Why There Are So Many Pilates Studios Right Now - And How to Choose the Right One

If it feels like a new reformer Pilates studio is opening every five minutes, you’re not imagining it.

Pilates has become one of the fastest-growing fitness categories in the UK. ClassPass data shows Pilates has held the top spot globally for three consecutive years, with bookings surging 66% year on year in 2025. Applications from reformer Pilates instructors grew by nearly 950% between 2024 and 2025 alone - the biggest rise across all startup categories in the country. The UK Pilates and yoga market is now valued at over £1 billion.

That is extraordinary growth. And for anyone looking for a Pilates studio near them, it raises a very reasonable question: with so many options, how do you know which one is actually worth your time?

We’ve been thinking about this a lot at Rise. And honestly, we think it’s worth talking about openly.

Why Is Pilates Having This Moment?

There are a few things happening at once.

Women are done with punishment fitness. After years of HIIT, high-impact cardio, and gyms built around aesthetics, a lot of women have quietly walked away. They want something that works with their bodies, not against them. Pilates - with its focus on control, strength, and genuine function - delivers exactly that.

The conversation around women’s health has shifted. There’s more awareness than ever about pelvic floor health, postnatal recovery, perimenopause, and hormonal fitness. Pilates sits right at the centre of all of it.

Social media made it visible. Celebrity endorsements, viral reels, and aesthetic studio spaces turned reformer Pilates into a cultural moment. Whether that’s good or bad depends on where you end up practising.

The boom is real, and for the most part, it’s genuinely positive. More women discovering Pilates is a wonderful thing. But rapid growth in any industry brings variable quality - and that’s worth knowing.

The Honest Truth About the New Wave of Studios

Not all Pilates studios are the same. With the market moving so quickly, there are some things worth looking out for when choosing where to practise.

Instructor training and qualifications vary wildly

This matters more than almost anything else. A qualified, experienced Pilates instructor will see your body, adapt exercises to your needs, spot when something isn’t right, and keep you safe. An under-qualified one might not. The Pilates Teacher Association and physiotherapists in the field have raised concerns about the risks of poorly taught classes - sore necks, back injuries, and movements that do more harm than good.

Ask any studio you’re considering: how are your instructors trained, and to what level?

Big classes aren’t always better value

Some studios pack in as many people as possible to maximise revenue. When you’re one of twenty people on a reformer, individual attention becomes nearly impossible. Pilates is a precision method. The feedback and corrections you receive from an instructor make a significant difference to what you get out of every session.

Instructor-less studios are a growing trend - proceed with caution

Some newer studios are experimenting with video-module classes where participants follow a screen with no live instructor. There’s no one to notice your form, no one to modify for your injury, and no one to help if something doesn’t feel right. It’s the lowest common denominator version of the method.

Aesthetics aren’t everything

Beautiful studios with great natural light and matching props aren’t a bad thing - environment matters for how you feel when you practise. But the most Instagrammable studio in your area isn’t necessarily the one where you’ll make real progress. Look for substance alongside the style.

So, What Makes Rise Different?

We’re going to be straightforward here, because we think you deserve more than a list of marketing claims.

Our instructors are genuinely qualified

Every member of the Rise team has been trained to a professional standard. Our founder completed her training with APPI (the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute) - one of the most respected Pilates training organisations in the world, with a strong emphasis on anatomy, injury awareness, and evidence-based practice. We take that standard seriously across the whole team.

Our classes are small by design

We keep our reformer classes intimate. That’s a deliberate choice, not a limitation. It means your instructor can actually see you, correct you, and make sure the class is working for your body - not just the average body in the room.

We offer more than reformer

Our second studio room runs mat Pilates, Wunda Chair, and Half Barrel classes. These aren’t afterthoughts - they’re core to a well-rounded Pilates practice, and we believe in offering our members the full method, not just the trendy part of it.

We’re a real local studio, not a franchise

Rise was built in Keyworth by someone who lives, works, and is part of this community. We know our members by name. We notice when someone seems to be having a harder week. We adapt, we check in, and we genuinely care whether the people who walk through our door are getting something meaningful from their time with us.

That’s harder to manufacture than a nice colour palette.

Pilates found us for a reason, and we haven’t forgotten that

Our founder’s relationship with Pilates isn’t just professional - it’s personal. This discipline has played a real role in her own journey. Rise was built from that place of genuine belief in what Pilates can do for a person, and it shapes everything about how we run the studio.

How to Choose the Right Pilates Studio for You

Whether you’re considering Rise or exploring other options nearby, here’s what we’d genuinely recommend looking for:

• Ask about instructor qualifications - and expect a proper answer

• Check the class sizes. Small is usually better

• Look for a trial offer so you can experience the studio before committing

• Read the reviews, but look specifically for comments about the quality of instruction, not just the vibe

• Notice how the studio communicates with you. Does it feel personal, or like a marketing funnel?

• Trust your gut when you walk in. The right studio should feel welcoming from the first moment

Come and See for Yourself

Rise Pilates Studio is at 9 & 9a The Square in the heart of Keyworth, Nottinghamshire - with free parking on Bunny Lane and easy access from West Bridgford, Ruddington, Radcliffe on Trent, and across the Rushcliffe area.

We’d love to show you what we mean in person. Browse our timetable and book your first class here. If you’ve got questions before you come in, just get in touch - we’re always happy to chat.

The Pilates boom is real. We just think you deserve the real thing.

FAQs

Are there Pilates studios near Keyworth?

Yes - Rise Pilates Studio is based in Keyworth village centre and serves clients from across Rushcliffe, including West Bridgford, Ruddington, Radcliffe on Trent, and the surrounding area.

How do I know if a Pilates instructor is qualified?

Look for training through recognised bodies such as APPI, STOTT Pilates, Body Control Pilates, or the Pilates Foundation. A good instructor will be happy to talk you through their training background.

Is boutique Pilates worth the price?

In a small, well-run boutique studio, you’re paying for smaller class sizes, qualified instruction, and genuine individual attention. For many people, that’s a significant difference in results compared to a larger, less personalised setting.

How do I book a class at Rise Pilates Studio?

You can browse our full timetable and book directly through our online booking platform here. Grip socks are required in all classes - bring your own or pick up a pair from us.