Les Mills has launched a Pilates programme designed to make it easier for operators to drive growth by leveraging the popular training category.

Co-creator Summer Bradley said: “Being able to deliver Les Mills Pilates in any space, with nothing more than a mat, means clubs can quickly bring the world’s hottest trend to their studios and engage a broad range of members.

“The Les Mills Pilates programme pays homage to Joseph Pilates, blending the best of old with the best of new, as we add unique music, beautiful choreography and supportive coaching to offer members an unforgettable experience," she said.

The programme can be delivered in any studio and instructors can quickly become certified.

With a variety of options and progressions, Les Mills Pilates is designed to improve core strength and endurance, mobility and overall wellness. It was tested and refined 50 times before launch in a global network of test gyms.

Research led by Dr Gillian Hatfield, an associate professor of kinesiology at Canada's University of the Fraser Valley, found the programme to be as effective as a low-impact, high-intensity workout in boosting core endurance, flexibility, and general wellbeing.

Bryce Hastings, Les Mills head of research, says: “With Pilates all the rage right – particularly among younger members – Les Mills Pilates serves as the perfect addition to the timetable, offering integrated functional core training that supports other workouts, reduces risk of injury and leaves you feeling great."

An eight-week study of people who did two classes a week saw them increase their abdominal endurance by 61 per cent; endurance in the back muscles by 20 per cent; a 13 per cent improvement in flexibility and a 13 per cent uplift in general wellbeing.

“This workout helps to build a solid platform for anything we do that combines activity in the upper and lower body, whether that’s heavy strength training, running, or everyday activities,” said Hastings

Classpass reported an increase of 92 per cent in bookings for Pilates in its Look Back Report for 2023, indicating the increased consumer interest in the modality.

Read more in our HCM report about the Pilates market here.