If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen them: video after video of men sweating, wobbling and groaning their way through their first ever Pilates class.
Inevitably, the comments will be filled with women celebrating the confirmation of what they’d known all along: that Pilates is legit hard.
Then come the follow up videos – women asking the men in their Pilates classes to please, please stop the grunting. We know, the exercises are hard, but the first rule in the Pilates Code of Etiquette is that we suffer in silence (then all let out a big sigh when the set is done).
The trend is humbling (for men) and vindicating (for women), but it also points to something bigger. Pilates has been enjoying a steady rise in popularity over the last ten years, but it hasn’t reached its peak yet – in fact, it’s only just beginning.
With International Pilates Day just gone (taking place on the first Saturday of May), there’s no time like the present to get to the core (pun intended) of why Pilates is so popular.
To find out more, we caught up with Laura Jane, an instructor at Club Pilates Ashmore, whose 15 years in the fitness industry includes five years as a certified mat and reformer instructor.
“My background in professional dance and acrobatics introduced me to Pilates, and after experiencing its remarkable benefits during my own recovery from hip surgery, becoming an instructor felt like a natural progression,” says Laura.
While many people are drawn to Pilates to get stronger abs, recover from injury or fix that desk-job posture, there’s usually a surprise or two waiting for them on the mat – or the reformer.
“People come to Pilates for various reasons, but the most common goals include core strength, better posture and injury rehabilitation,” explains Laura. “People often choose Pilates because it’s gentle on the joints while providing an effective full-body workout. It appeals to everyone from athletes to beginners looking to improve their overall fitness.”
But what most people don’t expect is how good it is for the mind, too.
“The mental benefits often surprise people the most,” Laura adds. “While clients come for the physical improvements, they discover enhanced focus, better sleep quality, and a deeper mind-body connection. Their Pilates practice becomes a valuable tool for stress management, with benefits extending far beyond the studio into both work and personal life.”
And no, you don’t have to become a full-time Pilates princess (or prince) to see results. Even one class a week can create big changes.
“The beauty of Pilates is that you’ll notice small changes quite quickly, especially in posture and body awareness,” Laura says. “While everyone’s body responds differently, practicing two or three times a week typically delivers the best results. Most clients see deeper strength gains after eight to 12 consistent sessions, but even practicing once a week can be transformative – the key is finding a sustainable routine that fits your lifestyle.”
That’s the beauty of Pilates: it meets you where you’re at. As Laura explains, it’s one of the most adaptable forms of exercise, suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
Her top tip is to start with a beginner class and see how your body responds. “Most people are surprised by how accessible yet challenging it can be, and how quickly they begin to notice positive changes.”
There are very few people who shouldn’t try Pilates, but that doesn’t mean there are no risks. Those with acute injuries, certain health conditions, or recent surgeries should consult their healthcare provider first, Laura says.
“A qualified instructor can modify exercises to accommodate most conditions, making Pilates accessible to people at various fitness levels and physical capabilities,” she adds.
Which brings up another important point: not everything you see on TikTok (or social media in general) is proper Pilates. While social media can inspire, Laura explains that true Pilates can only be taught by a certified professional.
“Look for qualified instructors who hold recognised certifications, understand anatomy and prioritise form over trends,” says Laura. “A quality instructor will assess your individual needs and offer appropriate modifications while maintaining focus on proper alignment.”
In other words: a cute matching set and 100k followers do not a Pilates instructor make. Chat to your Pilates-going friends to see which studios they love, or check out which local Pilates providers are highly recommended on social media (it can be good for some things!).
“Pilates has the power to transform not just your body, but your whole approach to movement and wellbeing,” Laura says. “The most rewarding part of being an instructor is watching clients discover what their bodies are capable of.
“It’s never too late to start. We have all ages and abilities at Club Pilates – that’s what makes it such a beautiful and inclusive place to be a part of. There’s never a better time to build a stronger, more confident version of yourself, than right now.”
So whether you’re chasing a stronger core, a calmer mind or you just want to see what all the fuss (and trembling legs) are about – go ahead. Take a class. Maybe just try to keep the grunting to a minimum, okay?
Want to learn more about Pilates? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Mat Pilates right here, and Reformer Pilates right here.
