Align is a great studio for classical pilates, barre and clinical pilates sessions. Catherine runs…read moremost of the classes and is sweet and knowledgeable, focusing on form and technique to make sure everyone gets the most out of each class - I leave with burning quads, glutes and triceps every single time. The space is well lit and thoughtfully designed, and the equipment (reformer beds, resistance bands, balls, blocks etc) are all brand new and spotless. I appreciated the inclusion of lots of different pieces of equipment to keep reformer class interesting and challenging for both beginners and those with more experience. There's a small selection of activewear for purchase, along with some spiky balls and grippy socks. A drop-in class will set you back $27.50, but if you're coming in for the first time there's an intro offer of 5 classes for $50 (at time of writing) - great value and a good way to try a few different types of classes.

In sculpture, an armature is the framework upon which the sculpture is built. The armature…read moreprovides strength and stability to the sculpture and holds it erect. I can't think of a better name for a Pilates studio, and it certainly is the perfect name for this particular Pilates studio, which aims to give all its clients the guidance and training required to achieve a strong body framework. The studio holds individual, small and larger group classes for both mat and equipment courses. It's important to start Pilates at the very beginning in order to have a sound understanding of its technique and principles and Armature Pilates have a great selection of beginners classes for newcomers. They'll also take you through to higher levels of Pilates and even hold Instructor workshops. This isn't the cheapest place to do Pilates, nor the cheapest type of exercise one can commit to, but in terms of the expertise and complete guidance you'll get at this studio, the classes are worth every cent and your body will thank you for it.

As a Pilates devotee I was sad to say goodbye to the studio I loved when I moved to the Northside…read more Steph the owner of Armature patiently guided me through their class styles and how their booking and credit buying system worked. The flexibility of their studio practice is as bendy as their excellent instructors which is one of the things I love most. Buy a quantity of credits in store then pick and choose classes online as suits you - just use your credits within 90 days - easy! Never underestimate the convenience of being able to move out of an early morning class while you are out imbibing cocktails into the wee hours the night before. The other great thing is that I have found all the classes and instructors to be amazing in their own unique way. So now I just slot into classes when I can fit them in rather than follow the same schedule each week for fear of missing out on my favourite work out. And last but not least, it's a simple and airy set up with two rooms and a newly opened dedicated reformer studio at another location nearby. No need to be a fanatical fitness freak here. Just roll on up and give them a go... you're body with thank you.

Since my accommodation in Melbourne didn't have a gym I hopped on Yelp in search of nearby exercise…read moreoptions and found Barre Body. The studio's wide timetable coupled with the fact that it was literally steps away from my hotel made it an easy choice for me. I took advantage of the $50 unlimited two week class pass. During my four night stay I made it to six classes at Barre Body. Each visit I found the studio to be clean and inviting, the instructors warm, friendly and competent and the other students to be of varying ages and abilities. (Note to men: I never saw another guy at Barre Body except the one I brought with me on my first visit. This is a very female centric studio.) I sampled all of Barre Body's barre classes during my stay. Each is a bit different but all include a bit of a yoga/pilates mat aspect. Here's a more simplified breakdown of each: Barre Moves = more dance focused than the other classes, a good one if you like/miss ballet Barre Body = weights + yoga Barre Tone = weights + pilates Barre Cardio = weights + faster movements than any of the other class. expect to sweat more too. You need not bring anything with you to Barre Body, except maybe a water bottle. All mats, weights and balls are provided and in good condition. The two week pass is great value and definitely a good option to sample this studio.

I'm always keen to try new things so when I heard about this class that is a mix of yoga and barre…read moretraining I was certain I had to give it a go. The studio is at the back of Endota spa on Flinders Lane and is beautifully clean and serene. I attended a lunchtime class which was taught by the owner (Emma) and it was lucky I got a spot, as the class was full. The barre body class uses weights and mixes yoga with it. I'm not going to lie, it was a hard class, especially because I've never been to a gym before. My body is so sore now, but the sorer the better right?! I must say I'm looking forward to going back and trying the other types of classes. They also support One Girl (a charity dedicated to providing education scholarships to girls in Sierra Leone). I have signed up for the 2 week unlimited pass for $50. What can I say I'm a sucker for punishment.

This is a great small pilates studio, small but beautifully laid out with great equipment. Both…read moreregular teachers Donna and Sarah are very friendly and adapt classes to suit each person, making sure that it remains challenging. Lots of variety too and very good working with any limitations/injuries. Very easy to book and change classes.

