ONEYOGAHOUSE

1. It’s Low-Impact, But That Doesn’t Mean Easy

Pilates isn’t about explosive movements or cardio burn. It’s about precision, control, and muscular endurance. That means the exercises are often slow, focused, and deliberate. and they can sneak up on you. You might be doing what looks like a simple leg lift or spinal curl, but the intensity lies in how you’re doing it: with constant core engagement, controlled breathing, and perfect alignment.

You won’t necessarily sweat buckets, but your muscles will definitely feel the work—especially in your abs, glutes, and inner thighs.

2. The Challenge Is Customizable

One of the best things about Pilates is that it’s incredibly scalable. Every exercise has variations and modifications, so whether you’re a total beginner, returning after an injury, or already fit, you can find a level that meets you where you are.

New to movement? You’ll start with small, accessible exercises that teach body awareness. Looking for a burn? Advanced options will challenge even the strongest core.

The key is to listen to your body, not compare yourself to the person on the mat next to you, and trust that strength builds over time.

3. The Mental Work Can Be Just as Tough

Pilates isn’t just physical—it’s highly mental. You’ll be constantly asked to focus on your breath, coordinate limbs, engage your core, relax your shoulders, lengthen your spine… all at once. That kind of mindfulness can be surprisingly hard when you’re used to tuning out during a workout.

But that mental engagement is also part of what makes Pilates so transformative. It trains your nervous system, not just your muscles, and it cultivates awareness, patience, and presence—skills that carry into the rest of your life.

4. You Don’t Need to Be Flexible or Fit to Start

A huge misconception is that you have to be bendy, coordinated, or already in shape to do Pilates. You don’t. In fact, Pilates is one of the most beginner-welcoming movement systems out there. The whole point is to meet your body where it is and help it move better.

You’ll build flexibility and strength as you go—but neither is a requirement to begin. What’s more important? A willingness to learn and an open mind.

5. The Real Question: Is It Worth It?

So yes, Pilates can be hard. But it’s also gentle, intelligent, and accessible. You’re not pushing your body to exhaustion—you’re tuning into it, aligning it, and building strength from the inside out.

And unlike workouts that leave you drained, Pilates tends to leave you feeling energized, balanced, and more at home in your body.

We are a yoga, pilates, and sound meditation studio located in DUMBO (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), next door to the 1Hotels in Brooklyn Bridge Park. As a community that prioritizes awakening our bodies, expanding our energy, and bringing movement to life, OYH offers a space designed to uplift and empower practitioners to ground themselves, undergo transformation, ignite their energy, and evolve in their yoga journey.

Driven by a passion for community, connection, and the transformative effects of yoga and meditation, yoga teacher and entrepreneur Anna Haddad founded OYH in 2020, and in the challenging landscape of the global COVID-19 pandemic, opened the Brooklyn location in September of 2021. Over the past several years, she’s built a team of some of New York’s most exceptional instructors. With safety, sustainability, and intentionality prioritized above all else, you can anticipate a yoga experience that’s not only accessible, but also mentally stimulating and geared towards personal growth.

Sound has been used for its therapeutic qualities for centuries. Sound Meditation experiences at OYH will guide you through an experience of pranayama, vocalization, and visualization to prepare for deep listening. You will be encouraged to find a comfortable position, and with eyes closed, take in the sounds emitted from instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, varying chimes and bells, drums, etc. These instruments, intentionally sequenced, create a safe space for participants to enter a meditative state to down-regulate the nervous system and create a sense of ease and clarity.

Our holistic approach to wellness extends beyond movement. In addition to regular yoga and pilates classes, the studio offers workshops focused on nutrition, mindfulness, self-care, and personal development. Whether you’re interested in exploring the benefits of Ceremonial Grade Cacao, learning about the Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs) routine, or delving into pelvic floor therapy, there are ample opportunities to learn something new and nourish your body, mind, and soul.

Retreats offer immersive experiences that transcend the boundaries of the studio. ONEYOGAHOUSE retreats serve as rejuvenating getaways designed to allow participants to deepen their practice and forge new connections. Through carefully curated programs, attendees engage in daily yoga, breathwork, functional mobility, journaling, and meditation sessions, alongside modalities such as lymph work, kriyas, and vagal toning. Retreat members also enjoy chef-prepared group meals, outdoor adventures and exploration, cocktail hours, spa services, shopping and cultural trips, and more. Set in beautiful locations like Los Cabos, Mexico, Morocco, North Africa, and Montauk, New York, the retreat landscapes provide serene backdrops for self-reflection and relaxation.