Pilates has been around for quite some time, but it really hit its stride in 2024. Driven by the shift towards slow, considered movement over sweaty weights sessions and fast-paced HIIT classes, pilates has well and truly made its way into the fitness mainstream, with many of us making time on the mat or on a reformer part of our weekly routine.

Alongside a new buzz surrounding traditional mat pilates, this rise in popularity has also seen many of us try a variety of new pilates forms, from reformer pilates to strength-focused Lagree and wall variations. So, as we move into 2025, the question is: will this rise continue? And if so, what new twists on traditional pilates can we expect?

To find out more, we asked Helen O’Leary, physiotherapist at Complete Pilates, to predict what’s next for pilates as we move into 2025. From the new equipment that’ll be everywhere to the types of moves we’ll all be making part of our routines, here’s what she had to say. 

1. Smaller class sizes

While there will always be studios offering bigger classes, O’Leary predicts that there will be much more emphasis on smaller classes and one-to-one sessions in 2025. This will be driven by an increased interest in technique and using pilates to ease pain and return from injury.

“The trend for small group classes will likely continue, as people realise the limitations of large group classes, which don’t allow for the feedback that you need to optimise your technique,” O’Leary explains. 

“Physiotherapists have been using modified pilates for decades to help prevent and rehabilitate from injury, so pilates undertaken on a small group or 1:1 basis will provide the space for people to tailor their workouts to their personal goals.” 

2. The rise of the tower

If 2024 was the year of the reformer, 2025 may just be the year of the tower. A frame with various springs, pulleys and bars attached to a support, a tower can be used by itself or as an extension to a reformer, and while tower classes are already found in many pilates studios, O’Leary predicts it’ll become much bigger in 2025.

“As people become used to reformers and look for new twists on pilates exercises, the tower is making an appearance,” she explains. “The tower is a compact version of the pilates cadillac and it can add a whole new set of exercises to your workout.”

While the tower can be used to support a whole host of pilates moves, its particularly good for spinal mobility work as well as upper body moves that strengthen the arms and shoulders. Because it can be attached to a wall, it’s much easier to incorporate into a home workout set-up than a traditional reformer, so it’s ideal for those of us short on space. 

3. More impact and standing work

From improved flexibility to better mobility, pilates can offer so many incredible benefits. But due to its low-impact nature, it can’t deliver any bone-strengthening benefits – something that’s incredibly important for women both pre- and post-menopause.

As we wake up to the importance of this kind of exercise, O’Leary predicts we’ll see impact work make its way into pilates classes in the form of exercises that include jumping. She also suggests that standing exercises – such as the scooter – will also become part of our routines in a bid to encourage more compound muscle work. 

Images: Getty