Pilates has overtaken yoga to become the top fitness trend of 2025, capturing global attention with its low-impact, full-body strength focus and rising visibility on social media. According to the ClassPass 2024 Look Back Report, Pilates was the most booked workout for the second consecutive year—up a staggering 84% from 2023—as users embraced its blend of mindful movement and strength training.
This rapid ascent isn’t limited to ClassPass. Strava confirms that men are increasingly turning to Pilates (and yoga), with male engagement rising 15% in uploads over the past year. Broader participation statistics reflect this momentum: approximately 11 million Americans currently practice Pilates, with women comprising about 65% of participants—and men, along with younger demographics, gaining a growing foothold.
Experts cite several reasons behind Pilates’ popularity spike. Unlike high-impact cardio workouts, Pilates strengthens the core, improves posture, enhances flexibility, and supports joint health—all through controlled, low-impact movement patterns. It’s accessible to beginners yet scalable for more advanced practitioners familiar with equipment like reformers and towers. ClassPass’ VP of Marketing, Ivy Wu, notes that Pilates aligns with a shift toward fitness driven by long-term health and longevity over extreme intensity, while also benefiting from viral trends like the “Pilates Princess” aesthetic.
Another factor fueling the trend: community-centered wellness hubs. These spaces combine Pilates with saunas, cold plunges, and other restorative services, offering a holistic model of self-care and camaraderie. This movement reflects a wider cultural shift toward fitness that is both social and self-nurturing .
Regionally, certain areas—like San Diego—have seen an explosion in dedicated Pilates studios and integrated wellness clubs. Boutique gyms and wellness centers are capitalizing on demand, expanding access to both reformer-based practices and hybrid formats. According to the Health & Fitness Association’s Global Report, this aligns with rising interest in mental health and recovery-focused exercise.
Pilates’ appeal also spans age groups. While traditionally popular among women aged 30–50, a renaissance is underway with increasing participation from seniors and Gen Z—thanks to its holistic focus and safe, adaptable approach . Even elite athletes, such as NFL players, have embraced Pilates to improve balance, prevent injuries, and fine-tune core strength—a testament to its functional benefits.
What this surge signifies is a major shift in fitness culture: toward practices that emphasize longevity, mindfulness, and community. As wearable tech, AI-guided training, and recovery services become more mainstream, Pilates has positioned itself at the forefront of the movement—anchored by its sustainable, inclusive ethos .
In cities like San Diego, the rapid growth of Pilates studios—paired with the rise of “social wellness clubs”—underscores the lifestyle impact of this trend. Where once yoga studios dominated, it’s now Pilates studios leading a reimagination of fitness as a blend of strength, recovery, and social connection.
With its low-impact emphasis, full-body conditioning, and deeply communal environment, Pilates is no longer just a workout—it’s a movement. Its surge past yoga in popularity reflects not merely a shift in fitness preferences, but a deeper cultural recalibration toward balanced, mindful wellness.
As 2025 unfolds, Pilates stands out as the fitness trend reshaping how people think about movement, health, and connection—especially for women seeking strength, vitality, and community in their routines.
