Who this pairing suits, and the women-only caveat
This page is for people who have done little or no Pilates and also want weights and cardio. Doing both in one building keeps the week simple: one membership, one car park, and a studio session that can follow a short gym block without a drive in between.
At RPM, the Pilates studio sits inside the Ladies section, which is for women only, and that section has its own strength and cardio equipment. A woman can follow every week below without leaving it. A man cannot use the studio, so he would lift at RPM and take Pilates elsewhere, as Pilates and strength training in Abu Dhabi explains.
Mat or reformer to begin?
Both teach the same fundamentals. Mat work uses your body weight and small props, which makes it a plain place to learn breathing and spine control. The reformer adds a sliding carriage and springs that can resist or support you, and many beginners find it easier to feel the right muscles working on it.
RPM runs reformer classes in the studio, and the studio photos show reformers, some with towers, plus trapeze-table frames and a ladder barrel. Ask which apparatus each session uses and whether mat sessions are running, then let the instructor place you.
Your first four weeks
A starting plan for a beginner with three open slots a week. Pilates sessions are led by an instructor, in a group or privately. Gym sessions stay light.
| Week | Pilates | Gym | What to learn | Ready for more when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 sessions at beginner level | 1 session: a walk round the machines and 20 easy minutes of cardio | Breathing into your ribs, finding a neutral spine, getting on and off the reformer | You can set up the reformer with the instructor's help |
| 2 | 2 sessions | 1 session: leg press, a row and a light chest press | Footwork on the reformer, keeping the pelvis still while the legs move | The springs feel controlled rather than jerky |
| 3 | 2 sessions | 1 or 2 sessions: add a goblet squat and a pulldown | Shoulder position during arm work, rolling slowly through the spine | You notice and correct your own position |
| 4 | 2 or 3 sessions | 2 sessions: the same lifts, a little heavier | Linking movements with steady breathing | The instructor suggests moving up a level |
Pregnant, recently given birth, injured or living with a medical condition? Speak to your doctor, midwife or physiotherapist before you start, and tell the instructor at your first session.
Putting both in one week
- Same day: a short gym block, then Pilates, suits many people because the studio session finishes calmly. If you prefer the reverse, tell the instructor when your legs are tired.
- Separate days spread the effort and suit anyone who feels drained after a first reformer class.
- Keep heavy leg work away from the day before a footwork-focused reformer class.
- Book Pilates first, since studio slots fill sooner than gym time, then fit the gym around them.
- Leave one full rest day each week. Friday, with its shorter hours, is an easy choice.
From month two, the gym side can grow. Pilates plus strength or Pilates only sets out a longer-term week.
Studio habits worth learning early
- Ask whether grip socks are needed for reformer classes, and bring a water bottle.
- Arrive a few minutes early for your first classes so the instructor can show you the springs.
- Learn the cancellation window, because a late cancellation may count as a used session.
- Mention any injury or health condition before class, and again whenever it changes.
- Expect slow work. In Pilates, a movement done with control usually teaches more than one done quickly.
Starting Pilates at RPM, women only
RPM is one club on Level 4 of AD HUB Sports Complex in Al Manhal. Its Ladies section holds the Pilates studio as well as strength and cardio equipment, and female coaches on the roster work there. Giana Suleiman Daqnoush is listed as the Pilates and aerobic coach, and Coach Maria as the strength and conditioning coach.
- Good fit: women who want to start Pilates and use a gym in the same women-only space.
- Ask: whether your tier includes Pilates sessions or whether they are sold as packages, and how sessions are grouped by level. Floor, Engine and Atelier inclusions are confirmed on enquiry.
- Ask: which apparatus a beginner session uses, and whether a private session is available first.
- Not a fit: men, because the studio is in the women-only section.
Book a free guided tour for women to see the studio and the strength area before you choose.
Questions, answered.
Do I need to be flexible to start Pilates?
No. Pilates works on flexibility and control over time, and beginner sessions are pitched so you can start where you are.
Is Pilates enough strength training on its own?
It builds strength and control, but it loads muscles differently from weights. If you want strength you can measure and add to, keep some gym work in the week.
How soon can I move to a harder class?
Ask your instructor. Most beginners stay at an introductory level for at least a few weeks, until setting up the reformer and holding position feel routine.
Can I do Pilates on a rest day from the gym?
For many people a beginner Pilates session sits comfortably on a lighter day. Notice how you feel, and keep at least one full rest day a week.
Can my husband join the Pilates classes?
Not at RPM, because the studio is inside the women-only Ladies section. He can train in the Mixed section and take Pilates at another studio.