How Pilates Equipment Market Is Set to Skyrocket to £350 million by 2030 helped on by Align-Pilates
Align-Pilates: the family brand that is leading world Pilates apparatus growth
The world Pilates equipment market is undergoing rapid transformation, projected to reach £350 Million GBP by 2030 ($450M USD). At the heart of this growth is a rising demand for Reformer Pilates, hybrid workouts, and sophisticated home-based fitness solutions.
One of the most dynamic players in this expanding industry is the UK-based Align-Pilates, a key brand under the umbrella of Mad-Group HQ, which has deep-rooted family origins dating back to British Empire-era trade.
The Story Behind Align-Pilates: A British Innovation with Global Reach
Align-Pilates is part of the Mad-Group HQ, a company with a fascinating history. Originally known as Elliots, the family business focused on industrial tools and anti-slip flooring—a legacy that opened doors in the 1990s when the yoga market exploded. Seizing the opportunity, the company launched Yoga-Mad, a brand specialising in yoga accessories, particularly sticky yoga mats that became household items in the wellness market.
As demand for fitness products grew, Mad-Group expanded into other segments with brands like Fitness-Mad and Pilates-Mad. However, the launch of Align-Pilates in 2010 marked a significant departure from the company's retail focus. Supported by the expertise of Chris Onslow, a well-known consultant in the Pilates industry, Align-Pilates ventured into the commercial Pilates apparatus market, targeting studios, gyms, and professional instructors. This shift away from retail accessories and into high-end, commercial Pilates equipment allowed the brand to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Professional Pilates Reformer Studio equipped with Align-Pilates
Align-Pilates: Leading the Global Equipment Revolution
Today, Align-Pilates is recognised as one of the fastest-growing brands in the global Pilates apparatus market. While other companies, such as Balanced Body and Merrithew, have long been established players, Align-Pilates has carved out its own space through innovation, affordability, and quality. It is estimated that in 2024, 75% of Mad-Group HQ's turnover is generated from the Align-Pilates brand alone, reflecting its dominance in the company's growth trajectory.
Innovative design and affordability: Unlike many of its competitors, Align-Pilates focuses on delivering professional-grade reformers, towers, and other apparatus at a more accessible price point, making it easier for both large studios and smaller fitness businesses to invest in quality equipment. Their range of Reformers, like the C8 Pro, has been designed to offer the smoothest, quietest performance while maintaining durability and ease of use and offering innovative time saving features and versatility. The late 2024 expansion of the Align-Pilates range to include a Classical Range of Apparatus designed to Joseph Pilates original specifications is only set to increase the market position of Align-Pilates on the world stage.
Align-Pilates Classic Reformer
A family-owned business resisting M&A: While there have been industry rumours that major players like Balanced Body or Merrithew have shown interest in acquiring Align-Pilates due to its global reach, broad range of fitness accessories which cover the whole fitness arena and a growing brand reputation, the brand to date has remained steadfastly family-owned and independent. This autonomy allows Align-Pilates to innovate and stay agile, responding quickly to market needs.
Pilates Equipment Demand: Driven by Global and Home Fitness Trends
The demand for Pilates equipment has surged, driven by a combination of global fitness trends and the home fitness boom. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of home-based Pilates, with brands like Flexia and Reform RX offering tech-integrated reformers that provide personalised workouts. As more people look for ways to stay fit at home, smart reformers are becoming a hot commodity.
Luxury and corporate markets: Align-Pilates is also expanding into new spaces. High-end residential complexes, luxury hotels, and corporate wellness programmes are incorporating Pilates apparatus into their offerings, catering to a clientele that prioritises convenience and top-tier fitness experiences.
Business Implications: A Boon for Studios and Instructors
The growth of the Pilates equipment market has significant business implications, particularly for Pilates studio owners and instructors. With demand for reformer-based classes on the rise, there are clear opportunities to diversify offerings and attract new clientele.
For studio owners, Align-Pilates provides an affordable way to expand into apparatus-based classes. With Chris Onslow’s dual role as both the owner of Mbodies Training Academy and owning an Align-Pilates sales agency, UK-based instructors can not only receive top-notch training in apparatus Pilates, but also access Pilates Apparatus either new or reconditioned. Mbodies students training for Pilates Apparatus CPD are also able to hire apparatus a service that allows them to train from home or to trial equipment before making larger investments.
Equip and Educate for the Future
As the Pilates equipment market is set to skyrocket, now is the perfect time for UK Pilates professionals to broaden their scope of practice. By training through Mbodies Training Academy and investing in quality equipment from Align-Pilates, instructors and studios can stay ahead of global trends, offering reformer and hybrid classes that meet growing demand.
With trusted UK apparatus brands like Align-Pilates, industry leading training from Mbodies, and Chris Onslow’s Pilates Business consultancy, which helps instructors and entrepreneurs expand beyond tuition services into studio ownership, the future of Pilates is accessible, innovative, and ripe.
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk