reformer
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Toronto Star
Pilates studios have exploded in Toronto, marking the return of a celeb-loved low-impact workout
Toronto has seen a renaissance of Pilates, originally developed for physical rehabilitation during WWI. In this 1989 file photo, Rosario Farro practices on a Reformer with instructor Moira Merrithew. Reg Innell/ Toronto Star via Getty Images flag wire: false flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
What's On
12-07-2025
- Health
- What's On
8 of the best Pilates studios in Dubai to check out this summer
When the heat hits and walking outside feels like cardio, summer in Dubai becomes the perfect time to lean into the indoors – and maybe lean into yourself a little, too. If there's one movement that's made its way from niche to non-negotiable in the city's fitness circuit, it's Pilates. From improved posture to core strength and low-impact conditioning, this workout is all about building control and balance – in and out of the studio. Luckily, Dubai's got no shortage of studios focused on quality movement and good vibes, whether you're a Reformer regular or just figuring out what a footbar is. So, we've rounded up some of the best Pilates studios in Dubai to check out this summer – because staying in never felt (or looked) so good. Balans Studio Balans is a boutique, women-only Pilates and wellness space tucked into Dubai Marina. With just seven people per class, expert instructors guide each session – whether Reformer Pilates, yoga, aerial workouts, or TRX – with careful attention to posture, strength and breath. The chic studio also features recovery tools like ice baths and a Finnish sauna, making it a full mind‑and‑body reset in a calm, stylish setting. Location: Emaar 52|42, Dubai Marina Times: Sunday–Saturday, 7 am–9 pm Cost: 3-class trial Dhs275; single-class packages from Dhs140; monthly passes and recovery packs available Contact: (0)50 612 077 | @balansstudios Blended Blended Wellness operates across several dedicated spaces at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, offering a comprehensive approach to women's wellness. Founded by Dominique Laird, the brand focuses on community and inclusivity. The spa on the hotel's 18th floor offers massages, facials, and tailored rituals. Beauty treatments take place in a separate salon on the ground floor, while yoga and Reformer Pilates classes happen in a studio within the hotel grounds. It's a space designed to help you look and feel your best, with expert guidance every step of the way. Location: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Times: 7am to 9pm, Monday through Sunday Cost: Classes start at Dhs150 Contact: (0)4 423 8325 | @blendedwellnessdxb The Lob Image: Supplied Escape the heat and head indoors to The Lob, a revamped Al Quoz warehouse offering a mix of padel, Pilates, and yoga. The club features six indoor padel courts in racing green, two studios hosting movement and mindfulness classes – including regular Reformer Pilates sessions in the Align studio – plus a sauna to unwind and a health-focused restaurant by biohacking chef Silvena Rowe. Location: Street 15, Al Quoz 3 Times: Monday to Saturday 7am–11:30pm, Sunday 7am–10:30pm Cost: Classes from Dhs145 Contact: (0)52 936 5460 | @thisisthelob Revive A bright, airy space with clean lines and natural light, REVIVE at Jumeirah Golf Estates brings calm and focused energy to every session. This boutique homegrown studio emphasises personalised attention, making it perfect for all levels, from beginners to seasoned reformer pros. To help you stay consistent through the quieter months, REVIVE has launched a limited-time Summer Unlimited Reformer Pilates Pass – offering unlimited group classes throughout July and August. The pass is valid at both their flagship Fairways studio and the newer REVIVE+ space inside the Golf & Country Club. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your Pilates practice, you'll find beginner, mixed, and advanced Reformer classes taught by certified instructors. Location: REVIVE: First Floor, Jumeirah Golf Estates, REVIVE+: Inside Jumeirah Golf Clubhouse (via gym) Times: Mon–Fri: 6am–8pm, Sat–Sun: 8am–11am Cost: Dhs999 per month (July & August only) Contact: (0)52 674 1822 | @ revive_reformer_pilates Plume Studio Plume Studio turns a Jumeirah villa into a tranquil retreat designed exclusively for women. The space is carefully crafted to promote calm, featuring two studios for yoga and Pilates classes including barre, aerial yoga, and Reformer sessions. Beyond movement, you'll find a plunge pool with Bali-inspired vibes, an ice bath, sauna, and a massage room for personalised treatments. Location: 440a Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2 Times: Monday to Friday 7am–8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am–4pm Cost: Classes from Dhs190 Contact: (0)4 256 6349 | @ Reform Athletica A firm favourite in Dubai's boutique fitness scene, Reform Athletica launched in Jumeirah in 2018 and expanded to DIFC in 2023. Known for its expert-led Pilates sessions, the studio also offers HIIT, deep stretch, RA strength, and more. Sustainability is key here – the studio keeps plastic use to a minimum, making mindful fitness part of the ethos. Locations: Jumeirah & DIFC Times: 6:30am to 9pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 8:30am to 2:30pm on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) Cost: From Dhs150 per class Contact: (0)4 386 7067 | @reformathletica KōR KōR brings both mat and Reformer Pilates to Dubai Marina with a new, boutique vibe. Founded by instructors Alice and Karolina, the studio offers