Pilates Will Be Huge in 2026 - Here’s Why

I don’t make “next big thing” calls lightly. But the signs around Pilates aren’t subtle anymore, they’re stacked. You’ve got stronger science, a clear demographic pull, tech that finally fits the format, and studio economics (even with some turbulence) pointing to scale. Put it together, and 2026 looks like the year Pilates stops being a niche and becomes a default.

The Science Is Finally Undeniable

For years, Pilates had a reputation: great for posture, great for the core… but hard to pin down in head-to-head data. That’s changed.

A large network meta-analysis in JOSPT (118 trials, 9,710 participants) ranked exercise options for chronic low back pain and found Pilates among the most effective for reducing both pain and disability, scoring the highest probability of being best on SUCRA rankings for both outcomes. In plain English: when you compare lots of exercise types, Pilates consistently sits at or near the top for low back pain relief and function.

Pilates specifically targets the muscles responsible for spinal stabilization. A 2023 systematic review demonstrated that Pilates enhances core muscle activation in individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. This translates to improved recruitment and timing of muscles like the transverse abdominis, which directly benefits the real-world function those patients prioritize.

For older adults, the evidence is becoming clearer. A 2024 analysis revealed that Pilates improves both static and dynamic balance, which are crucial in assessing the risk of falls.

However, it's important to note that the certainty of this evidence is moderate, and more high-quality trials are needed to confirm a reduction in actual fall numbers. Despite this, it remains a promising indicator for healthy aging.

There’s a Higher Demand Already

Pilates is gaining traction among consumers. ClassPass's 2024 global trend report revealed an 84% year-over-year increase in bookings, making Pilates the most frequently reserved workout globally. This isn't merely a fleeting trend; it's substantiated by extensive platform-level reservation data.

Pilates is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. fitness market, as evidenced by its significant rise since 2019. This surge is reflected in crowded studios and packed class schedules. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reported a record-high active participation rate of 80% (247.1 million Americans) in 2024, indicating a broader trend of active people in the US.

The economics of studios themselves paint a clear picture. Xponential Fitness, the parent company of Club Pilates (the leading Pilates brand in the U.S.), continues to expand its presence. Despite tightening its 2025 guidance, the company still anticipates 170–190 net new studio openings this year and projects approximately 13% growth in North American system-wide sales. This demonstrates sustained demand even as the network matures, a significant indicator for a franchise portfolio heading into 2026.

Is Pilates Only For Athletes, Clinicians, and the Crowd Over 40?

Pilates is set to explode in popularity in 2026, targeting three key growth demographics:

• Rehabilitation and Return-to-Play: Pilates is highly effective for recovery, particularly for conditions like low back pain, a major cause of missed training days. Its alignment with active care guidelines and scalability without excessive joint load makes it an ideal addition for sports medicine teams.
• Longevity Seekers (especially 40+): This demographic, seeking improved mobility, balance, and joint-friendly strength, will find Pilates particularly appealing. Evidence supports its ability to improve balance in older adults, a crucial factor for maintaining independence.
• Hybrid Lifestylers: Pilates offers versatility across various formats, including mat workouts at home, reformer sessions in a studio, and short guided sessions for busy schedules. With the rise of wearables and fitness apps, expect more Pilates programs to integrate heart-rate zones, recovery cues, and form prompts, transforming a "feel-good" activity into a quantifiable and consistent habit.

What Will 2026 Look Like

From a business perspective, larger networks will leverage data to optimize class scheduling and instructor workload. For users, Pilates will seamlessly integrate into weekly fitness routines, complementing strength training and Zone 2 endurance work.

To maximize benefits, consider these practical tips:

• Consistency over Intensity: Aim for two sessions per week to build a foundation; three sessions will accelerate progress. This frequency aligns with research on positive outcomes for low-back pain.
• Clinically Aware Instructors: If you have a history of pain, choose instructors who prioritize deep core activation and neutral spine cues, and who adjust spring resistance and tempo as needed. This approach is supported by evidence.
• For Older Adults: Prioritize classes that incorporate balance drills and controlled tempos. Research indicates these elements lead to the most reliable improvements, though more studies are needed to confirm fall reduction.
• For Strength-Focused Individuals: Use Pilates as a control system rather than a maximal effort workout. It can be paired with heavy lifting on separate days or used as a deload to maintain joint health and movement quality, aligning with guidelines for active, multimodal care.