Creating a Legacy: 15 Years of Pilates Anytime
Photography Pilates Anytime
In 2009, a revolutionary idea took shape: what if Pilates could transcend physical studio walls and become accessible to anyone, anywhere? This vision became Pilates Anytime, a pioneering platform co-founded by Kristi Cooper, John Marston, and Ted Johnson. From its humble beginnings with just 20 mat videos, Pilates Anytime has grown into a global resource, empowering teachers to hone their craft and students to deepen their practice, all while preserving and sharing the rich history of the Pilates method.
This year the platform celebrates 15 years of innovation, continuously evolving to meet the needs of the global Pilates community while staying true to its mission of making Pilates education and practice available to all.
The Rise of Pilates Anytime
“Pilates Anytime was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: to make the transformative practice of Pilates accessible to anyone, anywhere,” shares Kristi Cooper. “In 2009, we started with a small library of classes and a dream to connect people to the essence of Pilates, no matter where they were in the world.”
This ambitious dream began with Kristi and her co-founders dedicating two days a week to the project. “From day one, I was full-time on this project,” Kristi recalls. “For two years, I balanced teaching 30 hours a week in the studio and traveling for BASI Pilates® while building Pilates Anytime. Sleep felt like a distant memory during those years.”
The team launched the platform on January 1, 2010, with 20 mat videos. It marked the beginning of what Kristi describes as “the first global Pilates studio.” Over time, Pilates Anytime grew into a trusted resource for Pilates practitioners of all levels, offering a comprehensive library of classes and preserving the history of Pilates for future generations.
Building a Legacy that represents all types of Pilates
From the outset, Pilates Anytime aimed to be a mirror of the Pilates industry, showcasing the main schools of training from both Classical and contemporary styles. “If we’re going to do this,” Kristi told her co-founders, “we need to represent and record the history of Pilates too. I had never been clearer about an idea in my life before or since.”
This clarity of vision has resulted in a platform that now boasts over 4,000 classes taught by more than 150 leading instructors. Beyond its vast library, Pilates Anytime has partnered with leading educators, hosted unforgettable parties at the Pilates Method Alliance, and earned accolades such as California’s Spirit of Entrepreneurship award.
Meredith Rogers, one of the platform’s original teachers, reflects on its impact: “Pilates Anytime has been a bright spark of genius that changed the trajectory of my life. Over the years, I’ve formed lasting friendships with extraordinary teachers and have been welcomed with open arms by Pilates communities around the globe.”
Global Impact: How Pilates Anytime Changed the Game
Pilates Anytime’s reach extends far beyond its library of classes, it also became a vital resource for Pilates enthusiasts and teachers worldwide. Kristi explains,
“Our greatest joy has been witnessing Pilates Anytime’s impact on our community. Members from all around the world have found connection and strength through our classes. Teachers have shared their knowledge, passion, and creativity, shaping today’s Pilates method.”
Photography Pilates Anytime
The platform’s Legacy Project, which involved recording over 100 interviews with key figures in the Pilates world, has been especially impactful. Elizabeth Larkam, a renowned educator and contributor, emphasizes its significance: “Kristi’s creation of the Legacy Project documenting Pilates history, connects generations of teachers and practitioners to the first Pilates teachers. In this era of social media sensationalism, Pilates Anytime is a respected global movement education platform that provides curated content for everyone, from novices to dedicated professionals.”
“I am eternally grateful to Pilates Anytime founder Kristi Cooper for generously dedicating her vision and resources to developing a phenomenal team that for fifteen years has nurtured the global growth and evolution of Pilates,” said Elizabeth.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Journey to Success
The road to Pilates Anytime’s success has not been without challenges. Kristi candidly shares the struggles she had in the early days: “The learning curve was enormous. I’ll never forget John and Ted (co-founders) teaching me to expand my screen and ‘CC’ others on an email. They must have been very nervous about their choice of a business partner!”
Global events like the pandemic tested the platform’s adaptability, but these challenges became opportunities for growth. “Every challenge has been an opportunity to serve our community better,” Kristi reflects. This resilience and commitment to innovation have solidified Pilates Anytime’s place as a leader in the pilates industry.
Photography Pilates Anytime
Celebrating 15 Years: A Milestone for the Pilates Community
As Pilates Anytime celebrates its 15th anniversary, it’s clear that its impact extends far beyond the digital realm. The platform has united a global community of movers and teachers, fostering a legacy of resilience, creativity, and connection.
“Most notably, I have witnessed the cultivation of new and lasting friendships worldwide and recorded over 100 interviews for the Pilates Legacy Project,” Kristi shares. “These connections and stories are the heartbeat of what we do.”
The Future of Pilates Anytime
Looking ahead, Pilates Anytime’s mission remains steadfast: to make Pilates accessible, inspire movement, and preserve the rich history of the method. As it celebrates 15 years of empowering and educating a global audience, the platform’s legacy continues to grow.
“Little did we know that this dream would grow into a thriving global community of movers and teachers,” Kristi reflects. “It wasn’t an overnight success, but it has been a journey filled with joy, growth, and countless stories of transformation.”
Pilates professional Amy Havens, a long-standing teacher on the platform, shares her perspective on the legacy of Pilates Anytime: “It’s a deeply rooted connection—it provided me with a sense of purpose, meaning, and direction. Some of the most meaningful relationships of my life have come from being a teacher and part of the Pilates Anytime community and family. Here’s to many more years of growth, success, and joy.”
Over the years, Pilates Anytime has profoundly impacted instructors worldwide, offering tools, knowledge, and inspiration to elevate their teaching and practice. Here’s to 15 years of Pilates Anytime—and to many more years of transforming the way we move and connect.