Top 10 pilates-obsessed cities in Australia

It’s no secret – Australians are a pilates-obsessed nation: Already harnessing +49.5% increased searches* across the country in the last five years, new data has uncovered where Australia’s biggest pilates fanatics live.

In a bid to pinpoint the top 10 ultimate pilates-obsessed places in the country, one of Australia’s leading fitness equipment and reformer pilates brands, Lifespan Fitness, has conducted an index study analysing the total number of pilates and yoga studios across cities, average studio ratings and internal sales statistics on the % of pilates beds sold by area to determine an obsession score, ranking the top 10.

This core-strengthening fitness phenomenon combines a series of low-intensity workouts that engage the full body. Aiding in improved flexibility, posture and muscle strength, the fitness trend has captured the attention of many Aussies looking for an everyday regime to improve their health and wellbeing.

Samuel Wang, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Lifespan Fitness says, “We’ve seen a high demand for pilates-related equipment and accessories over the past 12 months, thanks to the virality of the fitness trend on social media, particularly, reformer pilates.”

With the highest obsession score amassing 76.23, Cairn’s fitness enthusiasts can thank the city’s impressive average pilates studio rating of 224.6 which contributed significantly to its high rank.

Noting a total of 26 studios, combined with the area’s overall positive ratings indicates the high demand for pilates in the area, while also demonstrating how widely accessible pilates is here for its residents looking to get started on their fitness journey.

Melbourne is the second most pilates-obsessed city acquiring a score of 59.15. Well-known as Australia’s buzzing contemporary city, it’s no surprise that it ranks among the highest for the pilates fascination. Housing a higher level of young professionals, its low-intensity regimes can add to the appeal compared to traditional gym workouts.

With over 35 studios nestled across the city with a notable average rating of 87.5, this Victorian city is a true hotspot for pilates enthusiasts revealing the area’s true dedication to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Adelaide sits in third place, with a pilates-obsession score of 33.27, positioning the only South Australian location among the frontrunners embracing the popular fitness trend.

Wellness warriors in this city will be pleased to know that it is home to approximately 19 studios with a rating averaging 71 overall – a strong indication of the high demand for pilates, promoting positive well-being and physical fitness among its residents.

Sydney clutches the fourth spot with a respectable pilates-obsession score of 19.80.

Housing a substantial number of 51 studios overall, but its relatively lower average rating of 33.4 has bumped the harbour city further down in the ranking but still reflects its wellness-loving residents’ keen interest in pilates.

Taking the fifth spot is Perth with a pilates-obsession score of 19.36. While it is known to be a great outdoor haven, this city is now a verified pilates-centric hotspot as it houses over 52 studios, averaging 32.4 overall in ratings.

Its high volume of studios scattered around the city makes pilates widely available and an ideal spot for newbies looking to start their fitness journey.

Canberra comes in sixth place with a score of 10.84 – approximately 8.96 points lower compared to the neighbouring city, Sydney, in its pilates-obsession level.

Despite the capital’s contrastingly lower number of only four studios, its high average rating of 63 compensates for this, putting Canberra among the top 10 pilates spots in Australia.

The Victorian town of Warrnambool secures the seventh spot with a pilates obsession score of 8.29. Despite a 50-point difference from Melbourne in second, this town still stands out as a pilates-loving hotspot.

With approximately four studios in the area averaging a rating of 38, local pilates enthusiasts can look forward to effectively maintaining their fitness and wellness routines here.

Brisbane claims the spot as the eighth-best city for pilates lovers with a final score of 8.02. Despite having a reasonable number of pilates studios around the city, its lower average rating of only 3.4 puts Brisbane much further down the ranking.

The Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin sits in ninth place with a pilates obsession score of 3.77 overall.

Darwin is home to approximately seven pilates and yoga studios with an average rating of 13.1, noting a commendable interest in the popular fitness trend around the area, encouraging its local residents to embark on a fitness journey.

The coastal city of Geraldton concludes the top 10 most pilates-obsessed hotspots in Australia claiming a final score of 3.75. Thanks to its satisfactory average rating of 21.5 accounting for two recorded studios in the area, securing its spot in tenth.

Topping the list for the least pilates-obsessed spots in Australia is Exmouth with the lowest obsession score of only 0.28, revealing a significantly smaller interest in the fitness trend compared to other areas around the country.

Despite the town’s low score, with only one studio recorded as a contributing factor, it still indicates that there is a big gap in the market here for Pilates enthusiasts – ideal for those looking to establish their own wellness hotspots and promote fitness in this area.

The bottom five list is followed by Ballarat with a pilates-obsession score of 0.30, Townsville (0.35), and two areas in Western Australia, Busselton (0.45) and Banbury (0.46).