„Pilates: The cutest way to get stronger“; Aware Pilates
I don’t know if you feel the same way, but 2026 doesn’t have that typical „okay, new year, new luck“ energy for me. It’s more like a shift. Like someone subtly changed the music in the background—and suddenly my pace no longer matches what I was doing before. I don’t just want to get through this year. I want to make it better. Calmer. More consistent. With more things that truly make me feel good.
And at some point in the last few weeks, I thought to myself: This new era isn’t just about structuring my days better or living a „healthier“ life—it’s about bringing things back into my daily routine that truly help me feel good in my own skin. Wellness. Routine. Exercise. But not that hard „go, go, go“ kind of thing, but rather: movement that feels like an upgrade.
And that’s exactly where Pilates comes in. Because Pilates isn’t just exercise. Pilates is an attitude. This „I am here,“ this „I feel myself,“ this „I’m doing this for my body, not against it.“ And I really couldn’t have chosen a better studio to get back into it than aware pilates.
The OGs know:
– I was actually a June girl
And yes – before anyone grins and thinks, “Aha, Pilates Girl Vanessa is back.” The OGs already know this. Up until now, I’d almost exclusively gone to June Pilates Studio. That was my thing, my place, my rhythm. And I was really happy with it. But sometimes it just happens: You hear about another studio, you see a photo, it catches your eye, you click around… and suddenly you have this feeling that you have to try it.
That’s exactly how it was with aware pilates.
I simply had to go. And I was blown away. Not just the „yeah, it’s nice“ kind of blown away—but the feeling that you walk into a place and immediately know: Okay, wow. This is exactly my style. It’s this blend of Scandinavian and royal that completely captivated me. Clean, bright, elegant, yet warm. Not cold. Not over-designed. But the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re not about to work out, but rather like you’ve been invited to something exclusive. I truly felt like a celebrity. And I’m not exaggerating—I couldn’t stop taking photos from every corner. Every seating area, every archway, every angle looked like it was begging to be featured.
Arriving at the top:
– welcome, light, peace
There are now two aware pilates locations, and I think it’s really cool that it’s become so established. But if we’re being completely honest: the studio in the 19th district is simply my favorite, visually speaking. It has this „Uptown Vienna“ vibe, this quiet elegance that doesn’t need to be loud to feel luxurious. It’s like old Vienna meets new aesthetics. And that’s exactly what I love.
But let’s start from the beginning, because the studio is built on two levels – and from the very first minute, it doesn’t feel like „go in, sweat, go out.“ It feels more like a little experience.
You walk in and everything is bright. Really bright. And I don’t mean that sterile „white walls and that’s it“ kind of thing, but that warm, soft light that instantly relaxes something inside you. The reception area is cozy, quiet, beautiful – and you’re greeted warmly, check in for your lesson, and immediately realize: nothing here feels hectic. Nothing stressful. No feeling of „hurry, hurry, we’re late.“ It’s more like a gentle: Welcome. Take a deep breath. You’re here.
And I think that’s exactly what makes such a difference. Because sometimes the worst part of sports isn’t the workout itself – it’s the feeling beforehand. That feeling of „I still have to go somewhere, I still have to achieve something, I still have to function.“ With aware Pilates, I didn’t experience any of that. It was more like a little reset button, even before I was in my workout clothes.
The changing room
– is actually a chapter in itself
And then comes the changing room. Or rather, the changing rooms. Because it consists of two rooms – and I don’t know how many times I’ve written this before, but I’m really a stickler for details. For atmosphere. For that „does it feel nice or just practical?“ feeling.
The first room has lots of lockers, everything is clean, everything is tidy – and what I really loved: there are products available for after your workout. That might sound trivial, but I love it when a gym thinks of these little things. Because sometimes you just want to freshen up quickly after a workout, and it makes such a difference when everything is there and still looks high-quality.
And then… the second room. My favorite.
I swear, I felt like I was in a luxury boutique. A space where you can change your clothes in peace, without it feeling like a „fitting room.“ Everything is coordinated, every corner is thoughtfully designed, even the atmosphere in the room is somehow… serene. Elegant. As if someone had actually sat down and considered how women should feel when they walk in there.
