Pilates Is Trending — But It’s Been Here Forever, Seriously

Is Pilates Trending? Absolutely. But It’s Also Been Here Forever.

You might have noticed that Pilates is suddenly everywhere. Many of my students have also inquired if I even like teaching yoga, as for a moment, Pilates is packing my schedule. Truth is, I will always love teaching yoga, yet I have always loved the balance of weaving in pilates as well.

It almost feels like overnight, studios popped up with glowing reviews and schedule shifts to pack power pilates on the schedule. Pilates isn’t exactly a new kid on the block. Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates—an innovative German physio and boxer—this method was originally designed as a rehabilitation tool for soldiers and dancers recovering from injuries. In fact, I also bought my first Power Pilates VHS when I was 12 years old with my allowance money. I was told by my dance teacher that my dancing would improve with yoga and pilates training, so naturally, I took her seriously, as 24 years later, I am still training, dancing, and living a very active life.

When Joseph Pilates created the movement, It was called “Contrology,” emphasizing the mind-body connection and the importance of mindful movement. Over the decades, it evolved from rehabilitation to a mainstream fitness trend, rooted in principles of precision, alignment, and core strength.

Yet, despite its age, Pilates has recently undergone a renaissance. Meanwhile, where was the yoga? Where were the deep philosophical talks? Was the world too much to handle, and so we opted for something more immediate, more tangible?

Because here’s the thing: as within, so without. Our internal state reflects our external environment—something I think Pilates captures perfectly. It’s about strengthening from the inside out, rather than just ticking off a physical box.

Some of my long-time yoga students have asked if I’ve forsaken yoga entirely. Nope—I still love it. Yoga’s a fantastic practice for many reasons. I've dedicated much of my life exploring its teachings, opening ourselves to flow, and embracing surrender—think: Ishvara Pranidhana, the surrender to a higher power or just the flow of life. It’s beautiful, powerful, and necessary for cultivating inner peace.

But sometimes, surrender can be taken too far. It’s easy to become overly sensitive to the chaos around us, feeling like the world’s weight is on our shoulders. That’s where Pilates comes in—a perfect counterbalance to the “over-doing” and “over-feeling.” When we connect to our core, we connect to our strength as well as our "integration center." Here is where 72,000 energetic channels (nadhis) meet. Essentially, everything that you are absorbing is processing here. No wonder, it can feel intense at times, yet what a gift to come this far and feel the activation within.

What does it mean to do a Pilates class, really?
Most likely, you signed up knowing it would tighten your core. But what does that actually entail? And why is core strength so vital beyond looking good in your jeans?

Well, let’s talk about the Manipura Chakra—the solar plexus—your energetic power center, nestled right around your belly button. Strengthening this chakra isn’t just about abs; it’s about cultivating confidence, personal power, and resilience. When your core is activated, you’re better equipped to take decisive action from a place of authenticity rather than ego. It’s about being grounded yet fiercely ready to stand your ground when needed. I offer more psychological background on the Manipura in my chakra series (an online course which can be completed in your own time) so that you can understand how to recognize balances and imbalances that you can maintain and direct your energy efficiently. Yet on a daily basis we witness what is happening worldwide. I find the "pilates trend" isn't random, it's a calling to truly anchor in one's power and take action from a pure authentic place. It sparks a place of courage within which is necessary especially considering all that we are facing. We are being called more so now to stand up for our own power instead of surrendering to the chaos of it all. It takes strength, it takes courage, and it takes consistently showing up for yourself to maintain the connection to this pure power within. Hence, why I have offered free online resources for you as well, so that wherever you are. You can practice too.

Ever notice feeling stronger after a Pilates session?
It’s not just the physical benefits—though those are undeniable. Many students report less back pain, improved posture, and an overall sense of empowerment. But beneath that, Pilates works into a deeper layer—your energetic core—where your senses converge and subconscious patterns are stored.

Asforementioned, there are 72,000 energetic channels? Think of them as highways of information—processing inputs from every sense, every experience, both consciously and unconsciously. In today’s world, where the news cycle alone is enough to send anyone into a spiral, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.

We are literally not built to witness, absorb, and process all that’s happening on a global scale every single second. Knowledge is power, yes. But overexposure can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness—kind of like overeating cake and then feeling sluggish.

And this is precisely why Pilates—particularly core-focused, mindful practice—is trending. It acts as an internal fire, nourishing your deepest self while building strength that’s accessible in the real world. Because when you activate your Manipura Chakra, you’re strengthening your capacity to take action from a place of clarity, rather than chaos. Learn more here.

Power, ego, control:
We’ve all seen how unbalanced power can spiral into ego trips. But aligned power—power rooted in self-awareness and integrity—can be transformative. When we consistently show up for ourselves through practices like Pilates, we’re reminded that true strength comes from within. We learn to direct our energy efficiently and, paradoxically, surrender to the process—trusting that as we build resilience at our core, external circumstances become less daunting.
So even tho this is my take on it all, I invite you as you show up to the mat to inquire WHERE DO I WISH TO DIRECT MY STRENGTH TODAY? And really notice as you flow throughout your day HOW are you directing your energy, WHAT are you consuming through all of your senses.

Ready to try it for free for yourself?
I’m uploading new Pilates videos weekly on my YouTube channel—free for you to explore and experiment with from the comfort of your home.
If you are looking to supercharge your practice & expedite the connection to strength, props make all the difference. I've been using LionsCool, and they are linked here.

Balance Your Manipura in my Chakra Series on the Skool platform

Till next time, stay cool, radiant, wild,, and enjoy your Purrrrrrrlates!

Looking to expedite strength in your practice?
I've been using Lionscool Pilates props daily.
Links for the EU here
Links for the US here