Pilates Tops Australia’s Fitness Trends for 2027

News

29 Oct

Written by CJ Zarb

Pilates has taken first place in AUSactive’s annual fitness trends rankings for the first time, as mental wellbeing, healthy ageing and technology continue to shape the Australian exercise industry.

Pilates has been named Australia’s leading fitness trend for 2027, climbing from third place in 2025 and second in 2026 to claim the top position in AUSactive’s latest national survey.

The result places Pilates ahead of wearable technology, exercise for mental health and wellbeing, fitness programs for older adults and competitive fitness events.

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the survey gathered 528 responses from professionals, operators and educators across Australia’s exercise and active health industry between April and June 2026. The rankings capture industry perspectives on the trends shaping the year ahead, rather than measuring participation directly.

AUSactive CEO Ken Griffin said Pilates’ steady rise reflected its broad appeal within the Australian market.

“Valued for its ability to improve strength, mobility, balance and body awareness, Pilates continues to attract participants across all age groups and remains a uniquely strong trend within the Australian market.”

For Pilates instructors and studio owners, the ranking brings further visibility to a method already experiencing considerable attention. It also raises a practical question: how can the industry turn that interest into sustained participation, quality teaching and stronger client relationships?

The wider rankings offer some useful context. Exercise for mental health and wellbeing placed third, while fitness programs for older adults ranked fourth. Together, these priorities suggest opportunities for studios to consider how their programming, teaching and client experience respond to people seeking support for everyday wellbeing and continued movement across different stages of life.

That does not mean every studio needs to serve every audience. It reinforces the value of understanding who a studio serves, what those clients need and whether its instructors have the education and skills to support them.

Technology is another prominent theme. Wearable technology ranked second, data-driven training technology ninth and mobile exercise apps 12th, highlighting the growing role of digital tools in how people track progress and engage with exercise.

For Pilates businesses, the opportunity may lie in using those tools to support consistency and communication while maintaining the personal attention that makes the studio experience valuable.

Elsewhere, traditional strength training ranked seventh, mobility and recovery training 13th, and specialised or boutique fitness studios 15th. The breadth of the list reflects an exercise landscape in which consumers have many ways to pursue strength, movement and wellbeing.

Pilates’ first-place ranking is a significant moment for the Australian industry. The task ahead is to ensure the experience behind that growing visibility gives people a reason to keep coming back.

Source: AUSactive, Australia’s Top 20 Fitness Trends for 2027. Find out more.

2027 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends : ACSM'S Health & Fitness Journal

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