My first thought was legitimate: Why haven’t I been there sooner?
And then it goes down
– and it gets even more beautiful down there
Downstairs are the classrooms. And you don’t just go downstairs. You walk down this cool staircase and immediately get that feeling of: Okay, this isn’t just any random studio.
And as soon as you get to the bottom, you spot another seating area. One of those cozy corners that are so stylish you automatically stop. Of course, I immediately took a picture because… I can’t help myself. If something looks like it was built just for me, it has to be documented.
And that’s generally how I feel about aware pilates: It’s not just about exercise. It’s also about aesthetics. And I know some people will say, „Vanessa, as long as you work out.“ Yes. But I am who I am. And for me, the atmosphere makes such a difference. If I feel comfortable somewhere, I’ll come back.
The mat room:
I was secretly in there – and I regret nothing
I have to confess, I sneaked into the mat room for a bit. Not because I was looking for anything, but because I simply wanted to see everything. And I wasn’t disappointed. Is there a more photogenic mat room than this one? I doubt it.
The room is so clean and yet so warm. And now comes my obsession with details again: the mats. I love that they match the ambiance. I love that they’re rounded – and that this rounded shape harmonizes perfectly with the arches in the studio. I know, it sounds crazy, but I love that kind of thing. The engineer in me comes out and shouts inwardly: Yes! This makes sense.
That’s exactly the kind of luxury I’m talking about. Not loud. Not flashy. But harmonious.
The Reformer room:
extra girly, extra soft – and yet classy
And then the second room: the Reformer Pilates room. This is where the girly vibes really come into play. Everything is feminine, elegant, and there’s that little extra touch of pink that gives the room such a sweet upgrade. It doesn’t feel kitschy – more like „soft glam.“
The room is a really good size; you have space, you don’t feel cramped, and most importantly: the mirror.
There’s nothing worse than not being able to see what you’re actually doing during exercises. How can you check if you’re doing the exercise correctly if you can’t see yourself? And at aware pilates, there’s a wall-to-wall mirror – and I love that because it instantly gives you confidence. You can correct yourself, you can work more effectively, and you simply feel… more professional.
And I also have to say: the equipment is really top-notch. There are huge differences in quality, but this equipment is among my favorites. Stable, high-quality, comfortable to use – and that makes such a difference because it gives you so much more confidence in your movements.
My lesson with Selina:
just right for getting back into it
That day I had my training session with the lovely Selina – and I loved it. It was the perfect mix of challenging and manageable. Exactly what I needed to get back into my Pilates routine.
This kind of workout, where you have a little wobble now and then and think to yourself, „Okay, yeah, wow, I did overestimate myself a bit.“ But you don’t feel bad about it. More like motivated. Because you realize: Something’s happening. Your body is working. You’re present. You can’t just „push through it,“ you really have to stay with yourself.
And that’s what I love so much about Pilates. It’s physical – but it’s also mental. It calms you down and at the same time, you feel stronger afterward.
my summary
completely sweaty, but somehow refreshed
And after the class, I was completely drenched in sweat. Seriously. But at the same time, I felt so refreshed. I love that feeling when you’re actually exhausted, but still think: Wow. I’m the best version of myself right now.
It was like a mini reboot for my body. Upright posture, clear head, that pleasant tiredness. And for me, it was simply the perfect start to the weekend.
And that’s precisely why aware Pilates fits so well into this new 2026 era. Because it’s not just exercise. It’s wellness. It’s a place that inspires you. That motivates you to stick with it. That makes you feel beautiful, even when you’re sweating. And if you’re also trying to get back into your routine—whether after a stressful December, after all the holiday chaos, or simply because you sometimes feel a bit lost—then I can honestly tell you: Give it a try.
For me, aware Pilates is exactly the kind of exercise that doesn’t feel like pressure—but rather like a luxury you treat yourself to because you’re worth it.
And quite honestly? That’s exactly how 2026 feels to me.
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