Designed to strengthen the spine and core, Pilates, experts say, also has long-lasting effects on mood and overall health—provided that it’s done regularly.
Integrating this exercise into daily routine helps improve core stability and strength, posture and alignment, balance and coordination, and blood circulation.
It also helps reduce back pain, strengthen immune system, prevent injuries, improve focus, lower anxiety due to endorphin release, and uplift mood.
Joseph Pilates’ exercise system is often referred to as “intelligent exercise” as it simultaneously works on a person’s physical and mental strength.
Experts say it is ideal for a wide range of individuals, from athletes and sports enthusiasts, to prenatal and postnatal women and those with medical conditions and recovering from injuries.
International Pilates studio chain Options Studio, Inc., for instance, offers Pilates programs customized according to each person’s fitness goals.
Ole Eugenio, a Pilates Master Trainer and former gymnast, brought Options Studio to the Philippines a decade ago. It opened its first branch in RCBC Plaza in Makati, and then relocated to Nobel Plaza in Valero Street. It has since expanded to other prime locations such as Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, Rockwell, and Timog in Quezon City. It also has a partner facility in Cebu.
The newest Options Studio will soon open in Edsa Shangri-La, owned by Marivic del Pilar. On top of regular Pilates programs, it will also specialize in muscle rehab. This branch will be the only Pilates studio with complete Gratz Classical Pilates equipment, the gold standard in Pilates equipment since 1928.
“To ensure we provide loyal patrons and new clients with topnotch service, we made sure our Shang-based studio is the top Pilates venue in the metro with the full range of Gratz Classical Pilates Equipment,” says Del Pilar.
She adds, “That means that most of the equipment found here are the industry standard for authentic Pilates equipment and also the first of its kind in the country.”
As the first and only international chain of Pilates and Movement Studios worldwide, it has a lineup of specific programs such as Core Reform, Core Suspend, Core Barre, Rebound, Core Chair, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal, Traditional Mat, and Traditional Reformer.
To give clients peace of mind while at the fitness center, Del Pilar says, “We’ve made sure that all our branches including the newest one at Shang adhere to stringent COVID-19 safety guidelines such as frequent disinfection, wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and health declarations.”
All of the brand’s studio trainers and movement specialists undergo constant training led by Eugenio himself along with other renowned Pilates mentors such as Camille Joson-Ordinario and Neil Alvarez.
Some of Options Studio’s most loyal clients include Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and TV host Daphne Oseña-Paez.
