Pilates is Back: The Timeless Workout Redefining Wellness

Amongst other activities such as yoga, mixed martial arts and spinning, pilates has come to the fore, and has become a trending activity within the past year. This is mainly due to social media and influencer culture, but also an overall desire from individuals to take care of their personal well-being in varied ways.

Pilates has recently become ‘trendy’ again, from the onset of 2023, and has spiked in popularity and ‘common-ness’ as a fitness and wellness regime.

Pilates possesses many benefits, and this article will highlight its origins, how it came to be, and emphasise the long-term benefits and advantages of incorporating pilates, should you be interested, or are willing to hop on to this somewhat ongoing, yet emergent trend.

Origins of Pilates

Pilates is a, ‘type of exercise and body conditioning, first used as a way for dancers to recover from injury’. It has since become a form of exercise that many people subscribe to and enjoy diligently, due to the strength and relaxation it provides to the body and its functioning.

The practice comprises, ‘precise movements, controlled breathing, and muscle engagement’, which easily permits increased flexibility, strength development and physical discipline should you stay consistent and committed over a fixed period of time.

The movement programme was founded by German soldier, Joseph Pilates, who developed the practice whilst he was imprisoned during World War I. The practice was conducted with many fellow prisoners, and eventually ‘immigrated’ to the United States during the 1920s when he was released. It was prefaced as a recovery programme for injured dancers, focusing on regaining strength and stability in movements and body functioning.

Pilates is also different from yoga, in that yoga falls more towards the spiritual side of body movements and mind-body connections. Pilates works to improve body strength and functioning over time, and like any sub-sector of exercise, possesses a set of specific movements and patterns that facilitate meaningful change over time.

Ever since its ‘migration’ to the US, it has become ‘trendy’ and ‘popularised’, especially through popular culture. Let's explore why it's becoming a go-to fitness trend and the history behind it.

Emergence and Popularity Within Popular Culture

Pilates has become one of the, ‘most sought-after ways to train’. It has actually been over 100 years since Joseph Pilates established the practice, and it has seen many fluctuations in demand and popularity, especially within the last year or so.

1. Reformer Pilates

Pilates can be conducted traditionally, with the use of an exercise mat and various positions, or it can be enhanced through the use of a machine called a reformer. The reformers provide two variations to the activity: the first being that people can sign up for classes, socialise and get to know others in the field that may be interested.

The second being that it becomes monetised, where many gyms, instructors, or small business owners can make profits and maximise from these fluctuations in trends and current events. The socialisation and event of it all has contributed to its trending status at the moment.

2. Global Icons

After pilates was brought to the United States, it was used to train dancers, ballerinas and gymnasts, using ‘Contrology’, a movement, both physical and mental, that would support muscles, the spine, and overall balance in people who practised them.

From the 90s, however, cultural icons such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Anniston became trendsetters for the practice, where they were ‘spotted’, and reported to have been attending pilates sessions. This was seen as the catalyst for pilates becoming so prominent and trendy in popular culture today.

3. Variety of Movement

Another reason for why it has reached maximum popularity again, is the various ways in which it can be enjoyed and performed as an activity. 2023 was a ground breaking year, with Pilates, ‘as the most popular workout of the year”, with Pilates class bookings up 92%, while Google searches for Pilates have soared by 71%. Mat Pilates, hot Pilates, HIIT Pilates, reformer Pilates, Stott Pilates, Winsor Pilates, Clinical Pilates [and] Classical Pilates’ have become the options from which you can choose when deciding to pursue it.

It is almost as if the task has been tailored and amended to suit your personal needs, interests, and fitness goals as an individual, rather than fitting in with societal trends and prescriptions.

Pilates as Exercise?

Pilates can most definitely be considered a form of exercise, and can contribute as part of your regimen, should you wish to provide variety and dynamism to your daily movements, and increase your interests or hobbies.

It is a form of exercise mainly because, ‘it requires concentration and focus…you move your body through precise ranges of motion, [and] it requires concentration in finding a centre point to control your body through movement’.

The specific movements, focus, and breathing allocated to each pilates position characterises the overall practice as a form of exercise. It is also tailored to the individual, their needs, and their preferences. Whilst it is not cardio intensive, focus is placed on muscle and core strengthening through the use of resistance, and any related equipment.

There are various benefits and valuable takeaways from Pilates, should it become a consistent element in your regime. A few are highlighted below, although there are many other extensive benefits,

Manages stress and anxiety as manifested by the body and mind.
Facilitates balance and coordination in body movements.
Assists with effective oxygen flow and deep breathing.
Improves concentration and focus, both in and outside of the workout session.

Tips for Getting Started

Although it may seem intimidating or difficult to get into, rest assured that Pilates is for everyone! Beginners and experts alike. Depending on your budget and available time, you can start Pilates at home, or get started at a studio or fitness centre near you.

Some online resources that may be useful include: