Looking to get more out of pilates workouts? Check out Off Duty Pilates, which offers a variety of pilates classes in a fun, modern setting.
Pilates has long been lauded for its ability to build serious core strength (you’ve got to try it to appreciate what this really means), while being able to send your muscles shaking from head to toe with its slow and controlled movements. That’s why everyone, from athletes to waistline-watchers, turns to pilates at some point for the unbeatable body toning and conditioning results. They may moan and groan during the sessions, but they always leave the studio walking taller, feeling lighter and 1,000 times stronger.
As the founder of pilates, Joseph Pilates said before: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.”
The only hitch is, can you find a pilates studio where you’d be willing to commit to 10 or more classes without feeling bored and in need of some cardio or heart-pumping work to balance out your strength training? (Because aerobic fitness is just as important.) We think Off Duty Pilates might be the answer.
Not the typical pilates studio
Instead of the no-nonsense, rehab-focused setting we usually see at places offering pilates, Off Duty Pilates studio exudes chill and forgiving vibes, thanks to the people, the interior and even the choice of lighting. Located at level 2 of 5A and 6A Craig Road, a 5-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT, the studio uses soft and warm lighting, with plenty of natural light streaming in during the day.
If you aren’t in a hurry, you’ll be tempted to linger after class to chill and nosh on healthy snacks from Project Acai (whose founders are part of the team behind Off Duty Pilates), or take Instagrammable pix of yourself on the reformer. Hey, if that motivates you to polish up your form and alignment, we’re all for it.
Lockers, changing rooms as well as vanity rooms and showers are available. Trust us, you’ll probably need to shower after attending their sweat-inducing classes.
Choose from six class types
Off Duty Pilates offers six types of classes with different objectives, so you can build them into your routine to keep your workouts varied, interesting and constantly challenging.
Basic10 – For those who have not done reformer pilates before or just want to get back to basics, this beginner-friendly class covers the 10 foundations of reformer pilates, while training your full-body muscle control, balance and coordination. For safety reasons, you’ll need to attend at least three Basic10 classes before joining the other classes.
Sculpt – Let’s get real. Lots of us work out for #bodygoals – whether it’s a perky butt, toned arms or firm abs. This class will bring you closer to those goals by targeting the respective muscles, as well as your core-stabilising muscles.
Core + Align – Work on evening out your muscle imbalances at this class, which focuses on body alignment, core strengthening and increasing your range of motion. You should walk out feeling taller and more centred than before.
Sculpt + Jump – You may be on or hovering over the reformer the whole time, but you will get a good cardio and fat-burning workout from this class that focuses on exercises using the jumpboard. Imagine doing endless combos of “jumping” moves on the reformer. Think of them as the equivalent of jumping jacks and squat jumps – only that these exercises are more fun, with low impact on the joints.
TRXHIIT – For the uninitiated, TRX refers to a popular brand of suspension trainers, while HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training. When TRX suspension training exercises are done in HIIT format, you’re in for an intense, heart rate-soaring workout. Add powerful reformer exercises to the mix, and you get a highly stimulating workout for both your mind and muscles. Get your towels ready.
Power – The most challenging of the lot, this intermediate-level class features complex exercises that will test your coordination, endurance, core strength and spine flexibility. It’s designed for those who have “conquered” the Sculpt class.
Rates range from $20 a class (3-class trial package for first-timers) to $48 for a single class.
Besides group classes, Off Duty Pilates also offers private sessions that can done in a one-on-one, duet or group setting. There’s good reason to consider private classes – they are held in a dedicated studio with newfangled equipment to literally keep you on your toes: a cadillac trapeze table, a ladder barrel, two combo chairs and two reformers with towers. Talk about taking your workout to new heights.
(Also read: Hold These Static Moves For Improved Full Body Strength)
Click here for all the class rates.
Pick the brains of the team
Ever left a fitness class feeling more confused than ever – whether it’s due to the jargon, conflicting beliefs or mismatched expectations? At Off Duty Pilates, you are welcome to raise your pilates doubts or questions to the approachable team, led by founder-instructors Betsy Chen and Julie Jang.
Off Duty Pilates is located at 5A, 6A Craig Road, level 2. For more info, head to www.offdutypilates.com.
(Also read: Best HIIT Gyms and Studios in Singapore For Fast and Furious Workouts)
