Pilates is booming worldwide, including in Thailand, where the Pilates and yoga market has grown to about 14 million USD. But that hasn’t always been the case. Only in recent years has the mind-body movement become widely understood and sought-after by diverse exercisers.
So how has Pilates become so popular in a country known for Muay Thai, a traditional martial art?
We asked a few studio founders to tell us how they discovered Pilates, why they think this mind-body exercise modality is rising so rapidly, and what they predict the future will hold for Pilates in Thailand— and what that could mean for the rest of the world
Elite Pilates
When Peerida Thanvarachorn (Prae) worked a desk job at an FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) company, she didn’t know anything about Pilates and its health benefits. She was introduced to Pilates exercise while trying to find a remedy for her severe neck and shoulder pain.
After Prae discovered the healing power of Pilates, there was no going back. She quit her desk job and became a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor in 2018, training clients as a freelance instructor. After five years, she founded her own studio, Elite Pilates in Bangkok, Thailand.
“My STOTT PILATES education helps me understand and adapt my programming to my clients’ specific needs, whether that’s functional movement, athletic performance, pre/post-natal Pilates, active aging training, injury recovery or physical rehabilitation,” Prae says.
Can you tell us about the growth of Pilates in Thailand and what you think the future holds?
“In the past few years, Pilates in Thailand has become very popular, especially after COVID hit us. People started paying more attention to their physical and mental health. This makes Pilates the perfect choice for a lot of fitness enthusiasts. It is safe to say that it is the most popular mind-body exercise in Thailand at the moment,” Prae says.
Why did you choose to outfit your studio with Merrithew equipment?
“I’ve used equipment from different brands but nothing comes close to Merrithew. The equipment is the benchmark of high quality and reliability. The spring resistance levels, the smooth glide on the Reformers, the elegant appearance, and on top of everything, it was an amazing experience working with Merrithew distributors, Fitness Excellence Co.
“One of my clients said Merrithew equipment is like the Hermès of the fitness industry. There are no reasons for me to use any other brand,” Prae says.
The Essence Pilates
After teaching people for years as a freelance Pilates instructor, Rachael Park wanted to open her own Pilates studio. It is almost like she manifested her dream location.
“I went to Nichada Thani to teach private clients for about a year. The location was so stunning that I told my business partner that having our own studio here would be a dream come true,” Rachael says.
The location is picture-perfect with a close-knit community and the studio is a hot-spot for private group Pilates sessions.
“Most of our classes consist of a small group of friends who come together to enjoy a Pilates session. Just like me, my clients love working out on Merrithew equipment and it is a pleasure to hear them talk about how great they feel after each session,” she says.
How has Pilates evolved in Thailand?
“I still remember when people in Thailand struggled to pronounce ‘Pilates.’ When I look back now it feels amazing to see how far we’ve come. The demand for STOTT PILATES Certified Instructors in Thailand is very high. People have shifted from conventional gym workouts to boutique Pilates studios.
“We’re also seeing more people who are interested in becoming Pilates instructors and wanting to open their own studio to cater to the growing demand,” Rachael says.
Why did you choose Merrithew equipment for your studio?
“My team and I trained on Merrithew Equipment during our STOTT PILATES training and are extremely familiar with it. It’s hands-down the best quality, which is one of the aspects that also made my learning journey so enjoyable,” Rachael says.
“Sourcing the equipment was easy too. We got in touch with Fitness Excellence Co. for all our equipment needs. The delivery was made on time and we felt we were well-supported,” Rachel says.
The SPACE
The story of The Space began with a journey of self-discovery and transformation for its founders. After they discovered that the power of Pilates not only improves physical fitness but also promotes mental and emotional well-being, they wanted to share this transformative experience with others.
“At The SPACE, we believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier, happier life. Our modern and fully equipped studio offers a variety of Pilates classes for all levels and our experienced instructors are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment.
“I would describe the studio as a place that is empowering, restorative and transformative. We help people achieve their fitness goals while fostering mental well-being and there is nothing else that gives us greater joy,” The Space team says.
How has the Pilates industry grown in Thailand?
“Pilates is booming. This growth is likely due to the growing awareness of the benefits of Pilates, such as increased flexibility, strength, better posture, as well as stress relief.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of Pilates studios, fitness centers and Pilates instructors in Thailand. It is expected that the growth of Pilates and mind-body exercise in Thailand will continue as more people seek to improve their physical and mental health.
“There will be a wider range of Pilates equipment and classes available, as well as an increased emphasis on training and certifying Pilates instructors to ensure the highest quality of instruction,” The Space team says.
Why did you choose to outfit your studio with Merrithew equipment?
“Merrithew equipment is highly regarded by fitness enthusiasts and professionals around the world. The equipment is well-designed, ensuring durability and longevity. The equipment is also easy to use and adjust, making it accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities.
“The Reformers are extremely well-made and durable. Merrithew equipment is a great investment knowing that it will last for years to come.
“Another aspect is versatility. The Reformers offer a wide range of exercises that target multiple muscle groups, making it a great all-in-one workout solution,” says the team.
Malaya Pilates
Malaya Pilates was born with the dream of creating a safe space for everyone where people could come in and work towards being the best version of themselves.
“The studio’s real essence is to promote self-love. The team at Malaya Pilates is passionate about what they do. We want to help people who want to look after themselves to live a better life and have a stronger body.
“We have designed Pilates programs that cater to specific client needs. We take into account each and every detail including the fitness level of the clients and their goals. We work 1:1 with each client to ensure that they get personal attention,” says Vuttichai Suttichupiboon, the founder of Malaya Pilates.
Can you tell us why Pilates is booming in Thailand?
“People in Thailand are becoming more cautious about their lifestyles. Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life. This is one of the main reasons why more people are incorporating a holistic workout like Pilates into their routines. It is versatile, fosters emotional well-being, helps improve muscle strength and mobility, has injury prevention benefits and the list goes on. We see a consistent rise in the demand and popularity of Pilates and it is exciting to see more people realizing the benefits of mindful movement,” Vuttichai says.
Why did you choose to outfit your studio with Merrithew equipment?
“At Malaya Pilates, we believe in delivering the best to our clients. So, when it came to equipment we knew that the answer had to be Merrithew. We want our clients to feel like they are getting the best value and the best experience. Merrithew equipment has never disappointed us. It is a very fulfilling to see our clients leave with a smile on their faces after a productive workout.
“I would also like to give Merrithew distributor- Fitness Excellence Co. a huge shout out for their amazing services. We were impressed by their prompt response, knowledge and for keeping us updated throughout the whole process. We are grateful to have worked with them,” Vuttichaisays.
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