With the growing number of studios and the continued evolution of the practice, Pilates is establishing itself as a permanent fixture in the fitness world, embodying a shift from fast-paced, high-intensity workouts to mindful movement and intentional exercises.
Is it just us or is everyone entering their Pilates Princess Era? Over the last year, it seems as though Pilates studios have been popping up left and right all over the Metro. From students and young professionals, to titas and the occasional curious male, more and more people are incorporating Pilates into their lifestyle.
This isn’t surprising. Pilates has been touted as the secret to achieving that long-toned physique (looking at you, Miley Cyrus performing at the Grammys) as well as improving function and longevity, helping athletes perform at the highest level (Lebron James, Novak Djokovic…need we say more?). Pilates, once viewed as a niche practice for rehab and therapy, has transformed into a widely embraced fitness trend, with an increasing number of people seeking its benefits in a world where the importance of mental and physical wellness is more recognized than ever.
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What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves strength and flexibility, working the deep muscles with a focus on stabilizing the body’s core muscles—or our “powerhouse.” In Pilates, there’s an emphasis on the mind-body connection, with movements grounded in your breath, precision, and control. It was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates as a form of rehabilitation for injured soldiers during World War I. Today, Pilates has evolved, using a range of spring-loaded equipment or simple floor exercises to engage the body as a whole.
“Pilates is evolving beyond its classical roots. We are now integrating new discoveries in exercise physiologies, which helps clients achieve their goals more efficiently and with faster results,” says Vivian Zapanta, an instructor and mainstay in the local Pilates scene.
The Shift Toward Intentional Movement
“Pilates is currently enjoying a resurgence as people seek mindful, effective movement practices,” adds Vivian.
Fitness classes are not new, harking back to the era when our mothers would take aerobics classes in the 1990s, and continuing into the 2010s with the rise of stacked spinning and high-intensity interval training sessions that maximize calorie burn.
Though these are still popular and have their own benefits, there’s a growing shift toward slower-paced, intentional practices like Pilates, which provide a more balanced approach by combining strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, appealing to those seeking both physical and mental well-being.
Tricia Centenera, a former professional dancer now certified STOTT PILATES® instructor hypothesizes: “I think the younger generation are more aware of self-care and are gentler on themselves. They are seeing it as a better alternative to going to the gym. It’s really such an elegant form of keeping fit and less stressful on the body and soul.”
This mindful approach is particularly relevant in today’s world, where there’s growing awareness of the detrimental effects of chronic stress and high cortisol levels, especially in women. While many high-intensity workouts are great for burning calories, they can also elevate cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Sustained elevated cortisol levels can lead to negative physical effects, including weight gain, fatigue, and even muscle loss.
Instead of pushing the body to its limits or focusing on rapid results, Pilates encourages participants to move slowly, intentionally, and with full awareness of their body’s alignment and breath.
A New Era Of Pilates
Studios and private instructors have successfully catered to a niche set of Filipino clients for years. So why is Pilates only now entering the mainstream fitness scene?
Perception. There was, and often still is, a perception that Pilates was primarily for rehabilitation or therapy, leading to the misconception that it was only suitable for older individuals or those who were injured. Kim Prada-Santos, owner of the popular studio Every.Day Pilates in Quezon City, debunks this: “A lot of people think Pilates is either too easy or way too hard but it’s actually for everyone. Pilates builds strength, improves mobility, and helps you move better in your everyday lives.” There’s no doubt that popular figures, from celebrities to athletes, have also shifted how people view Pilates. This will only continue to grow as more people discover the benefits of the practice.
Price. On the scale of fitness offerings, Pilates has leaned toward the pricier side. “Pilates is taking off now because it started being accessible to people. Pilates used to be focused on private [sessions] which wasn’t financially sustainable for most clients,” explains Caryl Labordo of the studio Reformer Revolution. But as more Pilates studios open and offer a wider range of class options—from private sessions to semi-private and larger group classes—the practice is becoming more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
The range of home equipment has also expanded, making it easier for individuals to practice Pilates at home. “A home and studio setup complement each other,” says Jenny Sy of Pilates equipment distributor Strattera Fitness. “This is possible with increased access to quality equipment at a reasonable price point.”