a welcoming space powered by their signature KōR Method – a unique blend of rhythm, resistance, and technique focused on strength and control. While summer sessions take place in their bright, airy studio, cooler months bring classes poolside, with views over Dubai Marina. Location: InterContinental Dubai Marina Times: Monday to Friday 7am–8pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am–6pm Cost: Classes from Dhs150 Contact: (0)58 903 5912 | @korpilatesdubai Studio 14 Studio 14 combines cutting-edge Pilates workouts with a strong eco-conscious ethos in a stylish boutique setting. Catering to all levels, their expert instructors focus on personalised attention through small class sizes, ensuring you get the most out of every session. Plus, their own chic fitness wear line lets you shop the look before you work it. Location: Studio 14, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Times: Tuesday to Friday 7 am–10 pm, Saturday 7 am–7 pm, Sunday 7 am–6 pm (closed Mondays) Cost: From Dhs150 per class Contact: (0)4 554 5514 | @
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Club Pilates Celebrates First Film Collaboration with Disney's Freakier Friday
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Club Pilates, the largest Pilates brand, is thrilled to announce its first ever collaboration with Disney in celebration of the theatrical release Freakier Friday,which is set to hit theaters on August 8 th. Inspired by the film's themes of self-discovery, transformation, and fresh perspective, Club Pilates' new campaign will invite both members and prospects to 'come as you are and leave as who you're becoming.' 'This collaboration was a natural fit as Freakier Friday is a cinematic event that crosses generations, much like our low-impact Reformer workouts," said Tianna Strateman, President of Club Pilates. Share Starting July 8th, Club Pilates participants will have the chance to experience an in-studio campaign, which brings the dynamic energy of the movie to the Reformer! Select studios nationwide will host special Flip Your Friday-themed classes designed to help members transform into the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally. These uniquely programmed classes will be offered on Friday, July 11th. Along with the in-studio campaign, the brand is offering: 'Flip Your Friday' Sweepstakes: Both non-members and Club Pilates members who register for and attend a ' Freakier Friday ' themed class, at participating studios, on July 11, 2025 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win* a fabulous grand prize – two tickets for the winner and a guest to attend the Freakier Friday world premiere in Los Angeles, California, along with airfare and hotel accommodations. Freakier Friday Influencer Experience: Disney and Club Pilates will host a group of Content Creators for a themed class in Los Angeles. Premier Activation: Club Pilates will have an experiential activation at the premiere, allowing attendees to experience the brands' paired collaboration. 'We are so honored to come together with Disney, an iconic brand that inspires transformation and connection,' said Tianna Strateman, President of Club Pilates. 'This collaboration was a natural fit as Freakier Friday is a cinematic event that crosses generations, much like our low-impact Reformer workouts. The film's message of embracing change and looking at the world through a new perspective reflects what we see in our studios on a daily basis – lives being transformed through mindful, intentional movement.' The Club Pilates' Freakier Friday campaign will be active in studios leading up to the film's release in participating studios. To find the studio nearest you or sign up for a fun, freaky class, visit For more information about Club Pilates, visit Founded in 2007, Club Pilates is the largest Pilates brand by number of studios, designed with the vision of making Pilates more accessible, approachable and welcoming to everyone. Based in Irvine, CA, Club Pilates has appeared in both Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and Fastest-Growing Franchises eight years running, and Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 lists multiple times. Club Pilates offers extensive training certification for its instructors, including its 500-hour training program includes instruction on Pilates, barre, Triggerpoint, and TRX Suspension Trainers. Club Pilates is headquartered in Irvine, CA and backed by Xponential Fitness, one of the leading global franchisors of boutique health and wellness brands. To learn more about Club Pilates, visit About the Movie: 'Freakier Friday,' the eagerly anticipated sequel to the Disney classic starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, will be released in theaters nationwide August 8, 2025. In the film, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. 'Freakier Friday' is directed by Nisha Ganatra, and the screenplay is by Jordan Weiss, with a story by Elyse Hollander and Jordan Weiss, based on the book 'Freaky Friday' by Mary Rodgers. The film, which also stars Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon, is produced by Kristin Burr, p.g.a., Andrew Gunn, p.g.a., and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Ann Marie Sanderlin, Mario Iscovich, Nathan Kelly, and Lindsay Lohan serving as executive producers. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes only open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18 years and older. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 a.m. ET on 7/4/25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 7/11/25. ARV of prize: $4,000. Travel must be conducted on Sponsor-selected dates in July 2025 or winner will forfeit his/her right to receive the prize. To enter without attending a Pilates class, write your full name, full mailing address, email address, phone number, and birth date on a plain 3x5 inch card and mail to Sponsor: Club Pilates, LLC, Attn: Flip Your Friday Entry, 17877 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92614. Mail-in entries must be postmarked no later than 7/11/25 and received by 7/15/25. Subject to full Official Rules (
