It's the luxury-tier boutique fitness trend that’s on the rise. The number one most popular workout in 2024. Popular among soccer moms, dancers, and lithe celebrities…

… but did you know it was developed by a sickly German immigrant in a WWI internment camp?

Pilates studios accounted for 27% of boutiques opened last year, but this type of exercise is far from new.

Pilates Origins

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was determined to improve his ailments — asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever — and wanted to help fellow detainees in England stay fit as well.

During his internment, he created routines that emphasized controlled movements, body alignment, and breathing, and even created equipment by attaching springs to hospital beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise — a precursor to his later invention of the Pilates apparatus, one which we know now as the Reformer.

Joseph combined his studies of yoga, gymnastics, martial arts, and weightlifting to develop a holistic approach to health and well-being — one that has truly stood the test of time, continues to heal and strengthen all types of bodies, and is exceptionally popular over a century later.

In 1926, he emigrated to the United States. Soon after, he opened a fitness studio in Manhattan with his wife, Clara. They shared a building with dance studios and rehearsal spaces, and the proximity alone attracted many dancers and performers, who found his method invaluable for improving strength, flexibility, and injury recovery (this is also why, to this day, you’ll find many dancers in a Pilates class, no matter where you practice).

Over time his approach, which he called "Contrology," gained popularity, becoming what we now know as Pilates.

Until his death in 1967 at the age of 83, Joseph Pilates continued teaching and refining his method, emphasizing the mind-body connection, core strength, and overall balance — principles that remain central to Pilates today. He famously said, “You are only as young as your spine is flexible.”

This quote reflects one of his core beliefs about health and well-being. He emphasized that maintaining a healthy, mobile spine is key to overall vitality, longevity, and quality of life. His exercise method, with its focus on core strength, alignment, and fluid movement, was designed to promote spinal health and flexibility. This idea remains central to the Pilates philosophy today.

Why Pilates is Having a Comeback

Even among athletes, Pilates has surged in popularity recently and is expected to remain a top fitness trend in 2025 due to several key factors:

1. Low-Impact, Mindful Movement: Pilates aligns with the growing demand for exercises promoting physical and mental well-being post-pandemic. It was the most popular workout of 2024, with an 84% increase in bookings.
2. Rise of the Reformer: The dynamic, resistance-based nature of Reformer Pilates has drawn participants seeking efficient full-body workouts. It rose from #10 in 2024 to #2 in fitness trend rankings for 2025.
3. Social Media Influence: TikTok trends like the "pink Pilates princess" have made Pilates appealing to younger demographics, associating this type of fitness with a luxurious, glamourous lifestyle (many Spotify users were branded Pink Pilates Princess on their Spotify Wrapped, regardless of their musical tastes or exercise preferences).
4. Booming Career Opportunities: Rising demand for Pilates classes has led to a shortage of instructors, with 77% of studios expanding and 67% selling out classes.
5. Inclusivity: Pilates is accessible to all fitness levels, attracting diverse groups, including men, to incorporate it into their routines.

The Reformer Reigns

Point #2 on the above list might be one of the most significant differentiators; the Reformer (and other apparati) is what makes Pilates particularly unique.

Using a system of springs, pulleys, and a sliding carriage to create resistance, allowing for highly customizable workouts, the Reformer offers dynamic resistance workouts and can be appealing to everyone, from complete beginners to elite athletes.

And unlike traditional mat Pilates, the Reformer intensifies exercises, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously while maintaining the low-impact nature of Pilates. It’s particularly effective for building strength, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility.

Due to its inherent variety on offer, and the innovation it adds into fitness routines, many who find traditional workouts repetitive are captivated by this approach to exercise. Its ability to target specific areas also makes it popular for injury rehabilitation and athletic training. Similarly, the integration of Pilates into physical therapy practices is also a recognized trend. Several reputable organizations offer specialized Pilates training programs tailored for rehabilitation professionals, including physical therapists.

There’s also the visual factor — albeit superficial — that makes the Reformer a popular choice for influencers and studios to showcase on social media accounts. Its sophisticated, aesthetic appeal helps attract a younger, trend-driven audience.

As such, many studios are investing in Reformer equipment due to its popularity, with dedicated classes and programs driving demand. Some studios even offer hybrid sessions combining mat and Reformer Pilates for a comprehensive experience.

