Note 02 - The Pilates Edit

The gym at Ett Hem, Stockholm

One thing that has completely transformed my life over the past two years is Pilates. And when I say Pilates, I mean it in the broadest sense: barre, mat, and reformer all fall under that umbrella for me.

The impact goes far beyond just fitness. Pilates has given me a space where I truly feel I belong, a community of like-minded women I can connect with, and time in the day when I can shut out the noise of the outside world and focus on myself.

I’ve also fallen in love with the aesthetic side of it. Every studio has its own vibe, some drenched in natural light, others glowing with red, blue and pink hues (a 6 a.m. sculpt class that feels like a club? That’s my kind of club). And then, of course, there are the outfits. Slipping into a matching set instantly elevates my mood and makes me feel confident. Add a ballet wrap on top, and I feel like I’m about to conquer the world.

But maybe my favourite part is the routine it creates. Having something to look forward to most days keeps me grounded and excited. It’s more than a workout; it’s become a lifestyle.

Today’s note is a love letter to my favourite activity: we’ll talk fashion, studios I loved in various cities and other recommendations. Let’s dive in!

The Edit - Pilates Studios

Trying new classes and discovering studios I’ve saved on Instagram are two of my passions. This year, I’ve had the chance to visit some beautiful spaces. Here are the highlights.

Haven HotYoga Pilates, Amsterdam
The most calming space I have ever visited. Haven is primarily a yoga studio, but I joined a Pilates class and loved it. The atmosphere was serene, the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease the moment you walk in. It’s tucked away in Amsterdam Noord, surrounded by canals and nature. Getting there is an experience in itself: a short ferry ride across the water, followed by a ten-minute walk through the forest. By the time you arrive, you’re already in a different headspace. And then, the interior. You climb the stairs and find yourself in an unexpectedly chic locker room: a zebra-print carpet, sculptures, and sleek stainless steel lockers. It’s stylish and memorable.

Burner Studios, Stockholm
This one tops my list. When I spent a week in Stockholm last June, I practically lived at Burner Studios . I went daily and tried all the classes on the schedule, from reformer to yoga and heated mat classes. The space felt like a stylish sanctuary for women who have their life together: a flattering light pink and beige colour palette, and fresh smoothies you can grab on the go after your workout. The sessions were hard, and the instructors so welcoming despite my not being fluent in Swedish. If you’re in Stockholm soon, they’re opening a new location in Humlegården!

Studio Anatomy, London
Studio Anatomy now has two locations in London, but I’ve only visited the one in London Fields. You head upstairs and step into a bright, airy space with a sleek locker room and infrared saunas. Their classes range from reformer and mat Pilates to circuits with free weights, so there’s something for everyone. I already know this will be a regular pit stop every time I’m in London, especially with all the amazing bakeries nearby for a post-class treat.

Pilatika Old Port, Montreal
This summer, I’ve been focusing more on mat sessions for their extra intensity, so when Pilatika opened its first mat-only location in Old Port, it became a new staple in my weekly routine (on top of my usual studio). I’ve been drawn to their light wood chevron floors and the dreamy, atmospheric lighting. I’ve enjoyed the classes with so many of their instructors, but if you ever get the chance to take one with the owner, Kayla, be prepared to feel it the next day in the best way possible.

(Coming Soon) Exercere Studio, Copenhagen
Okay, this one is not open yet, but it might just be the perfect excuse to plan another trip to Copenhagen when it does. Exercere, the activewear brand, is launching its own studio in Copenhagen, and based on the attention to detail they put into their pop-up spaces, it’s bound to be as stylish as their clothes.

From left to right: Reformer at Burner Studios, heated mat classes at Burner Studios, Studio Anatomy, Pilatika Old Port

What I wear (to the studio)

Outfit 1: Wrap top and Sports Bra - Exercere / Leggings - Lulu Lemon, Outfit 2: Tank top and leggings - Lulu Lemon, Outfit 3: Wrap top - Exercere / Sports Bra and Leggings: H&M Move, Outfit 4: Sweater - House of Dagmar / Sports Bra: Aritzia / Leggings: Lulu Lemon

When it comes to matching sets, I gravitate toward classic black, deep navy, or soft pastel hues (especially light blue, baby pink, and butter yellow). I also love layering pieces, which not only makes sense when it’s cold in the studio, but leans into the ‘ballet core’ aesthetic. As for activewear brands, my favourites are the Butter line at Aritzia (it is unbelievably soft, and a fraction of the price of Lululemon), Align at Lululemon, and Exercere.

The Essentials

Move

The Peach Club - Online Pilates Community
My top wellness discovery this year for days when I can’t make it to class. Founded by Canadian trainer Hayden Korte-Moore, The Peach Club is an online studio that drops three new classes every week, ranging from quick 15-minute core burners to full-length sessions. I’m planning to lean into these even more this winter, especially on cozy, stay-at-home days.

Bala accessories
Bala workout accessories are playful, design-forward, and built with movement in mind. My personal favourites are the 8mm mat (great for knee support) and the 3lb hand weights.

Society Wellness Series on Vogue Scandinavia
I’ve been loving Vogue Scandinavia’s approach to wellness; they regularly bring in guest editors from across the Nordic region. Their Society Wellness Series includes online classes, features on mindfulness, and beautifully shot editorials. It’s a pleasure to sit down with a cup of tea on a Sunday morning and read their new articles.

Wear

Exercere wrap tops
Mentioned above, but worth highlighting again. These are hands-down my favourite Pilates class essentials. They’re comfortable and easy to pair with everything, and they would make for a great gift too if someone in your life is into pilates!

Rhode Glazing Mist Hydrating Face Spray
Hailey Bieber’s skincare line is actually good, and this face mist feels especially refreshing post-workout. It smells heavenly (I can’t pinpoint the scent, but if you’ve tried their Glazing Milk, it’s very similar), and it leaves a beautiful, dewy glow!

Oura Ring Generation 4, Gold
A fitness tracker disguised as jewelry. I mainly use it to track my 10K steps, and I’ve noticed real improvements in both my sleep and overall fitness habits since getting it.

Eat & Drink

Bink Bottle
The chicest glass water bottle. It comes in beautiful colours and has an hour-by-hour tracker to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

The No Bars - Saffron flavour
A niche rec, but hear me out: if you love lussekatter (Swedish saffron buns served around Christmas time), these protein bars will be your new obsession. The No Bars team confirmed they’ll be re-launching the saffron flavour this fall, so I’ll be stocking up.

Love, S.