From heated rooms to resistance machines, Pilates is quickly becoming one of the most popular workouts among students. In recent years, especially among teens and young adults, Pilates has seen a major rise in popularity, with reports showing increased class participation and growing interest in low-impact workouts. Social media trends like the “Pilates Princess” aesthetic helped bring attention to the workout.

What makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise is not only the movements, but also the way it combines strength, control and mental focus all in one class.

At its foundation, Pilates is a low impact workout that focuses on controlled movements, core strength and body alignment. Unlike traditional workouts that rely on heavy weights or fast-paced cardio, Pilates is centered around slow, precise motions that activate smaller stabilizing muscles that are often missed in other workouts. This allows students to build strength while also improving flexibility and posture.

Part of Pilates’ growing popularity comes from the variety of ways it can be done. Different studios offer unique styles, each with its own focus and intensity. Many students say they first discovered Pilates through social media or friends, and once they tried it, they kept going back due to both the physical results and the overall experience of the classes.

“I kept seeing people post about it online, so I decided to try a class with my friends, and after that I just kept going,” junior Brielle Canello said.

A common style is reformer Pilates, which is offered at studios like Jetset and Fit407 in the Oviedo and Orlando area. This type uses a spring-based machine that adds resistance to each movement. Unlike mat Pilates, which is done on the floor using body weight, reformer Pilates uses the machine to guide movements and increase difficulty. The focus is on proper form, posture and balance, helping students strengthen their muscles while improving flexibility and alignment.

Isabella Peloso, who has been doing Pilates for a few months, mainly attends reformer classes at Jetset.

“I feel like it works out muscles I never really worked out before, and I actually feel stronger after going consistently,” sophomore Peloso said.

One of the most intense options is Xformer Pilates, offered at places like Hili Fitness in Oviedo. This is a machine-based workout similar to reformer Pilates but faster and more physically demanding. Students stay under constant tension with very little rest, which makes the workout feel more like a mix of strength training and cardio. It focuses on endurance, muscle burn and overall strength. More information about these classes can be found on studio websites like Hili Fitness.

“My first class was really hard and honestly kind of overwhelming, but after a few classes I started to like the challenge and feel stronger,” sophomore Reese McLaughlin said.

For those who may want a little more sweat in their Pilates routine, hot Pilates is another variation that has become especially popular. This is done in a heated room, often using infrared heat, with temperatures reaching around 90 to 100 degrees. The rooms are usually dimly lit, with music playing, creating a more intense and focused environment. The heat makes the workout feel more intense by raising heart rate and loosening muscles, which can help with flexibility. This style combines core work, light cardio and endurance, while also creating a heavy sweat focused environment.

“I like the hot classes because I feel like I actually did something worth it after, and I leave feeling accomplished,” McLaughlin said.

Studios like Hotworx focus almost entirely on infrared heated Pilates, with shorter classes that are more intense and centered around sweating and toning. Hili Fitness combines both heated mat Pilates and Xformer workouts, creating a more athletic and fast-paced experience. Jetset offers structured reformer classes that focus on full body workouts with specific areas like upper body or core, while Fit407 takes a slower approach that emphasizes strength, control and time under tension.

While the styles may differ, students say the physical results are one of the biggest reasons they continue to Pilates. The classes target smaller muscle groups that are often missed in traditional workouts, leading to increased muscle definition and overall strength. It also improves posture and stability, which can help in other sports and daily activities.

Sophomore Alex Droste, who has been taking Pilates classes for a couple months, said she has noticed more muscle definition and strength overall, especially in areas she didn’t focus on before.

For student athletes, those benefits often carry over in their main sports, especially in activities that require balance, control and body awareness. Many students say Pilates helps improve performance by strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving posture during movements.

“I feel like it makes me stronger for cheer and it makes my posture better, especially when I’m basing,” McLaughlin said.

Beyond the physical changes, Pilates is also known for its mental benefits. Studies have shown that Pilates can help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression by focusing on breathing and controlled movement. Because each exercise requires attention and precision, it forces participants to stay in the moment, which can improve focus and mental clarity.

“I love doing the morning classes because it puts me in a good mood and makes me feel productive for the rest of the day,” junior Brielle Canello said.

Over time, this mind-body connection can also boost confidence and create a more balanced mindset. Instead of just being a workout, Pilates becomes a way for students to reset mentally while also improving physically. Students who consistently attend classes often build routines around it, going multiple times a week rather than just occasionally.

As more students continue to try different styles and studios, Pilates is becoming more than just a trend. With its combination of strength, flexibility and mental focus, it offers something that many traditional workouts do not. Many students say they prefer certain styles over others depending on intensity, with some choosing reformer for control and others preferring Xformer or heated classes for a more intense workout, which is why so many are choosing to stick with it.

“Pilates isn’t just about working out, it’s something I look forward to because it makes me feel stronger both physically and mentally,” sophomore Alex Droste said.