Pilates in Australia: The Latest Trends & Insights by State
Considering a career in Pilates? There is so much to gain - fulfilling work which allows you to genuinely improve the health and wellbeing of your clients, the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours (and maybe even your own rates!), the chance to have fun in your job, the opportunity to turn your passion for Pilates into a paying job, the list is endless.
But while all of those things sound incredible, it’s only natural (and important!) to want to understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you commit to a career in Pilates… Is the industry thriving? Are there still jobs available? What does the future look like? What’s driving the growth and demand for Pilates? And what’s happening in the Pilates industry where you live?
We’re giving you all the insider intel and more, breaking down the Pilates industry state by state across Australia. Discover exactly what the world of Pilates looks like where you live (and work!), so you know what opportunities are available to you, and where you want to head in the future. Ready?
Pilates in New South Wales (NSW)
NSW is currently the largest Pilates market in Australia - particularly Sydney - with this growth only expected to continue in the coming months and years. Women aged 25-45 make up a significant portion of the demographics within the state, with this audience also being the group most interested in (and likely to pay for) Pilates classes and services. As a result, there are an increasing number of opportunities in the NSW Pilates market, and while we’re seeing the largest number of Pilates studios and businesses within the Sydney metro area, this is expanding more and more into less populated areas.
Boutique studios
Along with this expansion in Pilates across all areas of NSW, we’re also seeing a rise in the opening of boutique studios, as well as integrated wellness studios combining Pilates, yoga, other fitness modalities, and recovery or mindfulness services.
The recently opened Wellness Playground in Marrickville is the perfect example - offering stunning studios and equipment, and a range of fitness classes from Pilates, to HIIT, strength and spin, emphasising the importance of supporting clients’ physical and mental health. They also offer infrared saunas, a luxe lounge space to unwind in, and yoga classes focused on rejuvenating clients - all in line with the increasing emphasis on recovery, mindfulness, and mental wellbeing as well as physical.
Reformer Pilates
Integrating these trends alongside Pilates classes and services is in high demand in Sydney and NSW more broadly. A rising awareness of the holistic health benefits Pilates offers has significantly contributed to the industry’s sustained high demand, with reformer Pilates in particular seeing strong growth in the region.
Pilates in Victoria (VIC)
Victoria is the Australian state experiencing the greatest popularity and demand for Pilates right now. 4% of Victorians aged 15 and older participated in Pilates in 2019, with this number continuing to soar since then.
Women lead the way
In Victoria, women are the group most involved in Pilates, making up 90% of people engaging in classes and services. Women aged between 45-64 were previously among the biggest clients of the industry, though this is beginning to skew younger and younger as more people become aware of the low-impact, high-reward nature of Pilates.
Clients are willing to pay
The Victorian Pilates industry is a lucrative one too, with the total expenditure on Pilates estimated to be around $352 million in 2019 - a figure which has no doubt grown exponentially in the years since. This means clients were spending a median of $500 each per year on Pilates - and again, this has only increased in more recent years.
We’re also seeing the prices of Pilates classes - both group and smaller (even 1:1) classes - increasing in the state, meaning the earning potential for Pilates instructors is higher than ever before. Some studios are offering more luxe facilities, more experienced instructors, new class formats, or new services like recovery and relaxation protocols to justify the price hikes, while others simply view it as a reflection of the increasing demand for Pilates and its powerful health benefits.
Hybrid and emerging class formats
We are noticing a wider range of Pilates methods and class formats emerging in Victoria, with the expansion of innovative options like hot Pilates gaining popularity. The hybrid fitness model also continues to grow, as more studios are starting to combine traditional Pilates classes with elements of other fitness modalities like HIIT, Barre and cardio - similarly to STRONG Pilates!
Mindful movement
Victoria has also seen a significant increase in the demand for mindful movement - which has further fueled the interest in Pilates - cementing Pilates’ status as an integral part of the fitness industry in the state, particularly in Melbourne. However, outside of Melbourne, regional towns are also starting to enjoy the opening of more and more small Pilates studios, offering the chance to get involved (and become obsessed!) to more people than ever before.
Pilates in Queensland (QLD)
Queensland - particularly Brisbane and the Gold Coast - is also seeing an increase in interest in Pilates, with more outdoor and online classes and studios emerging in response to the state’s growing demand. This favourable business environment, alongside Queensland’s renewed focus on health and fitness, has seen Pilates also becoming more popular in wellness resorts and spas in the state.
Rising popularity with younger groups
Many existing Pilates businesses in Queensland currently target active people aged 50 and above, who are seeking low-impact exercise options. However, more and more young people are becoming interested in Pilates and seeking out classes, creating a huge opportunity for existing and emerging Pilates instructors to capitalise on…
Pilates in South Australia (SA)
Pilates is finally becoming more mainstream in South Australia - particularly in Adelaide - with new studios and facilities opening to offer classes for both beginners and more advanced Pilates enthusiasts.
The number of small boutique studios and personal training spaces is increasing, as the state experiences increased participation in wellness and fitness services - with Pilates now a regular (and highly in-demand) option offered by most gyms or businesses with multiple fitness modalities and class formats.
More growth is coming…
While SA is only at the beginning of the expected boom in interest and demand for Pilates, this is the perfect time to capitalise on the growth that’s coming… With other parts of the country leading the way and creating a blueprint for aspiring instructors or studio owners, now is the time to commit to a career in Pilates, so you’re ahead of the curve and able to set yourself up for success before all the competition arrives!
Pilates in Western Australia (WA)
Pilates is especially popular in Perth, as more people are demanding alternative fitness options to improve their fitness and health, and reduce stress levels. Across WA, Pilates has also seen significant uptake amongst older age demographics, with clients seeking movement options which help rehabilitate injury, improve mobility and strength, and prevent muscle and bone weakness.
Nurturing mental and physical health
WA is championing the importance of supporting clients’ physical and mental health in its Pilates offerings, with studios like The Pilates Lab promising mind and body benefits, in addition to a supportive and nurturing community environment.
Growth on the horizon…
As in South Australia, the Pilates industry is expected to explode from here, making this an excellent time to commit to a career in Pilates and carve out your dream job before the space becomes saturated by other like-minded Pilates enthusiasts looking for the same flexibility, fun, fulfilment and financial reward you’re seeking!
Pilate in Tasmania (TAS)
Pilates has more of a niche customer base in Tasmania compared to other states, but we are noticing the number of boutique studios and online Pilates platforms starting to grow.
Integrating nature
Particularly in Hobart and Launcestone, there is a strong focus on wellness and nature-based exercise, which has led to the formation of smaller Pilates groups and classes. While small groups and 1:1 classes are currently the most readily available options in the state, we expect to see the emergence of more Pilates studios catering to larger groups, offering a variety of Pilates classes and styles, and capitalising on the growing focus on health and fitness amongst Tasmanian residents.
Pilates in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Many people assume the Pilates market is small in the ACT, but this actually isn’t the case! Pilates has gained huge traction amongst the professional and health-conscious demographics living in Canberra, with an increasing number of studios opening in the city.
Awareness of impact
The local government support for health services has helped raise awareness of the benefits of Pilates for rehabilitation, as well as physical and mental wellness. And with this awareness has come huge demand - naturally! We expect to see a spike in the number of Pilates classes on offer, and the number of boutique and larger studios opening in the area, in the very near future…
Pilates in the Northern Territory (NT)
Pilates is less established in the NT compared to most other states across Australia, but city centres like Darwin are beginning to see the emergence of new fitness studios and services - including Pilates!
Outdoor exploration
At the moment, outdoor classes and programs are growing - a direct result of the NT residents adapting to the tropical climate in the way they approach fitness and movement. We expect to see more outdoor Pilates classes offered in the near future, alongside the opening of more boutique studios as the state jumps on the bandwagon and learns more about the endless benefits of Pilates.
Australia’s Pilates industry as a whole…
There are a few noticeable trends across Australia which are shaping the future of Pilates nation-wide.
Hybrid fitness offerings.
More and more studios and gyms are creating blended class formats, combining Pilates alongside other fitness modalities like HIIT, cardio, weight lifting and yoga. This mixing of various fitness formats means clients feel they’re getting more “bang for their buck”, experiencing the benefits of each type of fitness incorporated into their classes.
Digital or online classes.
This is nothing new, but the extent to which online classes remain in demand is somewhat surprising. Virtual classes - whether live or pre-recorded - offer a convenient, often cost-effective way for people to move their bodies from the comfort of their own homes. Especially popular for older participants, mums with young children, or people working from home, this trend isn’t going anywhere… and it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for aspiring or existing Pilates instructors.
An emphasis on recovery.
As mindfulness and recovery protocols continue to soar in popularity Australia-wide, there’s an opportunity to differentiate yourself by incorporating these practices into your Pilates classes. Whether it’s adding a stretching element at the end of each class, introducing new recovery services alongside your Pilates offering, or incorporating mindfulness into your sessions (perhaps with the help of our Mindfulness, Meditation and Breathwork for Pilates course!), this is a great way to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
The emergence of newer Pilates class formats.
As we’ve touched on, new and innovative forms of Pilates are starting to creep into the industry around the country. Tower Pilates, hot Pilates, Pilates involving small or specific pieces of equipment, you name it - and this makes it an exciting time to be part of the industry. The sky is the limit, so keep an eye on overseas Pilates studios and instructors so you’re always on top of what’s coming our way… Or even better, create the trend! Establish yourself as an industry leader by innovating your own class offering, integrating new and unique pieces of equipment, or making your classes different to others available in your state.
As you can clearly see, the demand and interest in Pilates is only growing in each and every state across the country. With different trends and demographics impacting the future within each state, it’s an exciting time to expand or launch a career in Pilates in Australia, with the opportunities and possibilities greater than ever.
Ready to finally commit to a career in Pilates? Enrol in our APPI Pilates Instructor Certification now to kickstart your career with a certification from the highest-quality and most respected, recognised education provider in the country. There’s a reason we’re Australia’s number one Pilates education provider… Why would you study anywhere else? Join us when you enrol today!