Pace. If we had a dollar for every time someone said Pilates was just stretching, we’d be able to fund a whole new Pilates studio. Pilates is a highly effective workout that targets a variety of fitness goals, from toning and lengthening muscles to increasing flexibility and improving posture.“ Studios are offering more class types to make Pilates appeal to a wider audience, especially in terms of fitness levels and objectives,” explains Sharon De Dios, head coach of MNL Pilates, which specializes in dynamic group reformer classes.
The low-impact nature of Pilates makes it easy to incorporate it into any fitness routine and lifestyle without putting unnecessary stress on the joints. Pilates requires precise, controlled movements that activate and strengthen our deep muscles—it’s called “Pilates shakes” for a reason.
Okay, I’m Sold. How Do I Pilates?
The good news is that Pilates studios are booming across the Philippines, making the practice more accessible to those looking to incorporate it into their fitness routines. Whether you’re new to Pilates or an experienced practitioner, there are studios for every level and preference. Some studios specialize in Classical Pilates (a more traditional and structured approach similar to the original method developed by Joseph Pilates), while others offer contemporary Pilates (incorporating more fitness and functional movements)—all while incorporating a mix of equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, chair, and good ol’ mat.
“Not all Pilates methods are the same. The best approach is one that adapts to the needs of the body rather than forcing the body to conform to the exercises,” explains Vivian.
For beginners, many of these studios offer introductory classes, where you can learn the fundamentals of Pilates in a supportive environment. It’s essential to start with basic movements to build a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced exercises. Pilates is highly customizable, so regardless of your fitness level, there’s always a class that can cater to your needs. It doesn’t hurt to check if a studio offers private sessions with qualified Pilates instructors, especially if you’re looking for more personalized guidance or have specific fitness goals in mind.
Like any workout, it may take time to find the right fit and incorporate it into your routine, but the key is to stay consistent and find what works best for you. Pilates doesn’t have to be complicated— there are plenty of YouTube videos available to help you get started and reap its full benefits over time.
Manila Pilates Guide
Speranza (Bonifacio High Street, Taguig)
Speranza specializes in the STOTT PILATES® methodology, with its owner Nadine Sta. Ana receiving guidance and mentorship from Vivian Zapanta herself. The studio offers private, duet, and group sessions across a range of apparatus with Merrithew equipment, as well as mat and barre classes.
Reformer Revolution (F1 Hotel Manila, Taguig)
A boutique studio, Reformer Revolution creates a safe and intimate space for clients and instructors with Balance Body equipment. The studio also has a wellness center for physical therapy and holistic wellness services.
Every.Day Pilates (Diliman, Quezon City)
Every.Day Pilates has a beautiful space and coffee bar that entices all to want to practice Pilates, well, every day. Level up your practice with the encouraging and intimate community and enjoy quality instruction with a range of Merrithew equipment, either in a private or small group setting.
MNL Pilates (Greenhills, San Juan)
MNL Pilates specializes in group reformer classes, with a variety of class types designed to suit different levels and fitness objectives—from Foundations and Essentials for Pilates fundamentals, to Flow, Sculpt, and Plyo for a level up. Enjoy a dynamic full body workout with a group, or schedule private classes for a more personalized experience.
Strattera Fitness (At-home)
Strattera Fitness prides itself on being a high-quality Pilates equipment distributor, making the process of setting up your home gym or boutique studio smooth and seamless. Visit their showroom to explore the range of apparatus offered, across classical and contemporary styles.
A Mindful Shift
Pilates is more than just a fitness trend—it represents a shift toward mindful movement and intentional exercise away from the fast-paced, high-intensity workouts that have dominated the fitness industry.
From its roots in rehabilitation and therapy to its rise as a popular, low-impact workout, Pilates has proven to be a versatile and effective way to build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Its emphasis on mindfulness and controlled movements aligns perfectly with today’s desire for more holistic approaches to wellness.
This article was originally published in our April 2025 issue.
Photography by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, INC.
Models Sharon De Dios And Maria Pineda of MNL Pilates.
