When I visited Los Angeles earlier this year, I decided it was finally time to try something I’d always been curious about, Pilates Because honestly, what’s LA living without going to a Pilates class in a cute outfit, right? Between the palm trees, pressed juices and the city’s focus on wellness, it felt like the perfect place to experience it for the first time.
I booked a few mat Pilates sessions at a women’s only studio called Bellatec in downtown LA and from the moment I walked in, I knew I’d made the right choice. The space had such a feminine, calm and uplifting energy that made it instantly inviting. The women there, from the instructors to those taking the classes, were warm, welcoming and incredibly supportive.
I took three mat Pilates classes during my stay and by the end, I completely understood the hype and why people love it so much. Pilates isn’t just a workout; it’s a full body reset. Every movement feels intentional. It challenges your core, strengthens muscles you didn’t even know you had and improves flexibility, but what really stood out to me was how grounding it felt. You focus on your breathing, your posture and the way your body flows through each motion. It’s as much about mindfulness as it is about movement.
And it’s not just a feeling, research supports it too. Studies have shown that regular Pilates practice can improve core strength, balance and posture, while also reducing stress and supporting better mental wellbeing. It’s known to increase body awareness, ease tension and even help manage anxiety. It’s one of those forms of exercise that leaves you both energised and calm, strong yet centred.
Each time I left Bellatec, I felt lighter, clearer and more confident. There’s something about that post-Pilates glow that feels so satisfying, as if your body and mind are finally in sync. It became a little ritual for me while I was in LA: wake up, slip into my Pilates set, head to class and get a coffee afterwards. I felt ready to take on the day with a fresh mindset.
What I love most about Pilates is it doesn’t matter if you’re new to fitness or already active, it meets you where you are. It teaches you to move with purpose and to build strength. Whether your goal is to tone your body, improve flexibility or simply reconnect with yourself, Pilates truly transforms the way you move, think and feel.
I haven’t tried reformer Pilates yet, but after my experience with mat Pilates in LA, it’s definitely next on my list. If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, I highly recommend visiting Bellatec. It’s such a welcoming space with an inspiring atmosphere, a place that reminds you that wellness isn’t just about how you look, but how you feel. And even if you’re not in LA, bringing Pilates into your routine might be exactly what your body and mind need.
Anu Aborisade
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