I used to dread working out. Just the thought of going to the gym seemed like a chore. Luckily, that all changed for me when I found Pilates.
What began as a casual workout class I took out of curiosity became a daily ritual I look forward to. Suddenly exercise wasn’t about pushing through the pain, it was about feeling good, moving my body, and having fun while doing so.
What is Pilates?
Although Pilates has become the workout of the moment in recent years, it is far from new. Invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, the method builds control, mindfulness, and strength.
As a child in Germany in the late 1800s, Joseph Pilates began researching both Western and Eastern philosophies to find a way to aid his suffering from rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever.
Joseph moved to England with several other German natives when World War I broke out, where he taught and practiced his exercise program. After the war ended, he headed back to Germany, where he was invited to train the German army. He declined this invitation and ended up bringing his practice to the United States.
Now, over a century has passed, and Pilates’ method has been spread globally and rebranded into a lifestyle rather than purely a workout.
The “It” Girl Workout
Pilates has seen a major resurgence in recent years, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. It’s no longer just a workout, but a cultural moment. Everywhere we look, today’s trendsetters are hopping on reformers, bringing this effective and low-impact exercise into today’s cultural spotlight.
Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Lori Harvey, and Hailey Bieber have turned Pilates into an aesthetic thanks to their online presence. Social media has helped rebrand Pilates into a visual experience, where matching workout sets and beautiful studios set the tone.
Today, doing Pilates isn’t only about toning and strengthening. It’s become a lifestyle.
Pilates isn’t just about fitness anymore. Influencers flaunt their new lifestyles, sporting matching workout sets, sipping green juice, and filming their low-impact workouts in bright, beautiful studios.
What once was a niche workout has transformed into a visually appealing experience that perfectly fits a social media feed. Even men are starting to follow the trend.
Although Pilates has been labeled an “it girl” workout, Miami-based Pilates instructor Elizabeth Arrowsmith explains her diverse clientele: “I remember when I first started teaching, I rarely ever had any men in my classes, but slowly, there has been a huge shift in this!”
Arrowsmith continues, “I had a client who had back problems from constantly holding her baby, and when she started being consistent in her training, she was able to completely get rid of the strain she was feeling. Because of this, she started to bring her husband.” Pilates has become a way for anyone to take care of themselves- man or woman, influencer or not.
Pilates and Social Media
Entire subcultures have emerged due to TikTok trends. First came the rise of the “clean girl” aesthetic: glowing skin, light makeup, and slicked-back hair. Now, we have the “Pilates princess”: matching workout sets and a lifestyle rooted in wellness and self-care.
Social media has played a large role in how Pilates is perceived today. In cities like Los Angeles and Miami, studios are not just for Pilates, they also serve as photo opportunities.
These aesthetic studios, with arched mirrors, muted color palettes, and branded walls, are begging to be photographed and posted. Let’s face it, this is a strong marketing tactic; if a space looks pretty, you’ll want to go.
The Social Element
Aesthetics seem to be the focus, but Pilates is not all about perception; the studios have also become social spaces.
“Seeing the same faces in Pilates class has grown to be something I look forward to,” shares a University of Miami student who has been dedicated to Pilates for about a year.
Beyond physical benefits, Pilates studios can offer a strong sense of community. Whether you’ve just relocated or are simply looking to expand your social circle, it can be difficult to make friends at any age. Studios naturally bring like-minded people together and create a space to connect with others while working on yourself.
A Miami-based Pilates instructor, Elizabeth Arrowsmith, compares Pilates class to social hour, noting, “Pregnant clients LOVE coming to our studio because it gives them the social aspect of going and meeting new people without the presence of alcohol.”
“I have clients who all know each other because they come to the same class every week and love to catch up.” Arrowsmith adds. “I also have clients that chat me up on their own life updates and pop culture every week. It is truly a place of community and empowerment.”
That is part of the beauty of Pilates: it offers a space to find community, get stronger, and feel confident.
The Benefits Beneath The Aesthetic
Do not be fooled by the soft aesthetics and slow, controlled pace. Pilates is super hard! This disciplined exercise challenges both mind and body, and it requires balance, strength, and lots of concentration.
Every movement is precise and intentional, using small movements to target specific muscles. You may not be sprinting or running for miles, but you wake up the next morning feeling the workout in places you didn’t even know you had muscles. Beyond strength and flexibility, Pilates also improves posture, sharpens mental focus, and even reduces stress.
There is a reason Pilates is so popular right now and has been relevant for so long: It improves life in more than just a physical way.
Pilates at Home
Workout classes are extremely expensive. Between apparel, memberships, and class prices, staying consistent with Pilates can feel more like a luxury than a lifestyle. You don’t need a studio, reformer, or matching workout sets to get started.
Apps like Mind & Body or ClassPass may offer discounted classes, but for those of you who would prefer to exercise for free, YouTube is flooded with high-quality Pilates workouts taught by legitimate instructors. Sami Clarke is my personal favorite fitness instructor on YouTube.
All you truly need is a mat, some space, and motivation. You can do Pilates from your bedroom, living room, or front yard. It’s proof that you don’t need ‘Instagrammable’ aesthetics or an expensive membership to earn the benefits of Pilates.
Movement with Purpose
Whether you are searching for a new form of exercise, drawn in by the satisfying aesthetics, or just curious about what the hype is about, Pilates most likely has something to offer you.
Pilates may have been brought to the public’s attention by celebrities and influencers, but its real power lies in how it makes you feel. It’s a practice rooted in intention and care for your body, leaving participants feeling connected, grounded, confident, strong, energized, and the list goes on.
So, whether you book an in-person Pilates class or roll out a yoga mat in your living room, give it a try! You might be pleasantly surprised at how good it feels to move your body with purpose.
