Alma

‘Moves for the soul’ is the motto at Alma, a brand-new pilates studio set between Brera and Turati. It is a contemporary take on the classical saying ‘mens sana in corpore sano’, translated into a holistic journey to help you achieve a connection with your soul through mindful movement. Alma’s co-founders, Alessandra and Giada, currently based in Milan after extensive international stints between London and Los Angeles, firmly believe that the body is the sanctuary of the soul. With this in mind, they developed a method combining dynamic pilates with high-intensity movements, cardio and slow, deliberate tempos, carefully calibrated to strengthen and sculpt the body while promoting balance and wellbeing.

This sense of wellbeing extends well beyond the workout itself, as becomes clear the moment you step into this calm, stylish haven in the heart of Milan. The space recalls boutique London pilates studios, defined by meticulous attention to detail and design. The aesthetic is sleek and minimalist yet genuinely welcoming, played out in soft, soothing tones of white, beige and taupe. Warm lighting and full-length mirrors not only open up the room but evoke classic dance studios, while subtle neon signs and lush greenery add a modern touch.

The real stars here, however, are the machines: eight Evo Infinit Reformers! If you are new to pilates, a reformer is a bed-like frame equipped with adjustable springs and straps with handles, used to slide a carriage back and forth using arm and leg movements. It is far easier to experience than explain, so if you are intrigued, booking a trial class at Alma is your best bet. For seasoned practitioners, the Evo Infinit Reformer is an advanced reformer with enhanced functionality, delivering a noticeably more intense workout than traditional pilates, with quicker transitions and more dynamic combinations. Even so, there is no need to worry: the foundational principles remain completely faithful to the iconic discipline, making it suitable for all fitness levels while simply proving more effective.

Because sculpting the body should never come at the expense of spirit, sensation and fun, music plays a key role at Alma through curated playlists tailored to each part of the day. The studio is open seven days a week, from early morning through lunch to evening, with playful, tongue-in-cheek names for every slot: the 7am opener is ‘Rise and Shine’, Friday’s session is ‘TGIA – Thanks God it’s Alma’, Saturday evening brings ‘Alma Tonic’, and Sunday lunchtime is reserved for ‘Crunch for brunch’.

With eight hours of classes every day and six different trainers, each bringing their own personal flair to the Alma method, every session feels fresh and engaging. In just 50 minutes, moving from the warm-up through core work to a closing five-minute cool-down and meditation, you will find renewed self-awareness by tuning into every muscle, breath and heartbeat. Alma offers a sanctuary to reclaim your physical and mental wellbeing, leaving Milan’s frantic pace at the door to join a vibrant community of people driven to grow, inside and out.