Hailey and Justin Bieber Embrace Pilates: A Trend That's Evolving

Hailey Bieber is a leading advocate for the advantages of Pilates—including enhanced core strength, better posture, toned physique, and heightened concentration. As the founder of Rhode, she understands the impact of fitness on overall well-being. Yet, earlier this year, she expressed doubts about its popularity, suggesting it might have become just another trend.

In a candid interview with TIME, she stated, “I love Pilates, I really do. But I think it’s become a little bit of a fad, and it’s really hard to find really good teachers that care about form.” Despite her focus on strength training, she acknowledges the distinct benefits of a traditional Pilates class.

The couple was recently spotted leaving Forma Pilates in Los Angeles, iced coffees in hand, highlighting the studio's allure among the celebrity crowd, which includes the Hadid sisters, Lori Harvey, and Kendall Jenner. For years, Hailey has been a frequent visitor to Forma, often seen in stylish activewear from brands like Alo and CSB. This time, she donned a sleek all-black outfit featuring the Serenity Soft Camille tank and scrunch flare leggings, accessorized with a chic cream cardigan. Meanwhile, Justin matched the vibe with an oversized tee and basketball shorts, emphasizing a shift toward personal expression in workout attire over a uniform appearance.

Whether Justin engaged in a focused 45-minute session on the reformer machine or simply enjoyed his time waiting for Hailey, the term 'Pilates princess' has become inclusive, appealing to a wide audience. Athletes from basketball to soccer and Olympic sports have touted low-impact workouts like Pilates, barre, and yoga as critical components of their training regimens. Celebrities like Glen Powell, Harry Styles, and David Beckham have also embraced these practices. Gone are the days when Pilates was sidelined as a mere punchline for male fitness enthusiasts.

The roots of Pilates trace back to Joseph Pilates, a former gymnast and boxer, and its resurgence has been notable, particularly following the pandemic. One national Pilates chain reported a remarkable 71% annual growth in male membership, according to GQ.

Jordan Cunningham, the reformer head at FLOW, remarks, “Reformer Pilates is one of the most effective things a man can add to his training routine, and it is still one of the most underutilized.” His perspective echoes the sentiments of Lotti Benardout, founder of London’s Studio Anatomy, who has also seen an increase in male participation. “It’s brilliant to see that shift,” she adds.

For men, incorporating Pilates offers unique advantages that traditional gym workouts might overlook. Focusing solely on strength training means neglecting essential deep core muscles, including the diaphragm and obliques. Cunningham explains, “There’s still a lingering assumption that it’s purely about flexibility or a ‘women’s workout,’ but it’s incredibly beneficial for men because it develops things that can often be overlooked: mobility, core strength, stability, and control.” Men who prioritize strength or high-impact training find Pilates a perfect complement, enhancing their range of movement and balancing muscle strength.

According to Cunningham, “The spring resistance builds genuine functional strength through the full range of movement while targeting physical imbalances often masked by traditional gym routines.” He notes that men incorporating consistent reformer work often see improved mobility, reduced injury rates, and better everyday body comfort.

The appeal of Pilates is further attributed to rapid results, as highlighted by Laura Quinn, head Pilates trainer at Alo Wellness Club in Los Angeles: “The rise and popularity of reformer Pilates has come from people seeing their personal results quickly.”

At its core, Pilates emphasizes adjustment of core strength, flexibility, and overall alignment. By focusing on core activation, practitioners can improve posture, prevent injuries, and develop a better foundation for all physical activities. The reformer machine complements routine bodyweight exercises, challenging muscles in new ways.

Pilates transcends standard workout classifications: it’s adaptable for both novices and seasoned athletes. Creating a strong mind-body connection, regardless of gender or fitness level, is essential for maximizing effectiveness. As Benardout states, “It’s not about replacing the gym; it’s about creating a more well-rounded, resilient body.” So, take a cue from Hailey Bieber, and consider bringing your partner along for a reformer session.