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The Pilates Forecast for 2008

With every new year, we see new fitness industry forecasts circulating in the media. So how does ‘08 look for Pilates? Here are a few snapshots:

The American Council on Exercise’s new industry survey finds that “Hybrid Programming”—i.e. “Pilates Fusion” and “Spin-Yoga”—will continue to be popular. Sports-specific programming, “Boomer” fitness, express classes, total wellness programming, and functional strength training also made their top 10 list. While Pilates is mentioned only once, most of the trends apply to Pilates.

The New York Times blogged about new survey from Consumer Reports that found that respondents who go to private fitness studios, local gyms and community centers were more satisfied than those who go to national gym chains. This bias against big health clubs was echoed in an AP story, which predicts people will gravitate toward “small, boutique fitness centers, including Pilates and yoga studios” because the classes are better.

In the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2008 fitness trend survey, Pilates makes the list for the first time, coming in at No. 7. Last year, it had been lumped together with yoga under “mind/body exercise.” Topping the list is the trend toward “educated and experienced fitness professionals” as more fitness educational programs become accredited. (The PMA is moving toward this goal for Pilates programs as well). Programs targeting childhood obesity comes in at No. 2, and core training, programs for older adults and functional fitness also made the list.  

What trends are you seeing in your area? Are classes for seniors taking off? Are parents interested in children’s programs? Post your comments below.  

Posted on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 10:13PM by Registered CommenterAmy Leibrock in , | Comments5 Comments

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Reader Comments (5)

I have a hard time believing the PMA will do anything for anyone besides themselves!!
January 22, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKymberly
That seems like a harsh criticism of the PMA, especially when it's not followed up by any constructive comments. I am a member of the PMA and did their certification exam on top of my existing certification. I have gotten numerous referrals because I am the only PMA Certified Pilates Teacher in Maine, and when other instructors around the country are looking for someone safe to send their clients to while their clients are on vacation here or moving here, they will recommend me. So I think potential customers are definitely expecting more and more qualifications for fitness teachers. Plus, the PMA test is well thought out, and it's all stuff we should know. It only makes us better teachers and strengthens the credibility of the industry.
January 24, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBethany
As a new Pilates Instructor, I don't have a whole lot of experience with the PMA from a professional point of view. However, I am taking their certification exam at the end of the month, because, as a consumer, when looking for a Pilates studio PMA accreditation was important to me. The fact that they are the only non-profit (and therefore non-biased) program in the industry is a huge confidence booster for clients. I teach at two studios- one is affiliated with Balanced Body, the other with Peak. These names mean nothing to someone new to Pilates, but having the third party certification does.
March 14, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAmanda

I think the comment made from Amanda above is almost certainly someone who works for the PMA! Saying that having a third party certification means more to someone new to Pilates then Peak or Balanced Body is very funny! If they do not know those two industry names how would they know anything about the PMA!. Tip in future Amanda ( if that is your real name) if you are going to pretend your not from the PMA at least make some effort to appear convincing!

February 14, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSpencer

Interesting...this post is from a year ago.
Readers may also want to check out the post on the PMA Certification Exam under Community, which began in November, 2008.
http://www.pilates-pro.com/community/post/594655

In my opinion, the PMA is now having problems because, for many years, it has been unable to field constructive, critical comments from longtime teachers, the majority of whom teach in the "small, boutique fitness center" mentioned above. For a more inclusive picture, new teachers would be well-advised to inquire about the viewpoint of teachers outside the PMA (where, in fact, the greater community lies) before making decisions that could affect us all.

February 14, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterCarole Amend

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