Pilates Journal Expo 2026: Recap
This weekend, Bloom attended The Pilates Journal Expo conference alongside studio owners, instructors, educators, and wellness leaders from across the country and beyond. I wanted to share the major themes that kept coming up. These themes directly affect how studios attract clients, retain members, and stay profitable in an increasingly competitive market.
Pilates Has Moved from Niche to Mainstream
The most consistent message across the conference was that Pilates is no longer niche. It is now part of the broader wellness conversation. Boutique reformer studios continue to be one of the fastest growing segments in fitness. More people are discovering Pilates through Instagram, Meta, Youtube, ClassPass, and friends/family who already practice.
This growth is exciting, but it also means:
More competition in local markets
More first time clients who need education and guidance
Higher expectations for onboarding and client experience
Shortage of quality instructors
In other words, studios can no longer rely on demand alone. Systems, staffing, and onboarding now play a much bigger role in sustainable growth.
Retention Is the Real Growth Strategy
“Roughly 60% of people who walk into a Pilates studio for the first time do not become repeat clients. That is not because Pilates is failing, but because more diverse audiences are now trying it.”
— Mohammed Iqbal, CEO, SweatWorks
A data point that came up repeatedly was that a large percentage of people who try Pilates do not continue long term. Not because Pilates does not work, but because modern clients are busy, distracted, and overwhelmed with choices. Successful studios focus on helping clients build Pilates into their lifestyle, that includes: removing friction, habit building, and a sense of community.
Client Experience Is Expanding Beyond the Reformer
Another theme was that clients are looking for more than just a great class. They want to feel connected, seen, and supported.
Today’s Pilates client values:
Community and social connection
Simple and intuitive booking
Clear communication and guidance
Feeling part of something
Experience is part of the retention strategy. Studios that design intentional client journeys, from first class through long term membership, are better positioned for sustainable success. When clients understand what to do next and feel emotionally connected to the studio, they are far more likely to stay, upgrade, and refer others.
Clear Positioning Matters More Than Ever
As the industry grows, being for everybody is not sustainable.
Get clear about:
Who is your ideal client?
How would a client describe your studio to a friend?
What do you want to be known for in your community?
This does not mean excluding people. It means communicating clearly so the right clients find you and stay with you. Strong positioning also supports instructor alignment, marketing clarity, and more consistent member experiences, all of which directly affect profitability and growth.
Instructors and Culture Are Business Assets
Instructors remain the heartbeat of every successful studio. Clients stay when they trust their instructors, feel welcomed, and experience consistency across classes.
From a business perspective, this means:
Instructor retention protects client retention
Ongoing development supports class quality
Alignment around values strengthens brand experience
You should be viewing instructor hiring not only as a people investment, but as an operational and financial strategy that protects client experience and long term revenue.
Technology Should Reduce Friction, Not Add Complexity
While technology continues to shape the fitness industry, there was strong agreement that more tools do not = better operations.
Systems that make sense for Pilates studio operations:
Simplify scheduling and payments
Improve communication with clients
Reduce manual admin work
The goal is not automation for its own sake. The goal is freeing up time and energy so owners and instructors can focus on teaching, coaching, and building relationships.
Looking Ahead
Industry leaders shared that Pilates is getting more attention from investors and larger fitness brands. Consolidation and expansion are likely to continue over the next several years.
This brings:
More resources and innovation
Greater visibility for the Pilates method
Increased pressure to scale responsibly and maintain quality
For boutique studios, this makes clarity, culture, and operational strength even more important differentiators.
How Can Bloom Analytics Collective Help Your Pilates Studio
At Bloom Analytics Collective, we help boutique Pilates studios understand what is happening inside their business, identify where small operational changes can drive meaningful financial impact, and build systems that support both growth and well being. You are in this business because you are passionate about Pilates, we take take the admin work of your hands and become your collaborative business partner.
In practice, that often means helping studios:
Understand which classes and memberships are actually driving revenue
Catch early signs of churn before it impacts cash flow
Simplify backend workflows that are eating up owners time
References:
Quotes from Ken Endelman (Balanced Body) and Mohammed Iqbal (SweatWorks), shared during leadership sessions at Pilates Journal Expo 2026.
