The power of Pilates

Pilates is booming, attracting everyone from actress Jennifer Aniston to Texans’ wideout Stefon Diggs.

“Pilates has surged in popularity due to its focus on mindful movement and holistic wellness,” says Yvette McGaffin, CEO and co-founder of Reform RX. “In our fast-paced lives, the need to activate the parasympathetic nervous system for relaxation and recovery is increasingly recognized.”

Old school, new cool. Developed in the 1920s by physical trainer Joseph Pilates, this method’s effectiveness and versatility makes it the go-to for all ages and abilities levels.

Pilates has surged in popularity in recent years.

For every body

“Any body can do it,” says Carrie Samper, director of Pilates education for Equinox. “You don’t have to be 25 and a Cirque du Soleil dancer. You can be 85 and start doing Pilates.”

Hyperice CEO Jim Huether calls the practice “game-changing.” A recent convert, Huether credits Pilates with transforming his fitness: “I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my twenties, and I’m in my early forties now. I just have a lot more energy,” he told Wellworthy.

Mind-body benefits

“Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, and posture while offering functional benefits like better balance and coordination,” McGaffin explains. “Participants find their movements more efficient, reducing injury risk and supporting long-term health.”

Research shows it can:

• Boost flexibility and core strength
• Prevent injury and reduce chronic pain
• Support mental health

The practice engages muscles traditional training misses and sharpens mental focus through hyper-controlled movements. The result? You’ll get stronger and more dialed in, without the impact or intensity of other exercise modalities.

Getting started

First-timer nerves? McGaffin gets it. “Getting started with Pilates can feel daunting, especially if you’re trying something new,” she says. “My advice is to approach it with an open mind and remember that everyone was a beginner once. The reformer meets you where you are, allowing you to progress at your own pace and build confidence along the way.”

Get moving. More popular than ever, there’s probably a studio around the corner — Club Pilates, [solidcore], STRONG Pilates, and JETTSET host workouts ranging from newcomer to next level.

Gear up. Tech-enabled equipment from Frame, Flexia, and Reform RX enable personalized Pilates sessions from the comfort of home, while Rachel Katzman‘s Pvolve offers hybrid Pilates-inspired training.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re prioritizing recovery, performance, or longevity, Pilates checks all the boxes. As McGaffin puts it: “Embrace the journey, and know that with every session, you’re taking a step towards a stronger, more mindful you.”