In Australia, Pilates is taking a new shape, with an established presence gaining new momentum through innovation, inclusivity and a deeply rooted wellness culture. As a growing market, Australia isn’t tied to longstanding norms. Its early-adopter mindset is aligning with broadening demand for holistic health, making both the country and the wider Asia-Pacific region a rising compass for spotting what might come next in the global health and wellness scene.
In conversations with STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructors working closely with diverse clients and growing studio communities, three key themes consistently surface: inclusivity, adaptability and the importance of accredited education. These values are showing up in powerful ways across the wellness space, reflecting what instructors are hearing from their clients, observing in their studios and applying in their day-to-day teaching.
Below, we spotlight four trends set to define Pilates in 2025.
1. An Enduring Focus on Holistic Wellness
The mind-body connection has always been part of Pilates philosophy, and today, the link between physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is now a key pillar of fitness.
It’s no longer just about the workout. We’re moving towards an experience-first model that supports the whole person. These changes are showing up in everything from the language instructors use, to the structure of sessions, the design of spaces and thoughtfully paired offerings.
“Exercise is becoming less about ‘recreating’ the ‘perfect’ physique, and more about functional movement, preparing our bodies for later stages of life, improving both quality and longevity. This trend extends to a ‘wellness’ approach to exercise, incorporating exercising outdoors, placing an emphasis on getting out of the office, into the sunshine and breathing in fresh air. Staying within the lane of ‘wellness’, we start to see the integration of exercise with traditionally recognzsed spa experiences. Infrared Pilates is recently emerging, combining the benefits of a Pilates workout with infrared heat, a trend catering to those with busy schedules who are looking for effective and time-efficient exercise options.”
– Andrea Creighton, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor and Owner of Inna Essence
With formats that help regulate the nervous system, such as nature-based movement and restorative care treatments, the focus shifts toward how movement prioritizes resilience, emotional wellbeing and long-term vitality over outward performance and sculpting a physique. In response, service providers are creating environments that invite calm and connection alongside strength and challenge.
2. Blending Modalities: Pilates as the Link to Integrating Movement, Rehab and Sports Performance
Building on the overarching trend of holistic wellness, we're seeing more movement disciplines come together to inform and enhance one another.
“Pilates is no longer seen as just an add-on to fitness. It’s becoming a foundation for movement, rehabilitation and performance. I believe we’ll see even more collaboration with physiotherapists, sports professionals and wellness experts.”
– Rouxchelle Denton-Cooke, Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer and owner of Studio ROUX Wellness
Pilates is emerging as the connective tissue in this evolving mix. Its focus on essential elements of movement like control, alignment and core strength makes it a cornerstone of sustainable practice and a strong complement to cross-training, because it not only helps improve posture and prevent injury, but also enhances performance in other activities by building a strong, balanced foundation.
From being layered into multi-format classes to informing one-on-one training sessions, Pilates is proving its adaptability across sectors. This expanding role highlights the need for versatile , high-quality equipment. Reformers make this possible through smart design that combines spring-loaded resistance, precise adjustability and guided alignment. This provides instructors with the flexibility to design programs that encourage clients to move, modify and explore, all while maintaining safety and form.
“Merrithew’s equipment has been a game changer. Clients instantly feel the difference the precision, the versatility and the support it provides. Whether we’re working with athletes, rehab clients or everyday movers, the adaptability of the equipment helps us create meaningful, results-driven sessions. In a time where clients are seeking premium, tailored experiences, having top-tier equipment makes all the difference.”
– Rouxchelle Denton-Cooke
3. Building Belonging: Community Is the Heartbeat of Motivation
The way people find motivation through Pilates has transformed. Rather than focusing solely on individual achievement, it’s now about feeling connected, supported and part of something bigger. A sense of belonging within a community can help drive accountability and personal growth.
As Pilates continues to expand its influence across connected wellness offerings, studios are shaping up as spaces where shared energy, experience and social connection play a key role in driving motivation and retention.
This rise in community-centric fitness is one of the biggest contributors behind the popularity of group Reformer classes in Australia. They make it possible to scale quality instruction so that more people can move together without losing the individualized support that defines small-group training. The structure of the Reformer itself helps instructors guide a room full of clients with assurance, making it easier to facilitate alignment, safety and flow even in a packed class.
By far the biggest trend in Australia is group reformer classes and studios. Merrithew has always been at the forefront, as our base courses educate our students to teach for 1-1 and group scenarios and offer face to face training with 50+ hours, giving students the foundation they need to confidently begin their instructor journey.
– Lisa Kaye, Merrithew® Lead Instructor Trainer and owner of Pilates One 2 One
And it doesn’t stop when the class ends. Many studios now host events, workshops or offer online spaces where their communities stay connected and support one another. Fitness is no longer a solo journey. It's something people show up for, together.
4. The Importance of Accreditation in Driving Industry Growth
On the other side of innovation and growth is the need for consistency in quality and a strong foundation. In a fast-evolving space, registered exercise professionals provide the credibility and structure the industry needs to move forward with integrity.
“Accreditation isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a commitment to excellence. I’ve seen firsthand how much it means to new instructors to have a globally recognized, science-backed certification like STOTT PILATES. The recent approval by the Pilates Alliance Australia (PAA) is a huge step forward, giving even more credibility to instructors looking to build a long-term career. Younger students especially gravitate toward programs that offer depth, recognition and the ability to grow within the industry.”
– Rouxchelle Denton-Cooke
A strong educational foundation gives instructors the tools and confidence to evolve with the industry. It’s what allows studios to explore fusion formats and blended wellness offerings while still delivering safe, effective and high-quality instruction grounded in proven principles.
“It’s getting more and more important [in Australia] as we seek to have Pilates recognized as part of the allied health system, alongside disciplines like exercise physiology. The most important accreditations in Australia are certification courses that are supported by AusActive, the country’s biggest fitness organisation. STOTT PILATES needs to align with both [AusActive and the PAA] so that we are supporting aspiring Pilates instructors coming from the fitness world as well as Pilates enthusiasts.
– Lisa Kaye