N6 SkyStudio: Pilates with A View

Right in the middle of the city, yet high above its rooftops: the N6 SkyStudio offers a unique setting for health promotion classes like Pilates, floor barre, and Tai Chi—complete with a panoramic view of Mannheim.

Bild aus dem SkyStudio N6. Hinten sitzt Charlotte Werner auf einer Yoga-Matte, mit dem Rücken zur Kamera mehrere Teilnehmende im Schneidersitz. — Calm, focus and relaxation: course instructor Charlotte Werner (back) leads participants through a yoga session in the newly opened N6 SkyStudio

The warm wood-effect flooring glows softly in the light of the morning sun. Somewhere in the background, atmospheric music plays. Participants lie on yoga mats, stretching into their next pose. It’s early in the morning on the tenth floor of N6, 8—and one of the University of Mannheim’s Institute of Sports (IFS) courses is in full swing. Outside, the Jesuit Church and the city’s iconic water tower define the skyline, and through the glass walls of the studio, the view extends all the way to the Odenwald hills. True to its name, the N6 SkyStudio makes the panorama an integral part of the workout.

Porträtild von Charlotte Werner. Se steht vor einem Fenster und lächelt. — Charlotte Werner, IFS deputy director and certified yoga instructor

The studio opened at the start of the 2025 spring/summer semester. Originally designed as a common room for the approximately 90 residents of the student housing on the floors below, the space now also serves as the university’s central studio for health-focused and preventive offerings. “We’ve offered these classes before,” explains IFS deputy director Charlotte Werner, “but they were scattered across various gyms in Mannheim. Now we have a dedicated, centralized space—which is a big win for the university.”

But the N6 SkyStudio is more than just a workout room. The space is outfitted with high-quality, flexible furnishings: exercise equipment, dimmable LED lighting, and even a built-in kitchen—ideal for future cooking and nutrition workshops. The studio accommodates 12 to 15 people, and this semester, it hosts eight classes per week, including Pilates, floor barre, healthy back, and Tai Chi. Demand is high, and most classes fill up quickly.

Eine Klangschale im Bildfokus. Daneben der Oberschenkel einer Teilnehmerin des Yoga-Kurses, die auf einer Matte sitzt.

“It feels meditative”

What sets the N6 SkyStudio apart is its atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view across the city’s rooftops. “Especially in health-focused classes, it’s a real benefit to let your gaze wander into the distance,” says Werner, who is also a certified yoga instructor. “It feels meditative—the mind quiets down, and you notice it immediately.” That’s something participants appreciate too: “They love the calming vibe, the fresh air, and the stunning sunsets over Mannheim.”

Looking ahead, the studio plans to expand its class schedule to include morning and midday sessions. “We want to keep growing our offerings,” Werner says, “but it also depends on trainer availability.” She adds with a smile: “If you’re interested in becoming an instructor, feel free to reach out to us.”

Text: Patrick Kullmann / August 2025

Participation and Registration:

Classes are free of charge, but registration is required (SportsCard).
Open to students and staff of the university and affiliated institutions; no prior experience necessary.
Most classes are done barefoot or in socks; non-marking indoor athletic shoes are only needed for certain formats.
No changing rooms available—come dressed for class.
No food or drinks provided—please bring your own water.
More info and registration at the IFS website.