The Global State of Pilates in 2025: Growth Regions & Studio Trends

Pilates Industry growth is accelerating

The Pilates industry in 2025 is not simply “growing”: it is accelerating, often in unexpected regions and through new models that challenge old assumptions.

At Merrithew’s recent Distributors meeting, several growth highlights stood out that paint a clearer picture of where the industry is heading:

Explosive Regional Growth in Pilates

The global Pilates market is expanding rapidly, with different regions showing distinctive growth patterns.

Europe

Europe: Over 60% growth last year for Merrithew commercial sales, with no signs of slowing. Germany (which also supplies Italy and other neighbours) alone posted over 400% growth in Align-Pilates distribution, a striking reminder that mature fitness markets still have untapped Pilates demand.  Virgin Active is poised to place Merrithew Reformers into all of its Italian Health Clubs and this is likely to roll out into other European countries too.

UK

UK: Boutique operators such as One Rebel and David Lloyd Leisure are now integrating Pilates more prominently, validating its role in the wider fitness ecosystem and away from Merrithew brands Australian brand ‘Your Reformer’ is penetrating ‘Snap Fitness’ with a potential 135 sites.

Middle East

Middle East: Align-Pilates has delivered triple-digit growth for consecutive years, with 2025 in Bahrain alone on track to close over £1 million in sales, figures put leading European countries to shame across many brands. The region is now roughly five years behind the UK in market maturity, but rapidly catching up.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific: Momentum is building, particularly in Australia and Japan, with Pilates aligning itself with both wellness and rehabilitation sectors.

Pilates Studio Models in Flux

Studios are no longer limited to being “Pilates only.” Hybrid models (Pilates + barre, yoga, strength, or digital subscriptions) are reshaping expectations. At the same time, operators who hold inventory on hand are consistently winning business when timelines are tight, a simple but decisive growth factor.

Careers, Not Transactions

The education side of the industry is shifting. Today’s instructors are asking not just “Which course should I take?” but “What career pathway is being built for me?” This echoes Merrithew’s stated goal: not merely selling training, but building careers, a theme I believe will define the next decade.

Pilates Industry Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Pilates in 2025 is no longer niche. It is mainstream, globally relevant, and increasingly professionalised. Brands, studios, and training providers that position themselves around career development, inventory readiness, and regional adaptability will be those that thrive in the years ahead.