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Pilates vs. The Fitness Industry: Depth in an Age of "Fast Fitness"
- Jan 10
- 7 min read
In the last few years, Pilates has undergone a massive global boom. Currently valued at $180 billion, it is predicted to surge to $600 billion over the next decade. While growth is usually a sign of success, it is creating a significant conflict between fitness instructors and traditional Pilates teachers.
The core fear within the Pilates community is simple: Is the original method becoming lost? Are studios prioritising profit over principles? Is this boom happening at the expense of the depth and integrity that makes Pilates so effective in the first place?
"The word 'Pilates' is worth gold today, and the fitness industry has gone to town."
The "Wild West" of the Digital Age
The word "Pilates" is worth gold today. The fitness industry has taken the name and "gone to town," slapping it onto any workout to gain traction—from "HIIT Pilates", "Hot, and Sculpt Pilates, to Strength Pilates"
We live in an era where information and "creativity" are shared at a lightning-fast pace. There is a hunger to make a "quick buck" and become an online influencer. In this rush, the desire to investigate true scientific studies is often lost to a "click-of-a-button" mentality. When we move too fast, we lose integrity. If we are changing the method quickly for financial reasons, we stop asking the important questions:
Why the change? Does this serve the purpose of the teaching? Is it because of science, or is it just FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and to be 'trendy' or for financial gains?
Movement Heals—But Precision Protects
My own slogan is Movement Heals. I mean that sincerely. All training is good for the body; whether it’s swimming, walking, or a high-energy aerobics class, all movement has value. There is absolutely a place for fitness classes that focus on sweat and high-intensity "burn."
The problem isn't the existence of fitness classes; the problem is that the fitness industry has hijacked a specific training system and remoulded it into something entirely different to maximise profit. The mislabelling is misleading, and as fitness providers, we have a moral responsibility for truthful marketing and teaching.
When a method as precise as Pilates is stripped of its core principles—centering, control, and breath—just to fit a commercial "HIIT" mold, it is no longer Pilates. It is fitness-style training wearing a Pilates mask. As my clients quickly learn, there is a distinct depth to this training. It’s not enough to simply move; we must move with specificity. Every movement has a why, a how, and an intention in Pilates and Mobility work.
The Definition of Contrology AKA Pilates: > "Pilates is a complete co-ordination of mind, body, and spirit to promote suppleness, muscular power, endurance, and posture." (Principles and Fundamentals of Mat Pilates, HFE 2012).
There is a reason why doctors and physiotherapists advise patients to take up Pilates for injury recovery (and to support patients living with long term conditions) : because it works. It is a training system with specificity that improves longevity.
Evolution or Dilution?
"Pilates doesn't need to be reinvented—it needs to be understood."
Pilates has always evolved. Joseph Pilates never published a comprehensive "manual," instead educating a select group of students who then applied their own methods. (Pilates published two books in his lifetime) In the UK, this lineage is clear: Alan Hedman (who studied under Joseph in New York) opened the first school in Britain and trained Penny Latey, Gordon Thompson, and Michael King, who all went on to found their own schools.
In 2001, Penny Latey suggested there were two distinct categories:
Classical Pilates: Closely follows the original exercises and sequences set out by Joseph Pilates. (In his book Return To Life, Through Contrology, 1945)
Modern Pilates: Adapts the method to suit individual needs—vital now that Pilates has moved from professional dancers to the general population.
Major Interpretations Today:
Stott Pilates (Moira Merrithew)
Modern Pilates - UK (Cherry Baker)
Modern Pilates - Australia (Alan Hedman)
Body Control Method (Lynne Robinson)
Integrative Approach (Debbie Lawrence)
The Reformer Phenomenon
The Reformer is a piece of equipment, not "The Method" itself. Joseph Pilates developed equipment like the Reformer and Wunda Chair as a 1:1 "stepping stone" to prepare students for Mat Pilates, which remains the true foundation.
While Reformer classes are fantastic, they have morphed into a piece of gym equipment. Even if you are experienced on the mat, you should approach the reformer as a beginner. I recommend at least 20 Mat sessions to learn the core principles before attending a group Reformer class.
How to Find a Quality Pilates Class: A Consumer’s Guide
Because Pilates is not a regulated industry, anyone can call themselves an instructor after a 6-week online course. If you are training for health or rehabilitation, you must do your research.
🚩 Red Flags: Professionalism & Safety
Beyond the technical moves, a teacher’s attitude and safety protocols tell you everything about the quality of the training you are about to receive.
