We are excited to introduce our new mobile Pilates Reformer Box trailer, equipped with 6 to 8 Align Pilates F3 Professional quality Reformers.  This innovative solution allows Pilates instructors to bring Reformer Pilates to any suitable retreat location across the UK.

Recent research highlights a significant shift among younger people in the UK towards using gyms and fitness centres as social spaces, moving away from traditional places like pubs. This trend is driven by their preference for healthier lifestyles, a desire for alcohol-free social settings, and the appeal of tech-enabled, flexible fitness options​.

The recently released 2024 Health and Fitness Association (HFA) Global Report sheds light on key developments and emerging trends across the global fitness sector.  Although the report primarily focuses on gyms and fitness centres, there are numerous takeaways relevant to Pilates and the broader wellness industry.

In 2024, we are witnessing Pilates’ transformation as it integrates into luxury amenities, corporate wellness programmes, and even unconventional spaces like spas and high-end residential complexes. This shift reflects the growing appeal of the practice, not only for fitness enthusiasts but for a broader market seeking wellness solutions.

For over a decade, Align Pilates has been known for manufacturing and supplying the best value, high-quality contemporary Pilates equipment. Now they are taking a bold step into the very tight-knit world of classical Pilates, with a full range of apparatus built to the original specifications of Joseph Pilates.

The essence of the Pilates method lies in its focus on the key principles Joseph Pilates and his Elders emphasised: Centring, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow, head, neck and pelvis placement.

The history of Pilates, from its inception by Joseph Pilates to its current status as a globally recognised fitness and rehabilitation method, is a tale of evolution, innovation, and often, contention.  Central to this narrative are the Pilates Elders, a group of Joseph Pilates’ direct disciples.

The story of Pilates, a method that has revolutionised the fitness and rehabilitation worlds in the past 25 years, begins with one man: Joseph Pilates. His life's work, initially termed "Contrology," reflects a profound understanding of the body and mind, an understanding that has cultivated a global movement.

I thought it worth a look at the realities of business and the complexities surrounding Pilates instructor pay in studios and health clubs, from both instructor and business perspectives.

Despite the allure of lower prices, the use of counterfeit equipment poses significant risks to the purchaser, their business and their clients : including legal liabilities, safety hazards, and potential damage to your business's reputation.

Fitness Pilates emerges as a distinctly modern interpretation within the Contemporary Pilates landscape, prioritising general fitness outcomes while maintaining a more relaxed adherence to the traditional Pilates principles. This movement reflects the evolving desires of the contemporary fitness community, seeking to blend the foundational aspects of Pilates with broader fitness goals. Fitness Pilates, in essence, offers a gateway to the discipline for those more accustomed to the dynamic pace of modern exercise trends, making Pilates accessible to a wider audience. Sadly, many Schools teaching fitness Pilates have never gained an understanding of ‘The method’ and see Pilates as Repertoire only and not a distinct ‘mind-body’ deeper approach.

Contemporary Pilates represents a progressive branch of the Pilates discipline, characterised by its integration of modern exercise science with the core principles established by Joseph Pilates. This movement is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Pilates, demonstrating how traditional methods can evolve to meet the demands of modern practitioners.

The Classical Movement within Pilates represents a branch of the discipline that seeks to adhere closely to Joseph Pilates' original work, with minimal modifications to the actual repertoire. While it respects the integrity of the original exercises, it adopts a more relaxed stance regarding the apparatus design and the environment in which Pilates is practiced.

The Historical Classical Movement within Pilates represents a faction dedicated to preserving the original repertoire and principles as established by Joseph Pilates. This movement is rooted deeply in the belief that the essence and effectiveness of Pilates lie in its authenticity and adherence to the methods and philosophies Joseph Pilates developed during his lifetime.