Emirates Woman
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Fashion designer Sanah Yasin on building a brand that evokes year-round wanderlust
Dubai-based fashion designer Sanah Yasin on building a contemporary brand that evokes year-round wanderlust. What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Mornings are all about spending a few minutes with the kids and getting them to school. After school drop-off, I am headed to some form of a workout. I love a good hot yoga class, boxing, or a Reformer method class. A good workout energises me for the rest of the day. What are the core values/DNA that define your brand? Sanah Yasin is built on a foundation of timeless elegance, thoughtful craftsmanship, and authentic self-expression. From the beginning, I wanted my brand to carry a sense of wanderlust – a feeling of movement, exploration, and connection with different cultures. Designs allow individuality, inspired by the world's textures, colours, and stories of travel. Every piece crafted is to be cherished, worn, and remembered. I wanted to create experiences and memories every time someone wears my label. The palm tree motif has become a signature of Sanah Yasin. What does it represent to you personally, and how did it evolve into an emblem for the brand? Palm trees represent a sense of rooted elegance. They evoke a feeling of strength and softness. It bends but doesn't break, feminine yet strong. It stands tall with grace even in shifting conditions. Over time, the palm tree became more than a motif – it became a message. A reminder to stay grounded while reaching for the sky. Your designs evoke a feeling of escape and often draw from colour palettes inspired by your travels. What destination has most surprised you creatively, and how did it shape a piece or collection? I'm inspired by all my travels and the artwork around me. A lot of the brighter colours were inspired by Morocco, a place that's on my bucket list. The tiles and the colours there have been a huge source of inspiration for me. The colours of hotel lobbies around the globe are always inspiring, too. From raw silk kaftans to structured blazers, your collections blend heritage with bold modernity. How do you approach that balance between tradition and edge? With modern tailoring and bold styling, it becomes something entirely new. The key is how you style the product. I always like an elegant edge in the way I wear my label. There's a strong sense of self-expression in your pieces. Who is the woman you design for, and what do you hope she feels when she wears Sanah Yasin? She's a woman who loves to travel, someone who embraces elegance with a sense of quiet confidence. I want her to feel elegant, feminine, and completely herself, whether she's walking through a new city or lounging by the sea. How has building your business in Dubai influenced your creative process and entrepreneurial vision? Dubai is the biggest inspiration for my line. I think of my brand as a love letter to the city that inspired it all. I wanted to capture the palm trees of the city. When starting my label, I asked myself, 'If I could capture my time living in Dubai, what would that look and feel like?' I wanted to create a label that people could take back as a memory of their time visiting the city. Being in a city where East meets West, I'm constantly inspired by the mix of traditions, luxury, and modernity that defines Dubai. Entrepreneurially, Dubai pushes you to dream big. There's a sense here that anything is possible, and that ambition fuels my long-term vision – not just to build a brand, but to shape the regional fashion Industry. As a Dubai-based designer, how do you see your work contributing to the narrative of modern Middle Eastern fashion on the global stage? My goal for my line was always to create pieces that resonate both locally and internationally. I grew up in Texas, and I wanted to make sure my brand resonates with a larger audience. The thought process when creating my brand was to create pieces that were modest for the region but could also be styled in a way that appeals globally. I hope to contribute to a broader global recognition of Middle Eastern fashion as a vital and evolving voice in the fashion conversation. What were some of the earliest challenges you faced as a founder, and how did those moments shape the way you lead today? My brand grew at a faster rate than I had expected. As a founder, when you are building something, you wear multiple hats. From the design process, the business details, production, and managing a team, you do it all. To find the balance in it all, I take things one day at a time. I feel like there is no rush, and I like taking my time in building this brand. What's next for Sanah Yasin? Are there any new destinations, collaborations, or categories you're dreaming of exploring? This year, I started selling my kaftans in a store in Miami's design district, called KABE. There are also a few other cities I'm in talks with at the moment about introducing my label. In August, I will have my products in Monaco as part of the Le Closet global pop-up. This is The Summer Escape Issue – what does a perfect summer escape look like for you personally, and what are you wearing from your line when you get there? A perfect summer escape for me would be slowing down and reconnecting with nature, with creativity, and with myself. Think you're wearing a silk kaftan in a breezy, sun-drenched villa in the Mediterranean or a tucked-away beach somewhere in the world. There's time to read, swim, nap in a hammock, and eat simple food as you walk around in flats exploring the city. The kaftan would be all you need to make a simple and elegant statement. Elevated pieces that feel good against sun-kissed skin. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Tom's Guide
