Pilates: A Time of Change, Growth, and Unity

Is the recent explosion in popularity of Pilates the best thing that has ever happened to the practice, or is it the worst? Well, that all depends, of course, on who you are speaking to when you ask the question. And, like with most things, the answer lies somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. We are undoubtedly seeing unprecedented growth, with new styles, innovations, and modalities transforming the landscape. From classical and clinical Pilates to contemporary, physio-led, rowing-inspired, HIIT-based, athletic-inspired Pilates and tech-driven applications led by virtual instructors. If there is a potential variation or an enhancement, someone is either already doing it or preparing to. Pilates has never been more dynamic or diverse, and equipment-based sessions, like Reformer Pilates, have become a major driver of participation. So there is obviously an opportunity to reach more people and help more clients. However, some rightly call out that unregulated growth, expansion, and variation can lead to teaching that does more harm than good for clients. So how do we embrace the diversity of practice and innovation while respecting the core principles of Pilates and keeping clients safe and the reputation of Pilates safe? 

My experiences tell me we can only do this by coming together, uniting as a community, and understanding the different practices. There are many distinct voices in Pilates today, each offering unique perspectives. We must have diverse ways of looking at the method and understand the role of different variations to keep the industry growing and protect people’s financial health, vibrancy, and confidence in the industry now and into the future.

The strength of our industry lies in its diversity of practices, and there is much we can learn from each other. Each modality serves different needs; whether it’s a physio-led class focused on rehabilitation, a contemporary session introducing fresh techniques, or a traditional mat class, Pilates has the opportunity to be more than the sum of its parts. It is this variety that enriches the practice and keeps it evolving while respecting the roots that Joseph Pilates set for the method. Do we need more regulation? There are many who would say yes, and with more people doing Pilates and the risk of injuries on the rise, it is something that will continue to be discussed and considered across the many places where we practice.

We have to remain open-minded and embrace the diversity of these practices while calling out and educating where we see practices that are doing more harm than good. I am sure that we all know the feeling too well of seeing something that doesn’t feel or look right. Collectively, we all need to fight our instinct to simply criticize or dismiss that practice. We need to look. We can’t tar everything with the same brush.

At The Pilates Journal, we believe Pilates is for everybody, and so we are constantly being challenged to embrace new practices. We see it as our role to ensure these practices and practitioners come together with a unified voice. As the industry continues to expand, we have an obligation to promote inclusivity and respect for one another’s approaches. The shared goal, after all, is to improve the health and well-being of our clients. Our differences in style should be celebrated, and the opportunities to reach more people should be embraced. But we can. It’s in this unity that we can find strength — and, in diversity, find new growth opportunities.

Whether you embrace or feel concerned about the worldwide phenomenon with Reformer Pilates, the fact is it’s good for our industry. It brings new people into the fold and opens the door for them to experience the transformative power of Pilates. This is our greatest opportunity — to capture these new participants, keep them coming back, and educate them about the deeper benefits of Pilates practice. The more they engage with Pilates, the more they want to learn, understand, and grow within the practice. For some, Pilates may only be a part of their broader fitness routine. But as we work to inspire, educate, and support them, it can become an essential part of their lives.

So, does this matter to us as individual teachers? In our view, yes, because your livelihood is at stake. Each time someone walks into your studio and says I’ve tried Pilates before elsewhere, we are one step closer to starting a deep relationship with that client, perhaps one that lasts for life.

According to recent research, the global Pilates and Yoga Studios market was valued at $USD 51,662 million in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10%, reaching $USD 91,748 million by 2028. These numbers reflect the explosive potential of Pilates. As more people turn to it for strength, rehabilitation, flexibility, and mental well-being, we must be ready to seize this moment.

Could we learn more from mobility training or athletic reformer classes? Potentially. The question is, are you willing to learn? Is there anything you can take back with you from that experience? Every opportunity is a learning opportunity; we just need to be open enough to see it.

In this time of industry transformation, let’s be open to new ways of doing things. We are stronger together, unified by a shared passion for Pilates. Whether through traditional methods or innovative approaches, we can collectively uplift the industry, ensuring that it continues to thrive, grow, and enrich the lives of all who practice it. Let us honor the diverse paths of Pilates, embrace change, and move forward with an open mind and a unified voice.