How Fitness Professionals Can Participate in the Pilates Boom

From injured dancers and fitness-focused seniors to training athletes and TikTok trend arbiters, Pilates is touching on virtually every group in our communities. How can you get into this trend yourself?

Get Certified in Pilates: Pursue a recognized Pilates certification, such as Merrithew®, Balanced Body, or BASI®, to add expertise and credibility. Offer classes or integrate Pilates principles into existing fitness programs. Merrithew® specifically (formerly STOTT Pilates) — the “Ivy League” of Pilates teacher training — emphasizes a biomechanically sound approach to Pilates, ensuring that exercises are anatomically safe and effective for a wide range of clients. This program also incorporates modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles, making it adaptable to current fitness and therapy practices.

Diversify Offerings with Reformer Classes: Invest in Reformer equipment or partner with studios to provide dynamic, resistance-based classes that appeal to a broader audience, from beginners to athletes.

Leverage Social Media: Create visually engaging content showcasing Pilates techniques, benefits, and client transformations. Tap into trends like the "pink Pilates princess" aesthetic to attract younger, trend-conscious clients.

Community Testimonial

We’re seeing this Pilates wave in our own community, too. Jill Drummond, Director of Education and Programming for BODYBAR Pilates, shares her experience. She tells us she’s seen a major Pilates transformation in recent years as well. “Gone are the days of rigid, repetitive routines; today's Pilates is dynamic, engaging, and seriously hard.”

This is particularly true for equipment-based group classes, she says. “The group setting fuels the competitive edge that pushes participants to go harder and stay consistent. Plus, our focus on muscular endurance and functional mobility, gives BODYBAR Pilates its superpower, complementing more traditional strength training workouts.”

“This has also led to an incredible shift in those who practice Pilates,” she adds. “Women know the benefits of muscular strength and are drawn to the unique flow and feel of Pilates, which makes it an ideal workout for that demographic. Additionally, men now understand that muscular endurance and functional mobility are just as essential for a well-rounded fit body and are finding Pilates to be the challenge they are seeking. Together this builds the unstoppable community that fuels us at BODYBAR and delivers our fiercely effective workout experience.”

Regardless of how you participate in the “trend” or incorporate Pilates into your own practice, this type of workout—and approach to health and well-being—can truly help any member of your community with their strength, fitness, longevity, alignment, injury prevention, and overall wellness. Though trending right now, Pilates is a tried-and-true, 100-year-old approach to exercise that is truly built to last.

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Industry Happenings:

Upcoming Events:

1. PerformX Live, February 26-27, 2025, Birmingham, UK
2. DC MANIA®, February 27-March 2, 2025, Herndon, Virginia
3. IWF China Fitness Convention, March 5-7, 2025, Shanghai, China
4. California Mania®, March 20-23, 2025, Burlingame, California
5. FitnessFest Conference & Expo, April 3-6, 2025, Phoenix, Arizona
6. FIBO, April 10-13, 2025, Cologne, Germany

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Upcoming Workshops in February & March:

1. 20+ workshops from Peak Pilates
2. 20+ workshops from Spinning®
3. 20+ workshops from TRX®
4. 15+ workshops from Oxygen Advantage
5. 7 workshops from CFSC
6. 3 workshops from Athleticum
7. 3 workshops from Exos
8. 2 workshops from Power Plate
9. 2 workshops from SoulBody Fitness
10. 1 workshop from Gray Institute

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Industry News:

• Researchers redefine obesity and downplay BMI.
• New research highlights the Global potential of affordable fitness.
• Therabody unveiled "Therabody, for Her," designed to support women’s unique needs throughout their life stages.
• Crunch Fitness celebrated the 3-million-member mark and launched Crunch 3.0.
• GoSaga acquired the online fitness & wellness community, Tone it Up.
• F45 added GLP-1 medications to its offerings.
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Thanks for Reading!




This newsletter was brought to you by Kathie Davis, Peter Davis, Ravi Sharma, Dominique Astorino, and the Inspire360 team.


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A Note from Peter & Kathie




The industry is changing rapidly and we are here to help you sift through all the noise and get to the good stuff. Every month, we'll bring you trending topics and the inside scoop that we believe is paramount for fitness professionals to know.




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Peter & Kathie Davis




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