Pilates is Trending!

Have you noticed? Pilates is everywhere these days! I think it’s a combination of social media and the arrival of new Pilates franchises entering Canada, but whatever the reason, it’s great to see so many people discovering Pilates. 

I started getting emails from people seeking Reformer Pilates about two or three years ago. At the time, there were a few Club Pilates franchises around and a Lagree studio. But for the most part, the Pilates studios I knew of were similar to mine – home-based or stand-alone. They had a variety of equipment and would teach private sessions and/or classes. As more franchises started opening up, more people took notice – especially of the reformers. Then there are the teachers who were trained in those franchises who are opening their own studios. Pilates really is everywhere you look. 

The Popular Reformer

While Pilates is trending, it certainly isn’t new. It’s actually been around for over one hundred years! Joseph Pilates invented the reformer and applied for its patent in 1926, so it’s not new, either. The original design was much different from what he eventually designed, built, and taught his students on, though. Instead of springs, it had pulleys and weights to add resistance. Like any inventor, he worked on and perfected his design until it was very similar to today’s models. 

Even though Joseph Pilates designed the reformer, there is a lot of variety in the modern ones. If you’re thinking of buying one (they aren’t cheap!), I suggest you try out several types first and choose a well-known company. Meritthew, Pilates Designs, Peak, Balanced Body, Contrology by Balanced Body, or Basi are all long-time manufacturers. I’ve practiced and taught on many different reformers over the years, but Gratz and Contrology by Balanced Body reformers are my favourites. 

When I first started studying Pilates, very few people knew about it or any of the apparatus. That can’t be said today! When people first started asking me about Reformer Pilates, I was a bit confused. But soon I realized that Pilates was trending on social media, with reels specifically showcasing the reformer. I love that the reformer is introducing people to Pilates, but I hope they will also discover the whole method and system of Pilates. It’s all meant to work together, and not just be some exercises done on the reformer. 

Find Your Pilates Studio  

There is a Pilates studio for everyone. The large reformer studios are often a starting point for many people. Some studios have very clear rules and guidelines of what the teacher may and may not teach, which is good when you have a very big class. Some studios are very clinical and rehab-based, while others are more like mine, where we teach corrective exercise in a progressive manner so that you may eventually be doing some very challenging exercises if they are appropriate for you. 

Many of our clients come because they are dealing with having pain or aches that are stopping them from doing other sports or activities they love. Though they start Pilates because they are in pain, they continue because the pain goes away! This is thanks to a teacher with the skill set to give the client appropriate cues, corrections, and exercises that are appropriate to help them to improve their strength, mobility, and flexibility. 

Pilates is Here to Stay

Pilates is here to stay. It was trendy to do mat Pilates when I found it, then it kind of went quiet. Though there are many studios that I worked in, and now my own studio, that have been around for a decade or more. It’s now seeing a new surge in popularity, and I think people will still be doing Pilates in another hundred years. After all, it works!