TL;DR
The Pilates Landscape in Phnom Penh
Finding quality Pilates in Phnom Penh used to mean settling for mat classes at yoga studios. That's changed. The city now has dedicated Pilates studios with Reformer machines, certified instructors, and programming that rivals what you'd find in Singapore or Bangkok.
The market divides into three tiers:
| Type | Example | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique Studios | The Shape Lab, FlowClub | $17-50/class | Serious practitioners, rehab |
| Gym Studios | GO Pilates, The Place | $15-25/class | Value, variety |
| Clinical Pilates | Samata | $45-55/session | Injury recovery, therapeutic |
Two neighborhoods dominate: BKK1 (the expat hub) and Toul Kork (the emerging residential district). Your commute matters more than you think. Phnom Penh traffic between 5-7 PM can turn a 15-minute trip into an hour. Pick a studio in your zone.
Dedicated Pilates Studios in Phnom Penh
The Shape Lab (The Pilates Lab)
The gold standard for certified instruction.
What you get:
- All instructors STOTT Certified (the gold standard)
- English instruction as default
- Integrates Pilates with nutrition coaching and functional training
- Full apparatus: Reformers, Towers, Cadillacs
- Credit-based system encourages commitment
Pricing:
Best for: Expats who want Western-certified instruction, rehabilitation patients, serious practitioners who value precision over price.
You need to book through their credit system. No casual drop-ins.
GO Pilates Studio (at GO GYM)
Best value for Reformer in the city.
What you get:
- Most transparent pricing in the market
- Named instructors with specialties (Chytee, Sydney, Noreleksmi)
- Mobi Pilates and ISSA certified trainers
- Semi-private sessions offer excellent value
- Part of GO GYM - add gym access if needed
Best for: Toul Kork residents, value-conscious expats, anyone who appreciates transparent pricing.
| Service | Non-Member | Platinum Member |
|---|---|---|
| Private Reformer (1:1) | $50 | $40 |
| Semi-Private Reformer (3:1) | $25 | $21 |
| Group Reformer | $20 | $15 |
| Mat Pilates | $15 | $12 |
FlowClub
Spacious studios for the claustrophobic.
What you get:
- Reformer classes with expert instructors
- Marketing emphasizes 'spacious studios'
- Beginner-friendly programming
- Community atmosphere - good for new expats
- Multiple locations
Best for: New expats building social connections, beginners intimidated by equipment, anyone who values aesthetic environment.
Align Pilates
Technical precision in boutique privacy.
What you get:
- Focus on precise alignment work
- Boutique privacy with city views
- Multiple locations now available
- Group Reformer and Private classes
Pricing:
Best for: Those seeking posture correction, technical Pilates methodology, boutique privacy.
Core Studio Pilates
The new Toul Kork option.
What you get:
- Newest entrant in the market
- Located in TK Central mall
- Modern equipment
- Serves growing Toul Kork population
Best for: TK Central visitors, Toul Kork residents wanting walkable Pilates.
Being new means modern equipment but limited track record.
Gyms with Pilates Programs
The Place
Full-service gym with group Reformer.
What you get:
- Group Reformer Pilates included in membership
- Day pass access to classes ($15)
- Named instructors (Wan Di, Sugi, Socheat)
- Three locations across Phnom Penh
- Scheduled programming (not ad-hoc)
Pricing:
Best for: Those wanting gym amenities plus Pilates access, day pass visitors testing the waters.
The value play: If you want gym access plus occasional Reformer, The Place membership may beat boutique studio costs.
Samata Health and Wellness Studio
Clinical Pilates with medical integration.
What you get:
- Founded by Jean-Claude Dhuez (physiotherapist/osteopath)
- Pilates prescribed following physio or osteopathy
- Quiet, private environment (no pumping music)
- Can combine with massage ($45-55) or Khmer herbal compress ($50)
- Medical approach to movement
Best for: Rehabilitation patients, those with chronic back pain, anyone seeking therapeutic rather than fitness-focused Pilates.
Price Comparison
| Studio | Service | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Shape Lab | Mat Class | ~$15 | Credit pack pricing |
| The Shape Lab | Reformer | $17.50-30 | Varies by package |
| GO Pilates | Private (1:1) | $50 | Non-member |
| GO Pilates | Semi-Private (3:1) | $25 | Non-member, best value |
| GO Pilates | Group Reformer | $20 | Non-member |
| Align Pilates | Group Class | $22-27 | Estimated |
| The Place | Day Pass | $15 | Includes Reformer class |
Best value: GO Pilates semi-private at $25 offers small-group attention (3:1 ratio) with professional instruction.
Budget option: The Place day pass at $15 if the Reformer class schedule aligns with your availability.
Premium choice: The Shape Lab or GO Pilates private sessions ($50) for personalized 1:1 instruction.
Reformer Pilates in Phnom Penh: The Reality
Reformer Pilates is what most expats are searching for, and it's genuinely harder to find than mat classes. Here's the reality:
Studios with confirmed Reformer machines
- The Shape Lab (BKK1)
- FlowClub (BKK1, Toul Kork)
- GO Pilates (Toul Kork)
- Align Pilates (Multiple locations)
- The Place (BKK1, Toul Kork, Aeon)
Why Reformer matters:
- Spring resistance enables progressive loading
- Safer for rehabilitation (controlled movement)
- Faster visible results for body composition
- More engaging than mat for many people
The catch: Reformer classes fill up. Book ahead, especially for popular time slots (early morning, after work).
Instructor Certifications Explained
Cambodia has no fitness industry regulation. Anyone can call themselves a Pilates instructor. This makes certification your safety signal.
Gold standard. Emphasizes neutral spine, rehabilitation-safe. The Shape Lab has this.
Another respected international certification.
Regional certification. GO Pilates instructors hold this.
General fitness certification. Some GO Pilates instructors have this.
Why it matters: A Reformer machine uses powerful springs. An untrained instructor can cause injury. If a studio doesn't mention certifications, ask directly.
Choosing by Neighborhood
If you live in BKK1:
- Premium: The Shape Lab (certified precision)
- Variety: FlowClub (spacious studios)
- Clinical: Samata (therapeutic approach)
- Gym combo: The Place BKK1
If you live in Toul Kork:
- Best value: GO Pilates (transparent pricing)
- Newest: Core Studio Pilates (TK Central)
- Gym combo: The Place TK
What Expats Should Know
Pricing is often hidden
Many studios don't publish prices. This allows for negotiation. GO Pilates is the notable exception with fully transparent pricing.
English instruction is available
All studios listed here offer English instruction. The Shape Lab and FlowClub cater primarily to expats.
Air conditioning is standard
Unlike some local gyms, all Pilates studios in this guide are air-conditioned.
Classes fill up
Popular time slots (6-8 AM, 5-7 PM) book out. Reserve ahead, especially for Reformer.
Packages save money
Most studios offer discounts for multi-class packages. Buying 10+ sessions saves 10-20%.