Where exercise is also an encounter

Sometimes, construction sites open up new paths – as at Citypilates. This Zurich-based studio has opened its second location at the heart of the flourishing Papieri site. What initially looks like a "torture device" reveals itself to be an invitation to a new physical world and a place where the mind can come to rest, too. Citypilates provides a space where you can ground yourself and breathe. Here, exercise has real depth – both physically and mentally.

Pilates machines were originally used in physical rehabilitation and the exercises were developed to boost regeneration from the inside out – which you can feel with every pull on the springs and with your aching muscles the next day. Managing Director Romina Barandun and trainer Geeta La Roche guide us through the world of Citypilates.

Citypilates: not just a place where residents come together, but where body and mind also unite. A place that provides space to switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And a story that shows how trips to the vet can turn into a decision based on passion. «I had to regularly take my dog to the vet opposite the Papieri construction site and I always wondered what was going on over there. At some point, I thought I’d check it out. And then suddenly I was standing in a near-finished room with Evelyne Besser, my business partner. We wanted to grow – and this was just the right place to do so.»

Romina Barandun is Managing Director and trainer at Citypilates, a studio that has been operating successfully in Zurich’s Altstetten district for eight years. Cham is now their second location. It’s not just another, but a lovingly designed place that offers a sense of well-being and more than mere exercise.

«For us, it’s not about just getting sweaty and then leaving. We want to create a space where people can really ground themselves – mentally, physically and spiritually.»

Romina Barandun, Managing Director

The atmosphere in the new Pilates studio on the Papieri Ring 4 immediately stands out. No bright lights, no manufactured studio charm. Instead, you’re greeted with warm colors, soft light, equipment made of wood and leather – and plenty of room to move and breathe.

«Pilates is much more than just an exercise class. It’s a way to get more in touch with yourself, to move more consciously and to breathe. Many people only realize how much they needed it once they’re in the session», explains Romina.

Citypilates doesn’t strictly follow the classic system: instead of a set sequence of exercises, it combines the best of traditional and modern Pilates alike. Pilates is a full-body workout. The key is to exercise consciously, working with the breath to engage your deep muscles more intensively. «Pilates should be a fun, lively form of exercise and really have an impact», explains the enthusiastic Managing Director.

What looks like high-tech gymnastics kit is actually sophisticated movement technology with therapeutic roots: reformer, cadillac, chair – equipment names that mean a great deal in the Pilates world. They were originally invented for rehabilitation purposes.

«Many people don’t know that Pilates was originally developed for patients who were tied to hospital beds».

Geeta La Roche, Trainer

«The springs for setting the resistance still bear witness to this fact». Originally from England, Geeta is not only an enthusiastic Pilates trainer but also a physiotherapist. She explains that Pilates helps to counter back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and, because of its versatility, not only strengthens posture and deep muscles, but also has anti-aging effects. All the equipment at Citypilates is versatile and adjustable.

«You can ease yourself into it – or really put yourself to the test», says Romina with a smile. And it is precisely this versatility that lies at the heart of Citypilates: whether you’re a beginner, an elite athlete, pregnant or undergoing rehabilitation treatment – everyone will find a suitable form of exercise here.

«We let you be whoever you are – and we’ll meet you wherever that is.»

Romina Barandun, Managing Director of Citypilates

In addition to group classes with a maximum of nine participants, the studio also offers personal training, duo sessions for couples or two friends, and regular events such as singing bowl meditations or barre courses with ballet elements.

«Sometimes we dance. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we spend time together in silence. It’s more than just exercise.»

«Pilates is an encounter with yourself – and sometimes with your neighbor on the mat next to you.»

Romina Barandun, Managing Director

When you enter the studio, you quickly sense that this is about more than just muscles and flexibility. It’s about connection – to your body, to your breath, to your own center. But also to your surroundings. That’s why Citypilates has an active presence in the neighborhood, too: collaborations with the ceramics studio, encounters beyond the exercise setting and, soon, perhaps even events with the district’s association.

«I want us to become part of the Papieri community. So people know us, ask us questions, experience us. We don’t just want to be a studio in Papieri – we want to be a studio for Papieri».

Citypilates is here to stay. With fixed classes, flexible memberships, health insurance recognition – and a clear goal: helping people get back to themselves. Zero pressure, but plenty of joy. And room for what matters.

Opening hours

Citypilates Cham is open during the scheduled training sessions.
Click here for the training schedule in Cham

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Prices and subscriptions

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Contact

Citypilates
Papieri-Ring 4
6330 Cham

Website: Citypilates.ch
Email: info@citypilates.ch
Phone: +41 44 558 24 54

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Citypilates – where exercise becomes an encounter

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