Lack of Pre-Class Screening: If you walk into a studio for the first time—especially for a high-intensity or "Hot" class—and the teacher does not ask about your injuries, pregnancy status, or medical history, leave immediately. An initial "PAR-Q" (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) is a non-negotiable legal and ethical requirement.
Slandering Other Disciplines and teachers: A teacher who disparages other forms (e.g., "Zumba is useless" or "Weightlifting is bad for you") often reveals professional insecurity. Every movement modality has its place; a qualified teacher understands how Pilates complements other sports rather than competing with them. If a teacher claims their specific style is the only way to achieve health, they are likely ignoring the diverse needs of human biomechanics. Real expertise is shown through an open mind and respect for physical science.
Ignoring Medical Boundaries: It is a massive red flag if a teacher allows clients with complex medical conditions (e.g., severe scoliosis or herniated discs) into a general class without holding a specific Exercise Referral Qualification. Pilates is powerful, but if taught by someone unqualified to handle pathology, it can cause permanent injury.
The "One-Size-Fits-All: A lack of "regressions" (easier versions) or "progressions" (harder versions) means the class isn't tailored to the individuals in the room.
The "Burn" Trap: If the instructor focuses only on muscle fatigue rather than form or breathing, it's a fitness class, not Pilates.
The Working Teacher: If the instructor is doing the full workout with you, they aren't watching you. They should be on their feet, giving hands -on/verbal corrections and observing.
✅ What to Look For (The "Green Flags")
Look for the gold standard: Level 3 Diploma (Mat) or Level 4 (Advanced/Special Populations, Exercise Referral Specialist).
Respected Providers: Body Control Pilates, STOTT, APPI, The Pilates Foundation. Accredited by bodies such as Active IQ , YMCA Awards provided by such as HFE and bodies mentioned above.
Specialisations: If you have an injury or medical condition, look for "Clinical Pilates" or "Exercise Referral Specialist" credentials.
Class Size: Smaller is always better. In a room of 20+ people, an instructor cannot see your alignment.
The Six Principles: Every class should embody Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow.
Cheat Sheet: The "True Pilates" Class.
Feature | Green Flag (True Pilates) | Red Flag (Fitness Style) |
The Instructor | Moving around the room, giving verbal/tactile cues. | Doing the entire workout on their own mat/reformer. |
The Pacing | Slow, controlled, and intentional. | Rushed, fast-paced, and "to the beat of the music." |
The Breathing | Specific focus on Lateral Thoracic breathing. | No mention of breath, or just "don't hold your breath." |
The Focus | Focus is on Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. | Focusing solely on "shredding" or "sculpting" muscles and burn. |
Final Thoughts: A Way of Life
"It is life-changing to know how to carry your body into space and how to breathe correctly."
Pilates is not just another training method; it is a way of life. When you master core engagement and Lateral Thoracic Breathing, and apply those principles to your other fitness training and to your day to day life, it will change things. Understanding how to carry your body into space and how to breathe correctly is life-changing.
If you are attending Reformer classes because they are fun and nothing hurts—absolutely keep going. Enjoyment is key to long-lasting commitment. Just be aware that you are likely attending a fitness class and not the Pilates Method. The problem isn't the student or attending 'fitness classes' ; it’s the lack of industry transparency used to get you to part with your money.
To my fellow Pilates Teacher
The issue isn't change; it’s the reason for the change. Joseph Pilates was a "man of science." He was lightyears ahead of his peers, and I am confident that if he were still alive today, Contrology would look different because he would have undoubtedly followed the science.
Find your core values and make them the foundation of your practice. Don’t be afraid of "sticking to your core values" or worry about not being "trendy enough." You end up losing yourself in the rush to be cool and fun. Lean into your authenticity and your knowledge.
Most importantly, stay on your own true path. In a digital world, it is so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others or feeling the need to copy what another teacher is doing just to "fit in." Please remember: there is only one YOU. You don't have to be like anyone else to be successful.
Copying another teacher is not only invasive to their hard work, but it is deeply short-changing to yourself. When you mimic someone else, you rob yourself of the opportunity to discover your own unique voice and style. Trust your path, and you will be on track to become the best version of yourself. We really do have the best job in the world: helping people become better in their bodies through a safe and effective approach. Stick to your ethos, be yourself, and I promise you—there is plenty of room for movement and innovation within that space. Don't' believe for one second that we are in competion with each other, there is plenty of room and space for us all to do what we love to do and we have a job to do, to keep Pilates true and authentic.
"Don’t lose yourself in the rush to be 'trendy' or 'cool.' Lean into your knowledge and let your core values be your foundation."
Sandra
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