Life Time Ignites the Pilates and Reformer Boom as Demand Surges Coast to Coast
MWN-AI** Summary
Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s largest provider of traditional Pilates, is experiencing a significant surge in demand for Pilates and reformer-based classes, highlighting its leadership in the fitness industry. With a commitment to Pilates that spans over two decades, Life Time is capitalizing on the increasing popularity of low-impact workouts, particularly through its innovative CTR athletic reformer class, which has become the most waitlisted program in the company's history.
As part of its strategy to cater to the growing interest in Pilates, Life Time plans to integrate dedicated Pilates studios in each of its 12 to 14 new locations slated for 2026. The company has reported a notable year-on-year increase in private Pilates participation, signaling a shift towards intelligent strength training that emphasizes mobility and long-term health.
Theresa Barone, Life Time's Director of Pilates, emphasized that while Pilates is currently trendy, it has been foundational to Life Time’s offerings for many years. She noted that the CTR class attracts new members who, after experiencing its athletic benefits, often transition to traditional Pilates to leverage its advantages for mobility and healthy aging.
With over 175 locations offering Pilates programming, Life Time stands out as the largest U.S. provider of both traditional Pilates and private sessions. The launch of CTR, a performance-driven reformer-based strength class, underscores Life Time's commitment to innovation in Pilates, with plans to offer it in over 60 locations by year-end.
To further expand accessibility to Pilates, Life Time will host an "Intro to Pilates" weekend from February 23-26 across its clubs, inviting newcomers to explore the benefits of Pilates in a supportive setting. Life Time’s holistic ecosystem includes various fitness opportunities, nutrition coaching, and access to personal training, reinforcing its mission of promoting healthy living for all age groups.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Life Time, Inc. (NYSE: LTH) is capitalizing on the surging demand for Pilates and reformer-based workouts, positioning itself as a leader in this growing market. With a well-established foundation in Pilates and significant investments in innovative offerings like the CTR athletic reformer class, Life Time has seen the most demand for its classes in history. This trend reflects an industry shift towards low-impact exercises that promote strength, mobility, and longevity—an attractive proposition for a health-conscious clientele across the nation.
Analysts recommend observing Life Time's strategic expansion plans, which include opening 12–14 new locations nationwide, each featuring dedicated Pilates studios. The company has shown a commitment to integrating Pilates deeper into its member offerings, allowing them to access a holistic fitness experience. In 2025, Life Time recorded a substantial rise in private Pilates session participation, emphasizing a significant shift in consumer preferences towards functional fitness solutions.
The introduction of the CTR class, designed for athletic performance using reformers, demonstrates Life Time's dedication to innovation. The steady growth in CTR's membership signifies a strong market response, and projections indicate availability at over 60 locations by the end of the year. This trend provides a robust opportunity for Life Time to capture both current enthusiasts and newcomers to Pilates.
Investors should keep an eye on demographic shifts that favor low-impact workout regimes, coupled with Life Time's commitment to holistic health solutions, which could improve long-term financial stability and customer loyalty. As the fitness industry aligns itself with wellness trends, Life Time's emphasis on Pilates as part of its core offerings places it favorably within a rising market segment. Monitoring participation rates and expansion efforts will be key for stakeholders looking to understand the company's evolving market position.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Nation's largest provider of traditional Pilates pairs decades of expertise with innovation as its new CTR athletic reformer class becomes the most waitlisted class in company history
CHANHASSEN, Minn., Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Pilates and reformer-based workouts dominate today's fitness conversation, Life Time (NYSE: LTH) is reaffirming its position as the industry's clear leader, driving the category forward after investing in Pilates for more than 20 years while continuing to innovate with offerings like CTR. Pilates studios and reformer-based classes remain a foundational, high-demand part of the member experience, and in 2026, Pilates studios will be included in each of the company's planned 12–14 new locations.
The nation's premier healthy lifestyle brand continues to see strong growth in Pilates participation across its athletic country clubs as members prioritize intelligent strength training, mobility and long-term health. In 2025, Life Time saw a significant increase in participation in private Pilates sessions year over year, underscoring the accelerating shift toward low-impact, high-results strength training that supports functional movement, mental wellbeing and longevity.
"Pilates and reformers may be having a cultural moment, but at Life Time it's been a cornerstone for decades," said Theresa Barone, Director of Pilates at Life Time. "What's exciting for us to see is how formats like CTR are bringing new people onto the reformer. Many members who start with CTR for strength and athletic performance naturally gravitate toward traditional Pilates as they experience its powerful benefits for mobility, posture and healthy aging."
With more than 175 Life Time locations offering Pilates programming, the brand is the largest provider of both traditional Pilates and private sessions in the U.S. – a distinction earned well before reformer workouts became one of the fastest-growing fitness trends nationwide. As Life Time opens new clubs and expands existing destinations, Pilates studios and reformer-based classes remain a foundational, high-demand part of the member experience.
That long-standing foundation has also enabled Life Time to innovate within the category, including the launch of CTR, its athletic, 45-minute reformer-based strength training class designed to build progressive resistance, power and performance in a high-energy group setting. While distinct from traditional Pilates, CTR uses the reformer to deliver athletic movement and strength development through a more performance-driven format. Since launching, CTR has expanded steadily across Life Time clubs, with waitlists continuing to signal strong demand. Life Time plans to offer CTR at more than 60 locations by year's end.
Life Time's Pilates program maintains a traditional and comprehensive approach, adhering to the execution established by Joseph Pilates while offering a full ecosystem of equipment beyond the Reformer, including Mat, Cadillac/Tower, Chairs, Barrels and more to deliver complete, highly effective private and semi-private programming. Pilates is deeply integrated into Life Time's holistic healthy living ecosystem. Members can pair Pilates with expansive fitness floors, Dynamic Personal Training, dedicated recovery spaces, nutrition coaching, and a robust lineup of large and Signature Group Training classes—creating a comprehensive approach to building strength, improving mobility and enhancing cardiovascular endurance.
To help meet rising interest and introduce more people to Pilates and reformer-based training, Life Time will host an Intro to Pilates weekend at clubs across the country from February 23–26. The experience is designed for those curious about Pilates or looking to learn more in a welcoming, approachable environment. Interested participants are encouraged to contact their local Life Time or visit lifetime.life for additional information.
For more information about Life Time, visit www.lifetime.life, follow on social media at Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or download the complimentary Life Time App. You can also find Life Time's collection of supplements, equipment and apparel on the LT Shop by following its Instagram page.
About Life Time
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its 190 athletic country clubs across the U.S. and Canada, the complimentary and comprehensive Life Time app featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and more than 30 iconic athletic events. Serving people ages 90 days to 90+ years, the Life Time ecosystem uniquely delivers healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment experiences, a range of unique healthy way of life programs, highly trusted LTH nutritional supplements and more. Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, the company is committed to upholding an exceptional culture for its 43,000 team members.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
FAQ**
How does Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (LTH) plan to sustain the growing demand for Pilates and reformer classes, particularly with the anticipated opening of 12-new locations in 2026?
What strategies is Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (LTH) employing to differentiate its CTR athletic reformer class and maintain its position as the leading provider of Pilates in the U.S.?
Considering the success of the Intro to Pilates weekend, how does Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (LTH) intend to leverage such initiatives to further expand its customer base and membership?
How does Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (LTH) balance traditional Pilates practices with innovative classes like CTR to appeal to both loyal and new members in an increasingly competitive fitness market?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LTH).
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