Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Pilates is becoming a regular part of life for many women in Abu Dhabi, with practitioners saying they are choosing it less for appearance and more for the physical and mental benefits it brings.
From managing chronic pain and improving posture to recovering from injuries and coping with the pressures of busy schedules, women told Aletihad that Pilates has become a sustainable way to build strength and improve overall well-being.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method. It comes in several styles, most famously the reformer and mat Pilates; there is also classical, contemporary, and clinical, each tailored to different fitness goals and levels.
For Abu Dhabi-based photographer Ellaine Fatima, the decision was driven by necessity rather than social media. Carrying heavy camera equipment for work had begun taking its toll, prompting her physiotherapist to recommend Pilates.
"My decision to start Pilates was based on my health and my physiotherapist's recommendation. I had read a lot about it and watched videos to see if this was something I could handle," Fatima told Aletihad. She has since encouraged friends with similar health concerns to try it.
"I genuinely think it can benefit them too."
Having previously taken up swimming and pickleball, Fatima said Pilates offered a completely different experience.
"Pilates feels much more controlled and intentional as it targets and activates muscles I did not even realise I had not been using, and I can already feel improvements in my posture, stability and body awareness."
She believes the growing interest reflects a wider change in attitudes towards fitness.
"More women are becoming aware of the importance of strength, mobility and injury prevention, not just weight loss. With busy lifestyles and more women dealing with chronic pain or autoimmune conditions like me, Pilates offers a guided, low-impact way to build strength and improve overall wellbeing."
Habiba Elgohary has been practising Pilates and Lagree for the past four years and has noticed the growing interest across the capital.
"I started to become stronger and fitter, both mentally and physically. It gave me strength from the inside out and with it came real confidence," she said.
She has attended classes at three different studios, saying the variety of options has made the discipline increasingly accessible. The experience also inspired an unexpected business venture.
"I couldn't find grip socks that actually worked, so I built my own and now there is a whole community around it."
For Rawan Hammad, Pilates developed from a favourite workout into a business ambition as well.
"I want to open my own studio one day, so I knew I needed to understand it on a deeper level. I took the instructor course to become a Pilates instructor myself," she said.
Hammad believes social media has introduced many women to Pilates, but its staying power comes from the results.
"Women are getting more into it because it is effective, low impact and makes you feel stronger without getting too intense. It is different from other forms of exercise because it is more about control, technique and really connecting with your body."
Pilates was developed by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century as a rehabilitation method. Built around controlled movement, breathing, flexibility and core strength, it is now practised in several forms, including mat and reformer Pilates, with programmes adapted to different ages, fitness levels and health conditions.
Sama Alkhreisha, a certified instructor, said she has seen a noticeable shift in what people are looking for when they walk into a studio. "People are no longer searching for the hardest workout," she said.
"The most common thing I hear is that it makes them feel balanced. They leave class feeling stronger and challenged without feeling exhausted."
While many clients first discover Pilates through recommendations or social media, she said they continue because of the difference it makes to everyday life. "Pilates is for everyone – an athlete, a man or woman, elderly, during or after pregnancy, or recovering from an injury. It can be adapted to your needs and conditions."
Alkhreisha believes Pilates has moved beyond being viewed simply as another fitness class.
"In Abu Dhabi, it is becoming part of a broader wellness lifestyle. People are prioritising movement, recovery, mental wellbeing and longevity."
