Pilates has been around long before Miley Cyrus made it cool (although, she did help). The exercise helps to build a strong and lean body by strengthening the core—an effective way to sculpt and tone, without the strenuous act of lifting heavy weights or running for miles.

Here are some of the best Pilates studios on Hong Kong island to help you gain that well-deserved figure:

Flex Studio 

If you’re looking for premium training, Flex Studio will help you sculpt, tone, strengthen, and stretch, to get the best activity possible. The pilates studios are available in two options—classic and contemporary, so the choice is yours. Each class offers different equipment for different levels, targeting different areas of the body. The contemporary classes take things a little further with the activity, by combining Pilates with tough fitness exercises like TRX, for a unique and intense workout. 

Flex Studio, One Island South, Shops 308-310, 2 Heung Yip Rd, Wong Chuk Hang, +852 2813 2212, flexhk.com 

Anhao Wellness 

Founded by a former French National Gymnast, Anhao Wellness spans over two floors—one which is dedicated to Reformer Pilates, and the other which is dedicated to Mat Pilates and personal training sessions. Fitness enthusiasts can stop by to try the group classes, or opt for a personal session, which can be catered to professional athletes, pre and post-natal women, and to anyone recovering from an injury. Pilates knows best. 

Anhao Wellness, 4F, Sunny Sky Center, 5 Ladder Street, Ladder St, Central, +852 6397 8284, anhao-wellness.com 

Options Studio 

Known as being the largest Pilates education centre in Asia, Options Studio trains their own instructors at the official training centre named Pilates Academy International in Singapore. The Hong Kong branch stays true to its roots, offering challenging and professional training to its visitors. Focus the body on natural movement and rigorous movement, to activate the 

core and challenge yourself to get fit through the Pilates classes. There’s also pre- and post-natal Pilates for mothers. 

Options Studio Pilates, 12th floor, 16 Wyndham St, Central, +852 3188 8112, optionspilatesstudio.com/hk 

Iso Fit 

Offering group and private fitness classes in Barre, TRX, Gyrotonic, and of course, Pilates, Iso Fit has been around for over 20 years now. A pioneer in the fitness industry, the studio

welcomes newbies and old-timers to its sessions, where the focus is all about health at the forefront. Take the fitness assessment to find out what exactly you need, and the trainer will tailor your session accordingly. 

Iso Fit, 8/F, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 802-805, 43-55 Wyndham St, Central, +852 2869 8630, isofit.com.hk

VIM Pilates 

The fully-equipped Pilates studio is a Licensed Training Centre of STOTT Pilates in Hong Kong. As the only studio in the city to offer such methods, you’ll be learning from the top-of-the-range professionals. Try the AntiGravity group class, which will really train your core—and you’ll be upside down. 

VIM Pilates, 202 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, +852 2572 2683, vim-pilates.com