11 World-Renowned Pilates Brands You Need to Know
Pilates, with its focus on strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, has become a global phenomenon. With the growing demand for quality Pilates equipment, numerous brands have emerged, each contributing to the evolution and growth of this discipline. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most well-known Pilates brands that have made a significant impact, organized alphabetically for easy reference.
In the foreseeable future, the Pilates equipment market is expected to experience consistent growth, driven by an increasing demand for sustainable and innovative products. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, the global Pilates equipment market will reach several million, demonstrating an unprecedented annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030 compared to the previous decade.
1. AeroPilates - UK
AeroPilates, founded by Marjolein Brugman, is known for its innovative and affordable Pilates equipment. Their range of reformers and accessories caters to both beginners and advanced practitioners, providing a platform for holistic workouts focused on core strength and flexibility.
AeroPilates offers a revolutionary approach to Pilates Reformer exercises by seamlessly integrating the essence of classical workouts with a modern twist—rebounding. This dynamic addition transforms your workout. Not only does the rebounder enhance strength and flexibility, but it also boosts cardiovascular performance and sculpts your body.
2. Align Pilates - UK
Align Pilates stands out for its dedication to creating high-quality and durable Pilates equipment. Their reformers, chairs, and barrels are designed with precision and attention to detail, offering a seamless and efficient Pilates experience.
Align Pilates is recognized for its extensive use by sports professionals across various elite disciplines, highlighting its wide product range that caters to both training and rehabilitation. The company is driven by a mission to bring the benefits of Pilates equipment to a broader audience, aligning with Joseph Pilates’s original vision. Their focus is on reducing the overall costs of high-quality Pilates equipment, supporting the growth of new Pilates studios. This effort aims to overcome limitations in many regions where high equipment costs hinder studio expansion.
3. BASI - USA
Founded in 1989 by globally renowned Pilates teacher Rael Isacowitz, BASI has maintained its position as a leader in premium Pilates education for over 30 years.
BASI (Body Arts and Science International) remains committed to promoting the principles of art, science, and, most importantly, the legacy of Joseph and Clara Pilates.
Known for its innovative approach and academic excellence, BASI is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive Pilates education experience available in the industry.
Their commitment to blending science and art in Pilates instruction has earned them a worldwide reputation for excellence.
4. Balanced Body - USA
Balanced Body is the largest American manufacturer of Pilates equipment, boasting over 40 years of experience in the market. Their Pilates equipment, including reformers, Cadillacs, chairs, and barrels, is carefully designed, incorporating innovative solutions and made from high-quality materials.
These machines seamlessly integrate the original designs of Joseph Pilates with cutting-edge technology and a modern understanding of body biomechanics.
Pilates, with its focus on strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, has become a global phenomenon. With the growing demand for quality Pilates equipment, numerous brands have emerged, each contributing to the evolution and growth of this discipline. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most well-known Pilates brands that have made a significant impact, organized alphabetically for easy reference.
In the foreseeable future, the Pilates equipment market is expected to experience consistent growth, driven by an increasing demand for sustainable and innovative products. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, the global Pilates equipment market will reach several million, demonstrating an unprecedented annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030 compared to the previous decade.
5. Elina Pilates - USA/ES
Elina Pilates is a leading brand in Pilates machines and accessories. Established nearly two decades ago, it represents extensive experience and a team of professionals.
Its products are now internationally recognized. Elina Pilates has a global presence in studios across five continents, earning recommendations from professionals worldwide thanks to its excellent value for money.
Elina Pilates is committed to designing and producing high-quality professional-level machines and accessories at competitive prices. The brand aims to make Pilates accessible to studios and homes around the world, offering personalized attention and top-tier products.
With a diverse range of machines in various sizes and heights, along with versatile accessories, Elina Pilates strives to adapt to every space. The brand prioritizes research and uses high-quality materials at every stage of production.
6. Gratz - USA
Gratz Industries, founded in 1928 in New York by Frank Gratz, began as a custom workshop producing industrial design prototypes, architectural metalwork, furniture, and sculptures for renowned designers worldwide. Today, the company is recognized as the original manufacturer of Pilates apparatus and a trusted source of authentic equipment.
The tradition of precision and craftsmanship continued under the leadership of Frank's son, Donald Gratz. In the late 1960s, Donald, using his engineering and metalworking expertise, worked closely with Romana Kryzanowska. This collaboration was pivotal in preserving the dimensions and proportions essential for the proper functioning of Pilates apparatus. The enduring commitment to Joseph Pilates's original vision is evident in Gratz's dedication to impeccable craftsmanship and rigorous specifications, a tradition that continues to this day.
