Did you know that taking a weekly group pilates class in São Paulo costs an average of R$ 255 per month? The figure comes from a NAMU, a platform of online courses focused on well-being, which evaluated the values of fifty studios in each zone of the capital.
If you’re thinking of taking three group lessons a week, the average goes up: around R$ 463! Fortunately, also offers more affordable options for those looking to practice the activity. That’s why we’ve come up with some tips on cheaper pilates classes for you to enjoy. With free options!
SESC units
With addresses all over the capital, SESC is an option for those looking to practise pilates in São Paulo. Several units offer the activity, including Avenida Paulista, Pinheiros and 14 Bis.
Many classes require a Sesc Full Credential. It is free of charge and is available to people who work for or have retired from companies in commerce, services or tourism. If that’s your case, find out how to get accredited this way.
Others are also free and open to everyone, including non-accredited people. To enjoy it, check out the program this way.
In addition, SESC-SP offers a free online pilates course , available at this YouTube link. Exercise at home, free of charge!
SESI Vila Leopoldina
In the capital, the SESI unit that offers pilates is Vila Leopoldina, in the West Zone. Places are currently sold out, but there is a waiting list for those interested.
Pilates Solo is considered a special class. It is exclusive to SESI members on the Modalidade or Plus plans, which cost R$126 and R$231 per month respectively for individual subscriptions for the general public (March/2024 figures).
Remember that joining the plans also gives you access to the club and other SESI classes. Learn more about the plans this way.
Where: R. Carlos Weber, 835 – Vila Leopoldina
Tietê Plaza Shopping
From time to time, the West Zone shopping center holds Arena Saúde, which offers free physical activities to the public: yoga, ritbox, rhythm and pilates.
The minimum age is 18. You can sign up on the second floor of the mall, with a copy of an official document, two 3×4 photos and a doctor’s certificate proving that you can carry out physical activities. For more information, call (11) 99406-8274.
Where: Avenida Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 1465 – Jardim Íris
Sports Centers (CE)
To democratize access to pilates in São Paulo, many of the city’s educational sports centers offer the activity free of charge.
To take part, all you have to do is find a CE near you that offers the sport and get your card (find out how to do it) this way). Check out some of the ECs with pilates below, subject to places running out:
- Mooca: Rua Taquari, 635 – Mooca. Contact: (11) 2694-7668
- Freguesia do Ó: Rua Jacutiba,167 – Freguesia do Ó. Contact: (11) 3975-7569
- Ibirapuera (pilates for people with visual impairments): Rua Pedro de Toledo, 1651 – Vila Clementino. Contact: (11) 3396-6495 / (11) 3396-6496 / (11) 5549-5691.
- Butantã: Rua Dr. Ernâni da Gama Corrêa, 367 – Butantã. Contact: (11) 3721-5711
- Manchester Village: Haroldo Daltro Square, s/nº – Vila Manchester. Contact: (11) 2295-2391
Unified Educational Centers (CEU)
As well as sports centers, many unified educational centers also have pilates on their schedule, with free classes.
All you have to do is contact the CEU of your choice to check availability of places for the activity and then register in person at the office, presenting a photo ID (original and copy) plus proof of residence.
Here are some CEUs that offer pilates:
- Freguesia do Ó: Rua Crespo de Carvalho, 71 – Freguesia do Ó. Contact: (11) 5990-2340
- Peace: Rua Daniel Cerri, 1549 – Jardim Paraná. Contact: (11) 3986-3407
- Jaguaré: Avenida Kenkiti Simomoto, 80 – Jaguaré. Contact: (11) 3716-2152