Nowadays, more and more people are concerned about their physical and psychological well-being. If this is the case for you, it’s best to start by saying goodbye to the sofa and a sedentary lifestyle by adopting a healthier lifestyle. For example, practicing Pilates is a way of promoting balance between body and mind. So how about a guide to some of the places where you can practice pilates in Porto?
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, don’t worry. There are options for all levels and tastes. On the one hand, there are free classes promoted by Porto’s municipal company – Ágora, and on the other, there are innovative studios with workshops that include the presence of dogs. So put your excuses aside and join us in this (re)discovery of the benefits of the world of pilates.
What is pilates?
However, before you get to know our guide, we’d like to briefly introduce you to this activity. Although it’s no ‘secret’, there may be those who are unaware of its essence. In any case, here is a short but always pertinent definition.
Developed by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century, it is a holistic method that combines various modalities, such as yoga and gymnastics. The benefits of this practice are many and can result in improvements at various levels, for example:
- Flexibility
- Posture correction
- Less stress
- Muscle strengthening
- Rehabilitation
Guide to pilates in Porto
Now that you know the potential beneficial effects of practicing pilates, how about ‘discovering’ a few places? We stress that the order presented here is random and is not a ranking, but rather a little help for those looking to get started as soon as possible.
Free pilates classes
If you’re on a budget, or looking for free activities, then this suggestion comes in handy. Until May, on Saturday mornings, there are pilates, yoga and tai chi classes in pavilions in Porto.
The initiative is promoted by Ágora – Cultura e Desporto E.M. and aims to encourage active physical exercise. If you want to find out more, here are the timetables to date:
- Fontes Pereira de Melo Municipal Pavilion: 9 a.m. – Pilates, 10 a.m. – Yoga; 11 a.m. – Tai Chi
- Pavilhão Municipal do Lagarteiro: 9h30 – Yoga; 11h00 – Pilates
As already mentioned, participation is free. However, prior registration is required by 5pm each Friday.
Where: Various locations
More information: desporto@agoraporto.pt
OM Academy & Mind Spa
This suggestion isn’t free, but its name appears prominently on TripAdvisor’s list of the best places to practice pilates in Porto. Located near Casa das Artes and not far from Porto’s Botanical Garden, OM Academy & Mind Spa is a fitness center with several options.
There, you can practice pilates, but also yoga. At the same time, it offers a space for massages and therapies, as well as another for relaxation and meditation. It is therefore a place where well-being as a whole is privileged.
It is also worth mentioning the workshops that took place here, promoted by Puppyology. With a different concept, the aim was to promote mental and physical well-being, but also to help adopt puppies. To find out if more dates are coming up, check out the website.
Where: Rua Ruben A, 189
More information: official website
Pilates Aviz Studio & Loft
In the Avenida da Boavista area, you’ll find another studio highlighted by TripAdvisor: Pilates Aviz Studio & Loft. As well as this location in Invicta, there are two other studios: one in Matosinhos and the other in Leça da Palmeira, “the most beautiful land in Portugal”, as Expensive Soul used to sing.
With a peaceful atmosphere and a modern space, lessons are tailored to the needs of each student. You can choose between online, individual or group sessions, clinical pilates and machine pilates.
Although we haven’t mentioned it before, as with any studio, prices vary depending on the modality you choose.
Where: Avenida da Boavista 3477, room 405
More information: official website