What is Pilates? Why is it gaining traction in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad: Pilates, once considered a specialist fitness format practiced in small circles, is steadily entering Hyderabad’s mainstream workout culture.

Across neighbourhoods from Jubilee Hills to Kondapur and the Financial District, dedicated Pilates studios are reporting fuller classes, longer waitlists, and a growing mix of clients, from young professionals to older adults seeking structured, low-impact strength training.

Fitness trainers say the shift is not accidental. It reflects changing priorities among urban exercisers who are moving from only calorie-burning goals to mobility, posture, and long-term body care.

A Shift From Intensity to Control

Unlike high-intensity formats that dominated gym floors for years, Pilates focuses on controlled movement, breath coordination, and deep muscle engagement. Hyderabad trainers say this difference is drawing people who want measurable strength gains without joint stress.

“People are more aware now of how they move, not just how hard they move,” says Antara, a Jubilee Hills–based certified Pilates instructor, speaking to NewsMeter. “Clients come in with back pain, desk stiffness,s or post-injury weakness. When they understand that controlled movement can be more effective than aggressive workouts, they stay.”

Studios report that first-time clients often arrive through physiotherapy referrals or doctor recommendations, then continue as regular practitioners.

Why Urban Professionals Are Signing Up

Hyderabad’s work culture, especially in the tech and corporate sectors, has played a role in Pilates adoption. Long sitting hours, screen-heavy routines, and limited movement patterns are pushing more people toward corrective exercise formats.

Dr. Ritesh Bansal, a city physiotherapist who collaborates with Pilates studios, explains, “Pilates works well for desk-bound clients because it retrains posture and stabilising muscles. We often suggest it alongside rehabilitation because it builds strength without overload.”

Time efficiency is another factor. Most reformer sessions run between 45 and 60 minutes and are conducted in small groups, making them easier to schedule than crowded gym workouts.

Not Just Rehabilitation Anymore

While Pilates first gained popularity locally through injury recovery and prenatal programs, studios say the demographic is expanding.

Today’s class lists include:

• Strength trainers cross-training for mobility

• Runners improving joint stability

• Dancers and performers maintain control and flexibility

• Brides and grooms preparing for events

• Older adults working on balance and bone strength

“Earlier, we had to explain what Pilates is,” says a Kondapur studio coach. “Now clients walk in asking specifically for reformer classes.”

The Studio Model Is Changing

Pilates growth in Hyderabad is also tied to how studios are structured. Most centres operate in small-group formats with close instructor supervision rather than open-floor training.

This appeals to clients who want correction and technique feedback.

“In a Pilates class, you cannot disappear in the back row,” says Antara. “Every movement is observed. That accountability is one reason people see results.”

Studios are also offering assessment-based entry sessions, where mobility and strength are evaluated before assigning class levels.

Where to Try Pilates in Hyderabad

Several studios across the city now offer mat and reformer Pilates, private sessions, and beginner programs.

Jubilee Hills & Banjara Hills

• The Pilates Studio by Namrata Purohit

• Flex Pilates

• Align – The Pilates Studio

• BodyScience Pilates

Hitec City & Financial District

• The Pilates Studio by Namrata Purohit (Hitec branch)

• AIRE Pilates & Fitness Studio

• BodyScience Pilates

Kondapur & Gachibowli Belt

• Pilates Academy Kondapur

• Multiple boutique reformer studios operating by appointment

Secunderabad Side

• Pilates & Beyond With Zaineb Ali

Most studios recommend starting with guided sessions rather than online tutorials, especially for reformer work.

Cost vs Commitment

Pilates remains more expensive than standard gym memberships, largely due to equipment costs and low instructor-to-student ratios. However, studios say clients who commit tend to continue long-term.

“Pilates is not a drop-in workout,” says Antara. “It’s a practice. Clients who treat it like skill training, not just exercise, see the difference.”

What Comes Next

With more certified instructors emerging and physiotherapy partnerships increasing, Pilates is expected to become a regular part of Hyderabad’s structured fitness ecosystem rather than a niche option.

Studios are already introducing specialised tracks, sports conditioning, prenatal Pilates, and senior mobility programs, indicating that the format is evolving with the city’s needs.

“People come for core strength. They stay for how their body starts working better in everyday life,” concludes Antara.