How Pilates became China’s new wellness obsession

What happened China’s sports and fitness scene is embracing a new trend, this time led by the Pilates movement. Lagree Fitness, the company behind the Lagree Method — a high-intensity, low-impact workout developed by fitness professional Sebastien Lagree — has announced that its next global event will take place in China. The event will feature a mass Megaformer session led by Lagree himself, reflecting the growing interest among Chinese consumers in premium, joint-friendly training formats. Evolved from traditional Pilates, Lagree’s method combines bodybuilding techniques with slow, controlled movements on the Megaformer machine to sculpt and strengthen the body. The format has earned cult status globally at boutique studios like Lagree West in Canada and is now gaining a foothold in Asia’s rapidly evolving wellness economy. The Jing Take In China, Pilates and Lagree are catching on quickly, especially among young, well-to-do workout enthusiasts who blend wellness with fashion. Across social platforms, fitness influencers are showcasing Pilates Reformer and Lagree Megaformer workouts alongside trendy activewear, crafting an aspirational lifestyle. This convergence of fitness, fashion, and social media is transforming these trends from niche pursuits to mainstream phenomena among young Chinese professionals. On Xiaohongshu, a hub for lifestyle and fashion discovery, Pilates and balletcore-inspired aesthetics are booming. One user, wearing pieces from Victoria’s Secret’s Shine collection, posted, “I have been collecting Pilates outfits for a long time… Are you impressed by how beautiful they are?” Another netizen asked, “Are these glutes and abs only developed through Pilates?” while a third remarked, “Amazing… My legs can only reach half of yours with the same movement.” Lagree’s global rise Lagree Fitness’ upcoming China activation marks a milestone for the brand, signaling a wider embrace of boutique fitness in the region. While China’s Pilates scene remains nascent compared to mature markets, increasing health consciousness and a taste for exclusivity are fueling its rise. Internationally, investor interest in the category is also increasing. Private equity giant L Catterton’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in the Megaformer-based chain Solidcore demonstrates the activity’s growth and scalability. Celine’s new Pilates line Luxury fashion is also hopping on the trend. Celine recently released a new Pilates-inspired wellness collection, offering equipment like kettlebells, yoga blocks, and weighted bracelets in leather and cork, embossed with its Triomphe logo. The collection blends fashion and function, capturing a clientele that values aesthetics as much as performance. As demand for sophisticated fitness formats that emphasize efficiency and design continues to grow, China may soon see a proliferation of Megaformer studios and high-end wellness collaborations. The expansion of Pilates and Lagree reflects not only shifting consumer expectations but also a broader cultural embrace of health as an integral part of the luxury lifestyle. Additional reporting by William Zhou The Jing Take reports on a piece of the leading news and presents our editorial team’s analysis of the key implications for the luxury industry. In the recurring column, we analyze everything from product drops and mergers to heated debate sprouting on Chinese social media.

How Pilates became China’s new wellness obsession

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Published May 26, 2025

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How Pilates became China’s new wellness obsession