You may have seen videos on Instagram or TikTok showcasing this new form of Pilates, but do you know why this discipline is winning over more and more French women (and men!) in 2025?

This method, based on an innovative piece of equipment, reinvents traditional Pilates and offers a more complete and stimulating training experience. More than just a trend, the Pilates Reformer combines effectiveness, elegance, and accessibility, meeting the needs of an audience seeking overall well-being. Let’s explore why the Pilates Reformer is now emerging as an essential reference in the fitness world.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It consists of a sequence of slow, controlled movements synchronized with breathing, designed to strengthen deep muscles.

The goal is to improve posture, tone the body, gain flexibility, and reduce tension, particularly in the back. Pilates can be practiced either on the floor with a mat or with specialized equipment like the Reformer, a sliding carriage on rails that allows for a wide variety of exercises. This is a gentle, accessible discipline that focuses more on quality of movement than on intensity or cardio.

Top Sport in France in 2025: Pilates Reformer is becoming a must-have!

Long confined to upscale gyms, Pilates Reformer is now experiencing true democratization in France. It has established itself as a rapidly growing sport, attracting an increasingly broad audience, mostly women. Several factors explain its growing popularity:

How can we explain the growing popularity of Pilates Reformer?

• ‍Media coverage and social media influence : Many wellness influencers and celebrities have promoted Pilates Reformer as a practice that is both elegant, effective, and trendy. Short-form videos (TikTok, Instagram Reels) have widely contributed to its popularity by showcasing visually appealing exercises. France followed this global movement with a slight delay, leading to a sharp acceleration starting in 2024.‍
• Changing expectations in fitness : Post-Covid, many practitioners turned to gentler but effective activities, seeking a balance between strength training, mobility, and mental well-being. This emerging sport perfectly fits this demand, positioning itself as a premium alternative to yoga and traditional fitness.‍
• Growth of the market in France : By 2025, many studios have opened in major cities, making the practice more accessible. Traditional gyms have also started to include Reformer machines, further democratizing access. At the same time, many small entrepreneurs (often women) have launched their own Pilates studios, sometimes at low cost, which has accelerated the spread of the discipline and multiplied access points for the general public.‍
• Visible results : The quick and noticeable results obtained with Pilates Reformer encourage new memberships.‍
• Premium positioning and holistic well-being : The Pilates Reformer enjoys a high-end image, associated with lifestyle, health, and elegance. In a context where consumers are increasingly investing in their well-being, this aspirational aspect has played a key role in its widespread adoption.

In short, Pilates Reformer has become a new fitness trend, meeting the expectations of a population increasingly attentive to wellness and seeking complete and effective training methods.

The introduction of Pilates Reformer in France: where should this sport, which is so popular in France, be introduced in 2025?

Today, this sport is mainly practiced in major cities: Paris remains the driving force, followed by Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lille. These metropolitan areas concentrate a clientele attuned to wellness trends and willing to invest in premium practices.

For a successful launch, it is strategic to target:

• Dynamic urban centers, where demand is high but supply still limited.
• Premium and residential neighborhoods, attracting a high-income clientele.
• Growing mid-sized cities, where the absence of specialized studios leaves strong market potential.

Which Pilates Reformer brands will be growing in France in 2025?

Several specialized brands in France are experiencing strong growth:

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The New Me

The New Me has opened 13 studios in Paris and 6 across the country in less than 3 years. Today, the network already boasts 16 locations in central Paris and 10 in other regions, a sign of rapid expansion and strong demand for this type of training.

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Club Pilates

Club Pilates, an international franchise with over 1,200 studios worldwide, is also accelerating its growth in France. After openings in Bordeaux, Rennes, and Lyon, a new studio is set to open in Paris’s 15th district in April 2025. The brand aims for around 10 openings per year in France, with the ambition of quickly becoming a key player.

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These developments show that Pilates Reformer is no longer a niche phenomenon: it has now become a booming market, capable of attracting investors, franchisees, and practitioners in search of well-being.

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What are the dimensions of a Pilates Reformer room?

When setting up a Pilates Reformer studio, it’s important to consider the following dimensions:

• A minimum total area of 50 to 100 m² is recommended, depending on the number of machines.
• The ideal ceiling height is at least 2.5 meters to allow for wide movements and proper machine operation.
• The location must be accessible and visible (downtown, residential area, partner gym).
• Natural lighting and a zen atmosphere to promote relaxation.
• Technical constraints to consider include access to a power outlet for each machine, a good ventilation system to ensure user comfort, and an appropriate floor surface (resistant, cushioned).
• The quality of the flooring is essential for impact absorption, stability, and hygiene.

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For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to french federations and clubs, or contact our team to learn more about opportunities in your target location. We look forward to meeting you!

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