7. Lagree - USA
Lagree expands on the fundamental concepts of Pilates by incorporating techniques from various forms of resistance training, such as weightlifting. Exercises are performed on the Megaformer machine, utilizing a blend of body weight and resistance/assistance from springs. This approach enables comprehensive workouts, enhancing strength, definition, endurance, flexibility, and balance.
The Lagree method features complex movements designed to engage multiple muscle groups in every exercise. With a focus on slow and controlled movements, it ensures prolonged muscle activation. The deliberate pace maximizes time under tension, stimulating slow-twitch muscle fibers and contributing to increased muscular endurance and definition.
Lagree has redefined Pilates with its Lagree Fitness method, emphasizing high-intensity, low-impact exercises. Their Megaformer machines push the boundaries of traditional Pilates, offering a dynamic and effective approach to full-body strengthening.
8. Merrithew - CA
The Merrithew® company was founded in 1988 with a mission to create fitness programs, equipment, and services of high integrity to empower fitness professionals and enthusiasts to reach their full potential. The founders believe that effective, responsible, and mindful exercise forms the cornerstone of a better life, and they are committed to making it accessible to individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
In collaboration with a team of physiotherapists, engineers, sports medicine professionals, and fitness experts, Merrithew® is dedicated to advancing and innovating its education, equipment, and products in line with the latest exercise science research and fitness knowledge. Throughout this process, the company steadfastly upholds its commitment to safety, efficacy, quality, and originality.
Merrithew is a global leader in mind-body education and equipment. Merrithew is also the creator of the STOTT PILATES® method.
9. MetaLife - BRA
MetaLife is the largest and most comprehensive manufacturer of Pilates and functional training equipment in South America, dedicated to promoting health.
Always striving for innovation and excellence in manufacturing Pilates equipment, as well as in customer relations, they uphold a commitment to international quality, versatility, and safety standards. This dedication has earned them the status of the most recommended brand by Pilates professionals.
Each MetaLife piece undergoes rigorous laboratory testing before being introduced to the market.
The manufacturing and assembly process of MetaLife equipment uses the most advanced processing facilities in the country, equipped with three CNC (Computer Numeric Control) work centers. Integral to their production process are precise electronic coordinates, careful selection of reforested wood, diligent supplier and material selection, and quality control.
10. Peak Pilates - USA
Peak Pilates®, founded nearly 25 years ago in Boulder, CO, continues to set the standard for craftsmanship, innovation, and functionality. Inspired by the timeless beauty of the Colorado Rockies and the principles introduced by Joseph Pilates, the company’s family of equipment ranges from classic handmade wooden pieces to cutting-edge metal designs, all carefully crafted with attention to beauty, function, and tradition.
Peak Pilates® exclusively uses the finest materials, including traditional wood, vegan leather, and modern metals, to honor Joseph Pilates' original designs. Each component is meticulously selected to preserve the authenticity of Pilates exercises.
As an industry leader in unparalleled instructor education, Peak Pilates® offers a comprehensive program based on classical Pilates, covering the full spectrum of traditional Pilates. Additional programs provide flexibility for integrating contemporary exercises, practices, and teaching styles.
11. Sissel - DE/SWE
The success story of SISSEL® products began 35 years ago in Sweden when a Swedish woman, like many others, struggled with neck pain. In 1986, in search of a natural and healthy remedy, she developed a special pillow known as the SISSEL® neck pillow. This innovative product provided natural and effective support for the lower cervical spine and quickly gained popularity not only in Sweden but also among doctors, therapists, and individuals dealing with neck issues.
Jens and Lars Friebel, Swedish-German brothers, were introduced to the neck pillow through their mother, Margareta Friebel. Captivated by its unique shape and positive impact, the brothers decided in 1989 to bring the neck pillow, now called the SISSEL® Classic, to Germany. It quickly became a bestseller, not only in Germany but across Europe, with millions of units sold to this day.
In 2002, marking another significant chapter in this Swedish-German success story, the Friebel brothers, along with other business partners, acquired the SISSEL® brand. They relocated the international headquarters to their home in the scenic Palatinate region. SISSEL® has since transformed into a premium healthcare brand. Today, Jens Friebel serves as the CEO of SISSEL®, supported by his brother Lars as CFO. Sweden and Germany remain the primary production countries for SISSEL®, a fact that brings pride to its current shareholders, including Novacare GmbH Germany, SISSEL® France, and Hospidex Belgium.
Sissel is renowned for its contribution to Pilates through the design and manufacture of high-quality props and accessories. From mats to balls, Sissel enhances the Pilates experience by providing supportive tools for practitioners at all levels.
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