I was introduced to KX Pilates through a friend of mine who raved about it. I was slightly nervous…read moreabout attending a class as I heard Pilates reformer requires extreme balance and co-ordination, which I lack at the best of times. I was pleasantly surprised to be guided through personally by owner and expert Aaron who helped my each step of the way. The studio was very boutique and boast the latest beds in a light filled room with a complementary apple on your way out. I must admit that the casual prices are a bit steep at 30 a session which would probably stop me from continuing on a regular basis. I did however find a scoupon deal which includes 5 sessions for 29 on the internet & purchased it in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed the class and intend on going back to get some more experience.

What class did you try? I tried a mat Pilate's class with a short relaxation at the end…read more How many people were in the class? 5 of us plus instructor What equipment and facilities are there? You go up the stairs to the right to enter and the bathrooms are down the hall. I don't recall there being change rooms but there is water, table and brnches to rest, cubby holes and all equipment provided for (mats, bolsters, blocks, foam rollers). The first area of the studio is reception and reformers and then the yoga/barre/Pilate's is at the back room. What was not so good? Parking at Camberwell and people with physical disabilities may find it difficult to get up the stairs (not sure if there is an elevator). Level of happiness: 10/10 going to mat Pilate's...to be honest I never really liked Pilate's but now I'm getting it more. I don't sweat like crazy but my muscles burn baby burn if you do it right. So I guess it is about finding the right teacher who can explain it in a way I get it. This place explained it well so thumbs up.

I took up the 2 week introductory offer with Yoga Flame. I…read morereally really love this place. I have now had 3 Hot Hatha Flow classes under my belt and feel I can write an informed review. The space itself is fresh white decorated with luscious indoor plants. It has sense of community and calm here with staff and fellow students all very friendly. There are two practice rooms. You can hire mats and towels or bring your own. There are boxes to place your belongings and slots inside the practice rooms to place valuables. The class sizes are smaller to what I have am used to and this gives the teacher a chance to come around to guide and assist you with your postures. I really feel challenged here and that is what I love about it. Make no doubt about it, you will SWEAT and you will work your butt off, but the after glow is ever so sweet and the feeling of accomplishment makes you feel really good about yourself. All the teachers have many many years experience between them. The owners of Yoga Flame have studied under well know Yoga teachers all over the world and they all continue to keep up their learning. Yoga Flame holds workshops with renowned yoga teachers from all over the world regularly and I will be attending a 3 day workshop on Moon Sun Fire with Octavio Salvado this weekend. I really encourage you to give Yoga Flame a try. They have studios in Windsor and Moonee Ponds.

I am pooped. This morning I tried my very first Functional Fitness class at Breathe Wellbeing and…read moream totally wrecked and going through a "I exercised this morning therefore I will eat all of the food" phase. The Breathe Wellbeing functional fitness class is small - only a group of around 10 - and consists of intense circuit training with 40 seconds/40 seconds off. The exercises include sprints, running up/down stairs carrying weights and a hell of a lot of ab work. Can you see why I am tired now? The small classes mean you are well looked after by the instructor, who will assist with your posture and technique throughout the circuits - ensuring you're exercising at your very hardest. Breathe have a number of different classes including reformer pilates, which I have tried also and absolutely *loved*. One of the standouts about Breathe is their online/app booking system (the small classes mean you have to book in) as well as their simply stunning studios, that will literally take your breath away. Imagine a sexy New York warehouse apartment without any furniture. All in all a sleek and sexy studio providing a great workout for all.

I've been a client at the original Breathe Wellbeing on Little Collins for over two years now and…read morecan't sing their praises high enough. About a year ago they opened their second studio, tucked away on hidden laneway, Goldie Place. It a beautiful studio with three levels dedicated to different parts of the Breathe experience. The first level you will encounter is the reception/lounge area where you can check in for classes, get changed and have a cup of tea and a piece of fruit before or after your session. I really enjoy getting to my session early and taking a little time to sit and read or work on the couch before my class starts. It's a bit bright space, filled with good tunes and great vibes. Upstairs is a large reformer studio space, with around 18 beds available for each class under a super high ceiling. The machines are new and I love that there is a mirror down one wall here so I can see if I'm doing the exercises right and correct my form. There's a good mix of Level 1 & 2 classes offered by a variety of teachers so if you're new to reformer this is a great studio to learn in. Downstairs lacks the open space feel that you get on the two floor above, but what it lacks in prettiness it makes up for in hard classes that will get you energetically moving and increasing your fitness. This is the level for functional fitness, a kind of bootcamp-esque class that involves a bit of cardio, strength training and balance work that will put your body to the test. I've tried only the Level 1 classes so far, but can tell that they will kick my ass in a much harder way that I'm used to with reformer. This is a good thing! Pro tip: buy an introductory membership that will let you experience a mix of classes (reformer, functional fitness, yoga, mobility/stretch) at both studios over two weeks for the very low price of $50.