The Results Are In: The State of Pilates in 2026
The Pilates Journal’s 2026 Global Industry Survey gathered insights from 955 Pilates professionals, revealing an industry experiencing strong demand while navigating the realities of rapid growth.
Pilates continues to grow, but what does that growth look like for the people teaching it, operating studios and building businesses within the industry?
The Pilates Journal’s 2026 Global Industry Survey set out to understand exactly that.
Drawing on responses from 955 Pilates professionals, including instructors, studio owners, educators and industry professionals, the survey explored demand, business performance, instructor careers, education, technology and the outlook for the profession.
An industry in growth
The results confirm the strength of current demand.
75% of respondents reported increased demand for Pilates over the past 12 months, while 64% said classes are operating at or near capacity.
But growth is also creating new pressures. 52% identified increased competition as a major shift affecting their work, highlighting a market that is becoming larger, more visible and increasingly competitive.
The findings also reveal important questions around instructor sustainability, staffing, studio growth, professional development and how businesses are adapting to changing client expectations.
What comes next?
The survey suggests Pilates has entered a different stage of its development.
The question is no longer simply whether demand will continue to grow. It is how the industry supports that growth — through sustainable careers, strong businesses, quality education and teaching that continues to meet the needs of an expanding audience.
The 2026 Global Industry Report brings together the key findings, industry insights and signals we believe will shape the next chapter of Pilates.
955 professionals. One clear message: Pilates has entered a new chapter.
Download the 2026 Global Industry Report
Explore the full findings from The Pilates Journal’s 2026 Global Industry Survey.