An insightful global research partnership between Your Reformer, a leading provider of at-home Reformer Pilates, and trend forecasting agency SOON, has revealed a powerful cultural shift across the globe; that movement is no longer just about fitness. It’s becoming a central pillar of identity, self-care, and social connection and despite economic pressures, people are not abandoning their movement and/or fitness goals.
The new research, which surveyed thousands of global fitness consumers, revealed the shifting values that are redefining fitness, with health and wellness now emerging as the leading life priority, surpassing even career ambitions and financial goals. The report found that only 10% would cut back spending on exercise if they needed to, with 45% considering fitness/self-care a top ‘splurge’ category, second only to groceries.
Drawing on global lifestyle trends and in-depth consumer insights, The Future of Movement report uncovered how people are redefining what it means to “move well”, blending wellness, technology, and emotional health in ways never seen before and that that Reformer Pilates is fast becoming more than just a workout – it’s a lifestyle, a self-care ritual, and a way to culturally connect.
Key Findings:
Reformer Pilates is Becoming the “Third Space”
No longer confined to studios or gyms, Reformer Pilates is taking centre stage in homes, becoming a new kind of sanctuary that supports both physical strength and mental restoration. The study revealed that home fitness is now the norm for 3 out of 4 people and that around 76% of us are now exercising at home!
Adaptive Fitness Programs
Adaptive fitness programs are rising in popularity, as 56% of respondents expressed interest in workouts tailored to different ability levels. Pilates is a very inclusive modality and brands such as Your Reformer are making traditionally high-cost classes more accessible through their rental model and this is further reflected in the industry, where studios and digital platforms now offer adaptive classes catering to older adults, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities.
Breaking Gender and Cultural Stereotypes
Long-held fitness binaries such as ‘women do cardio’, ‘men lift weights’ are dissolving. Consumers want to see relatable role models, and this is evident when looking at the inclusive fitness market, which is booming globally, growing from $6.09 billion in 2024 to a projected $11.97 billion by 2032.
Optimized Aging
The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the decade of aging, rallying global action to ‘change how we think, feel and act’ towards aging. Heath has become the ultimate long-term goal, with the data indicating a strong interest in strength/functional fitness programs, reflecting an awareness that today’s workouts influence tomorrow’s health.
It’s Not Just Exercise. It’s Identity.
Movement is how people now express who they are. With the rise of digital personalisation, wearables, and curated home studios, individuals are turning fitness into a lifestyle statement.
Recovery is the New Hustle
Americans are placing as much value on rest and recovery as they do on reps and results. Think: breathwork, Pilates, and mindfulness replacing boot camps and burnout.
Tech-Enabled, Soul-Driven
From AI-driven personalization to immersive video content, the next era of movement is guided by data, but led by human intention and emotional connection.
The research tapped into some of the biggest questions shaping our everyday lives – from how we relax and recharge, to what spaces we create at home, and how we relate to one another. It’s a window into the next era of well-being, aesthetics, and self-care. It confirms what many already feel: the future of fitness is personal, joyful, and rooted in how we want to live, not just how we want to look.
Your Reformer Founder and Creative Director Emma Stallworthy says “The key is literal flexibility. Consumers want to personalise not just the workout content, but the delivery mode that best fits their lifestyle. For the fitness industry, this means offerings must be platform-agnostic and omnipresent: a great workout should be accessible at home, at the gym, or on the go, wherever the user wants it.”
Your Reformer’s range of reformer beds, fitness accessories, digital memberships, and activewear is available via yourreformer.com
Founded by accomplished gym owners Emma and Ben Stallworthy, Your Reformer has revolutionised the home fitness experience by bringing the essence of a premium reformer Pilates studio directly to you. Offering studio-quality reformer beds and on-demand classes, Your Reformer empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellness on their own terms. Whether purchasing or renting, Your Reformer provides options for both personal and commercial use, extending the reach of world-class reformer Pilates to gyms, hotels, and businesses alike.
nic@kateco.com.au
KateCo. PR