Pilates is gaining new traction across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a meaningful shift in how people prioritize long-term health. Wellness is no longer viewed as a luxury but has become an essential part of everyday life. From boutique fitness studios and tech-integrated wellness spaces to the rise of preventive healthcare and mental well-being, clients are actively investing in smarter, more sustainable ways to move and feel better.
Pilates professionals are keeping pace with change while staying true to what matters most: the quality of their teaching and their clients’ well-being. The Merrithew® Mindful Movement Symposium is a chance to refresh skills, discover new ideas and connect with experts from around the world who share the same passion for mindful movement.
We spoke with two leading figures in East Asia’s Pilates community, Kim Minjoo, CEO of Minjoo Pilates in South Korea and Emily Yutian Zhong, founder of PROTOLIA® Pilates in China, to learn what’s driving Pilates growth, how client needs are evolving and why the Merrithew Mindful Movement Symposium is a key opportunity for career progression.
Pilates Trends Across East Asia
Q: How has Pilates evolved in East Asia?
Minjoo: Since the pandemic in 2020, the Pilates market in South Korea and East Asia has entered a new phase of growth. Interest and demand are rising rapidly, creating fresh momentum across the region. Studios led by well-trained instructors with established systems are experiencing steady increases in both demand and membership.
Q: Why does Pilates resonate so strongly with clients in this region?
Minjoo: In South Korea, where wellness awareness is high, Pilates has evolved beyond a passing trend to become a lifestyle. Its focus on functional movement, posture correction and pain management aligns well with the health-conscious mindset of many South Koreans.
Q: What current Pilates trends are you seeing emerge in East Asia?
Minjoo: Popular trends across East Asia include integrated programs that combine equipment-based Pilates with rehabilitation principles, along with creative offerings like Total Barre®, which blends music and movement. There’s also a noticeable rise in young individuals pursuing Pilates education with aspirations of international employment.
Connecting Insight to Practice at the Merrithew Mindful Movement Symposium
Q: How do Merrithew Symposiums help instructors grow their expertise?
Emily: Learning the latest techniques and research directly from Master Instructor Trainers provides fresh perspectives, valuable face-to-face interaction and a more engaging, efficient way to absorb complex information.
Q: How can studio owners apply what they learn at Merrithew Symposiums to their businesses?
Emily: For studio owners, participating in the annual Merrithew Symposium not only enhances the technical diversity of their instructors but also allows them to experience the real-time updates in course development within the system. For Host Training Center (HTC) managers, it’s a valuable opportunity to preview new courses and introduce them to their community.
Q: How can Merrithew Symposiums help Pilates professionals stay competitive in East Asia?
Emily: As an HTC manager, I believe hosting the Merrithew Symposiums yearly is a testament to the quality and credibility of STOTT PILATES® education. This can encourage more practitioners to pursue advanced training within the system, further expanding the brand’s influence.
Minjoo: I believe the Merrithew Symposium plays a crucial role in East Asia, especially as large-scale Pilates events in the region become increasingly rare. It provides early access to new workshops, equipment and the latest research in exercise science, allowing studio owners like me to offer fresh, evidence-based programming to our members early on. This opportunity to integrate the latest studies into our offerings is one of the biggest advantages of attending this event.
Q: What are you hoping to learn or take away from this year’s event?
Emily: My goal for this year’s event is to integrate key techniques from the STOTT PILATES Optimization of the Shoulder Complex Professional Development Course and Myofascial Continuities: Mapping the Human Design Professional Development Course into our training programs. This will allow us to provide clients with more advanced training solutions, effectively helping them achieve their physical and mental wellness goals.
Minjoo: The Symposium allows STOTT PILATES professionals to experience Merrithew’s education and culture at least once a year. This year, I’m particularly excited to explore new props and accessories through workshops like Functional Flow: Integrating Soft Kettlebell with Matwork and Enhanced Tone and Conditioning on the Stability Chair™ & Cross-Bow™ Handles.
Final Thoughts: Build on What You Know and Stay Open to What’s Next.
Today’s Pilates professionals are expected to blend technical precision with business agility, all while responding to shifting client needs. The Merrithew Mindful Movement Symposium offers more than a skill upgrade; it’s a space to think critically, learn collaboratively and stay connected to where the industry is headed.
Whether you’re refining your approach or expanding your reach, the conversations and education shared here can help you grow with confidence.
Shape what’s next for Pilates in your region. Reserve your spot today.