06-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
'You can't tone muscle you haven't built' — I'm a personal trainer, and here's why I choose weightlifting before Pilates
Before I receive a barrage of abuse, can I just say, I don't hate on Reformer Pilates. In fact, I'm about to embark on a 30-day fitness challenge, swapping CrossFit for Reformer to see what will happen — physically and mentally — to my body. Which brings me straight to the point — you can't tone muscle you haven't built. Firstly, I'd like to caveat by saying I can't stand the term 'toning muscle.' Essentially, though, it just means creating leanness, muscle definition, firmness, or shape, rather than significant muscular size. But you can't do that to muscles that don't exist, and building muscle isn't easy to do. Before the Pilates purists come for me, at the end of the day, exercise in a way that makes you happy and fulfilled. But if you're interested, read on to find out why I prioritize weightlifting over Pilates for building muscle, and the benefits of both for your training routine. There are many reasons you should consider taking up Pilates. Firstly, an hour of Pilates can do for your body what many other training methods can't and won't: build mobility, flexibility, pliability, muscular control and endurance, strengthen your joints, muscles and bones against injury, develop core muscles of steel and create posture even ballet dancers would envy. I'm not exaggerating, either. The Pilates lovers I know swear by it, particularly the Reformer, for changing their bodies for the better. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But that lean and sculpted physique you're eyeing up? You need to build that muscle using muscle-growing principles, and Pilates, though brilliant at strengthening and "toning" using high reps, light weights and bodyweight resistance, isn't the gold standard of building that muscle. In short, they're not interchangeable methods of exercise. Hence, different training principles yield different results (with some crossover, obviously). If you really want to grow noticeable muscle size, it comes down to a combination of resistance training, recovery, protein intake and progressive overload principles. So let's talk about that very process — hypertrophy. In the hypertrophy vs strength training debate, it's crucial to understand that these training methods aren't the same thing, and you won't train the same way for both. Strength training builds strength, and hypertrophy training builds lean muscle mass. Building strength doesn't mean your muscles automatically grow in size; strength training alters the muscular power output, whereas hypertrophy increases the size of muscle fibers. So, the best way to build muscle is to resistance train with progressively heavier weights, adapting load, reps and sets over time to adequately challenge muscles and stimulate growth. Oh, and we love using compound exercises (moves that hit multiple muscles, like squats) for best results. Once you've grown the muscle, muscle definition comes down to body fat percentage. Losing fat and gaining muscle creates the overall appearance of a lean and sculpted physique — a process called body recomposition. If the muscle isn't grown, there's nothing to tone, so while Pilates instructors will tell you the method creates a sculpted, lean physique, muscle-building should be the priority. It's also important to look at the muscle fiber types when considering exercise. Slow-twitch muscle fibers are recruited during sustained efforts of exercise at a lower intensity, like Pilates or jogging, when you'll use your aerobic energy system and your muscles require oxygen. On the flipside, lifting heavy weights and adopting sports like powerlifting trains your fast-twitch muscle fibers and supports short, sharp efforts using your anaerobic system. In this case, muscles don't require oxygen, but efforts are shorter and faster. Pilates won't train the same muscle fiber types as strength training, and you'll find that Pilates adopters and long-distance runners will have a different muscle make-up than your weightlifters and sprinters. The same goes for light lifting and higher reps — this taps into muscular endurance and is typically found more within a Pilates setting than with 'true' weightlifting. We know that studies show lifting for fewer sets and reps at a heavier load and higher intensity is more effective and efficient (read: Work out less and get better results — a new study says this is exactly how) for gains than the former. It's not to say that training principles like Pilates, calisthenics, gymnastics and other forms of bodyweight training aren't incredibly beneficial for your muscles. But if your ultimate goal is to grow muscle, this isn't Pilates' arena — weightlifting and strength training are where you want to be. So, when a Pilates instructor says he or she will sculpt and tone your muscles, you better make sure you're building them first.
