Our Story

Pilates that feels different

Prescription began with one studio and a belief that Pilates could feel different: more dynamic, more energising and more connected to the way people want to move and feel.

As the first studio to bring Dynamic Reformer Pilates to Portugal, we developed a distinctive method built around precision, strength, pace and music. The name Prescription nods to Pilates' medical origins while representing a new approach to movement, one shaped by intention, progression and results.

Today, Prescription has grown into a community across Lisbon, Cascais and Porto, brought to life by more than 20 certified trainers from over 15 countries. With backgrounds spanning dance, athletics, physiotherapy and sports science, each is united by one method and a shared commitment to creating the Prescription Effect.

Meet the Founder

Vanessa Motte

Founder of Prescription

Originally from France, Vanessa moved to Lisbon in 2018 after 15 years living between Paris, New York and London. STOTT-trained and passionate about movement, she noticed that Pilates in Portugal was taught mainly in a physiotherapeutic, classical way, and saw room for something different.

She opened the very first Dynamic Reformer Pilates studio in Lisbon, with a clear ambition: make Pilates more empowering, fun and inspirational, while keeping it accessible to everyone.

The Method

The Prescription Method

The Prescription Method is a high-intensity, low-impact approach to Dynamic Reformer Pilates, combining precision, strength and control with pace, music and dynamic energy. Each 50-minute class is expertly programmed to challenge the full body, using spring-based resistance and our signature Reformer trampoline to build strength, mobility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Every movement has intention, every class has purpose and every concept is designed to create real, lasting progression.

The Team

Trained in the Prescription Academy

Every trainer is certified through our own Academy, led by our Head of Talent & Experience — with continuous development in anatomy, alignment and the mind-body connection.

Book Class