If your New Year's resolution involves getting more exercise, you may be looking for a little fitness inspo heading into 2025. Just in time for you to make your plans, an analysis by the fitness booking platform Class Pass dubbed Pilates the most beloved workout in the U.S.—and you might be surprised to learn just how popular it’s become.
According to recently released data, Class Pass saw a sudden surge in fitness reservations in 2024. In fact, overall bookings were up 51 percent year-over-year, the company says. Out of all the workout classes available on the platform, Pilates was named the single most popular workout in the nation. Notably, Pilates bookings increased by 84 percent from 2023 to 2024, easily earning the workout the coveted number-one spot for the second year in a row.
Why, exactly, is Pilates so popular? For one, there are “unique gifts Pilates brings to the body, mind, and soul,” says Nicola Geismar, a Pilates instructor and the founder of Free Your Spine.
Geismar describes Pilates as “more than a workout: it’s a practice that teaches us to move, breathe, and live with greater ease and strength. It’s about building strength from the inside out, unlocking vitality, and embracing movement as medicine for your whole being.”
Wondering what else there is to love about the workout? These are the top eight reasons you should give it a try.
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1 | Pilates can improve your spinal alignment and health.
ShutterstockAccording to Mayo Clinic, back pain is among the most common reasons people seek medical advice or miss work. It’s also a leading cause of disability worldwide. Want a quick fix? Geismar says that doing Pilates is a simple way to help realign your spine and alleviate some of that chronic discomfort.
“Pilates is designed to bring the spine into its optimal alignment, helping to reduce tension, prevent pain, and improve posture,” she tells Best Life. “Each movement integrates the spine with the rest of the body, creating a foundation for better mobility and balance in daily life.”2 | It can relieve stress.
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Many people come to Pilates hoping to slim, strengthen, and tone, but many fitness experts say the benefits go beyond the physical or aesthetic.
“Pilates helps lower our stress levels by combining our movement and breath, slowing down our movements, and focusing on the teachers' cues. You find your brain switches off all the outside noise, and you leave feeling calmer yet more energized and re-charged,” says Laura Thornton, a certified Pilates instructor and the owner of Form and Flow Pilates.
3 | It can build core strength and stability.
ShutterstockHaving a solid core helps you build strength and fitness and avoid injury by supporting your lower back and spine. Geismar says that taking a Pilates class is a great way to do just that.
“At the heart of Pilates is a focus on the core—often called the ‘powerhouse.’ By building deep, functional core strength, Pilates supports every movement we make, from bending to lifting to standing tall,” says Geismar.
Thornton adds that in her practice, she encourages intentional breathwork with each movement.
“This helps activate the transverse abdominis and a deeper core connection, which in turn builds strength,” she says.
4 | Pilates enhances the mind-body connection.
ShutterstockSome people think of Pilates as a form of meditation in motion. Geismar agrees that Pilates is an ideal form of exercise if you’re hoping to strengthen your mind-body connection.
“Pilates emphasizes breath and mindfulness, encouraging you to be fully present in each movement. This connection fosters greater body awareness, improves coordination, and reduces stress by grounding you in the moment,” says Geismar.
Thornton adds that since Pilates requires concentration on intentional movement, many people notice an improved sense of physical and mental awareness in everyday life.
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5 | It can improve your functional movement and mobility.
ShutterstockAs you age, your sense of flexibility and balance begin to naturally decline. Geismar says that Pilates is a useful exercise for helping you maintain functional movement, helping you preserve your mobility and independence into old age.
“Pilates enhances how we move in the real world by improving strength, flexibility, and balance. Its focus on controlled, precise movements creates a strong foundation for activities like walking, lifting, and even sitting at a desk with ease and efficiency,” Geismar notes.6 | It's great for all levels.
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No matter your fitness level, Pilates can provide a great total body workout with a low risk of bodily wear and tear.
“Whether you’re recovering from an injury, navigating the changes of midlife, or training as an athlete, Pilates meets you where you are,” says Geismar.
“Its versatility makes it accessible to all, offering modifications and progressions to suit your individual needs,” she adds.
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7 | It helps build emotional resilience.
iStockPilates may be low impact, but that doesn’t mean it’s low effort. By working through the physical challenges of this demanding workout, Geismar says many people develop a greater sense of emotional resilience and perseverance.
“Pilates helps you process emotions as energy in motion. With its flowing sequences and intentional breathwork, it invites you to release tension, find joy in movement, and connect to your inner strength,” says Geismar.
8 | You can do it anywhere.
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Yes, you can spend big on group Pilates classes that utilize heavy-duty equipment, but the experts say you can also opt for simple exercises that use only your body weight.
“You can practice pilates anywhere and with no equipment with a YouTube video, or you may wish to go to a studio and use the equipment. There is so much variety to challenge you and enjoy Pilates, making it accessible for so many people,” says Thornton.
