It’s official: Pilates is here to stay. As the world’s most-booked ClassPass workout two years in a row, Pilates has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry redefining modern fitness. From elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo to pop icons like Dua Lipa, everyone’s getting on the reformer.
Dua Lipa herself sums up the appeal: “I love that I can wake up, roll out of bed, and get right to it on the reformer. I see such instant results; it’s some of the best strength training for me.
Pilates isn’t just a celebrity fad. It’s a century-old practice that’s proven to deliver strength, mobility, and longevity, and it’s only growing in popularity.
So what makes it different from other workouts? For me, Pilates has always been the practice that makes my body feel strong without leaving me exhausted, aligned instead of stiff, and calm but energized all at once. And the best part is, it adapts to every body and every stage of life. Explore my 14-Day Beginner Pilates plan to see how you can start today.
Pilates as a Lifestyle
Pilates continues to grow because it’s designed to be sustainable. It adapts to your body, your lifestyle, and your schedule. Whether you’re practicing at home with zero equipment or on a reformer in the studio, it gives you results that last.
Globally, demand is climbing, more studios are opening, and instructor opportunities are at an all-time high. Pilates is the foundation of modern fitness practices.
Why People Love Pilates
Pilates is effective because it meets you where you are, whether you’re a beginner or advanced.
- Strength that supports you. Pilates targets deep stabilizing muscles that improve posture, balance, and mobility, without stressing your joints. Try my Posture Plan.
- Adaptable practice. Mat, reformer, wall Pilates, or weighted, Pilates grows with you.
- Mental clarity through motion. Breath and control make it as grounding for your mind as it is strengthening for your body.
- For life. Safe on joints, flexible with your schedule, and supportive through every stage of life.
For women over 40, Pilates is particularly valuable: it improves core stability, pelvic floor health, flexibility, and posture without causing hypertrophy. This makes it a gentle yet effective complement to strength training, which remains crucial for muscle preservation, bone health, and long-term strength gains.
Pilates vs. Other Workouts
- Pilates vs. Yoga: Both emphasize breath and mind-body connection, but Pilates is more focused on core stability and controlled strength, while yoga prioritizes flexibility and flow.
- Pilates vs. HIIT/Cardio: HIIT is great for heart health and calorie burn but can be hard on joints. Pilates builds strength and mobility in a low-impact way, making it sustainable long term.
- Pilates vs. Strength Training: Weightlifting builds bulk and power; Pilates builds deep stabilizer strength and posture support, which prevents injury and enhances everyday movement.
Best approach: Combine them. Pilates is the foundation that supports other workouts and keeps your body resilient. Which is why so many celebrities and athletes are obsessed with it.
Why Celebrities & Athletes Rely on It
Celebs aren’t just choosing Pilates for the aesthetic, it’s because it works.
- Dua Lipa mixes Pilates into her routine to maintain lean muscle while supporting her intense touring schedule. She credits Pilates for keeping lean muscle while touring, strengthening her core and back (essential for dancing and performing in heels).
- Cristiano Ronaldo uses Pilates and similar bodyweight/core practices to maintain agility, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries. This is crucial for a career in sports.
- Ed Sheeran has been spotted doing Pilates to improve posture and balance after long touring stretches. For someone who spends hours with a guitar strapped on, Pilates helps counteract strain on the spine and shoulders.
- Jenna Ortega, Kate Hudson, and countless others swear by Pilates for its balance of challenge and recovery.
Athletes especially value Pilates for:
- Stronger core → better performance.
- Flexibility → fewer injuries.
- Gentle recovery → keeps them training longer.
Benefits for Every Body
Pilates has stood the test of time because it works, for strength, balance, mobility, and longevity. Celebs may be the face of the trend, but the benefits are for every body. Pilates meets you where you are and grows with you. It’s not just exclusive to celebs or athletes:
- Strengthens deep stabilizing muscles (better posture, pain prevention).
- Great for injury rehab and longevity.
- Improves mental focus and breath control.
- Accessible: can be done at with zero equipment.
If you are curious to try what celebs and athletes swear by, start with the 14-Day Beginner Plan and see the results for yourself.