Episode Summary: The Boutique Fitness Boom: What 2025 Revealed — And How Studios Can Win in 2026

Podcast: Pilates Business Podcast
Host: Seran Glanfield
Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this year-end episode, Seran Glanfield breaks down the major trends and transformations that shaped the boutique fitness industry in 2025, with a focus on Pilates studios. With detailed data, real-world lessons, and crystal-clear predictions, Seran offers actionable insights for studio owners aiming to thrive—not just survive—in 2026 and beyond. The themes of technology adoption, shifting demographics, and the redefinition of wellness run throughout this in-depth look at what it means to succeed in a rapidly maturing industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Boutique Fitness Industry (00:00–06:00)

• 2025 marked the maturation of boutique fitness. Growth was steady (mid to high single digits) rather than explosive, indicating a stable, enduring industry rather than a fleeting trend.

  "2025 was the year that this industry...officially grew up. Growth didn't disappear, it matured."
  — Seran Glanfield [00:15]

• Market Size & Projections:

  • Global market valued at $35–50 billion (excluding big box gyms).
  • Projected to reach $65–85 billion by early to mid-2030s, with annual growth rates of 7–8%.

• Studio Success Factors:

  • Studios leveraging technology and deepening community connections captured the greatest share of growth.

2. Major Drivers of Change in 2025

a. AI's Transformative Impact (06:05–09:40)

• AI is now embedded in studio management and operations—supporting automation, optimized scheduling, faster customer service, insightful KPI tracking, and forecasting.
• Human connection remains essential:

  "The AI in our industry isn't replacing human connection. Honestly, it's probably freeing up more time for more connection."
  — Seran Glanfield [07:55]

• Studios that embraced these tools gained more freedom and strategic power.

b. Demographic Shifts: Rise of Younger Clients (09:41–12:42)

• Gen Z and Millennials now comprise the majority of boutique fitness clients.
• This new core demographic values in-person community, sees movement as an identity, and pursues purposeful, connected experiences.

  "They value the in-real-life, face-to-face community more than a digital-only fitness."
  — Seran Glanfield [10:40]

c. Redefined Wellness: Longevity Over Aesthetics (12:43–14:58)

• The pursuit of health now centers on energy, function, mobility, and joy, not just appearance

  "People are not chasing six packs as much as they used to. They're chasing energy, longevity, strength, stability, mobility, connection, joy."
  — Seran Glanfield [13:10]

• Pilates is now broadly recognized as a lifelong health modality, not just a workout trend.

3. Lessons Learned from 2025

a. Growth Means Stability and Alignment (15:00–19:00)

• The year's success stories were about strategic, sustainable expansion, not flashy numbers.

• Clients today are discerning and well-educated about wellness, seeking depth and alignment with studio values.

  "They had a much tighter brand, much clearer messaging, smoother operations behind the scenes, and a really strong community..."
  — Seran Glanfield [16:27]

b. AI Is Essential, Not Optional

• AI quietly underpins many business functions now. Those not leveraging it will fall behind in 2026.
• In her Thrive coaching program, Seran provides AI-driven tools for smarter, more effective decision-making.

c. Community, Connection, and Personalization Drive Retention

• Increased loyalty from younger clients, especially within strong communities.
• Retention is the result of intentional design and a sense of belonging.

d. Mindset Shift: From "Workout" to "Wellness"

• Fitness participants are investing for mental well-being, stress reduction, longevity, and connection.

4. Strategic Predictions for 2026 (28:35–36:40)

a. Hyper-Personalized Experiences Lead the Way (29:00–31:30)

• Studios offering customized programming and messaging will stand out.

• AI-powered tools will enable targeting members at just the right moment in their journey.

  "Your differentiation in 2026 will come from really understanding your clients as much as it comes from delivering an exceptional experience."
  — Seran Glanfield [30:50]

b. Clients Will Become Even More Informed (31:31–33:48)

• Mainstream adoption of fitness wearables and health data (e.g., Oura rings, sleep and recovery trackers) will guide client decisions.
• Studios should be prepared to incorporate data-driven insights into client interactions.

c. Clients Take Greater Ownership of Their Long-Term Health (33:49–35:55)

• A shift from short-term goals to long-term health ownership.

• Growing popularity of recovery offerings, breath work, mobility sessions, and targeted programs (e.g. for menopause).

• Studios positioned as "wellness partners" rather than simple exercise providers will dominate.

  "Those who discover Pilates today—I’m going to bet they’ll still be doing Pilates many years from now, just like we do right now."
  — Seran Glanfield [22:49]

5. Recap & Final Takeaways (36:41–End)

• 2025 solidified Pilates as a core, lasting component of holistic health.

• True success in 2026 will depend on:

  • Smarter systems and processes
  • Deep, intentional community-building
  • Strong brand identity and authentic communication

• The focus is shifting from "more, bigger, flashier" to "smarter, deeper, clearer."

  "The future isn't necessarily in more studios, bigger studios, franchise studios, flashier branding... It's about smarter systems, deeper connections, intentional experiences, and a strong identity."
  — Seran Glanfield [38:08]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On growth and maturity:

  "Growth didn't disappear, it matured."
  [00:16]

• On changing demographics:

  "Gen Z and Millennials...love this industry so much and they value the in real life, face to face community more than a digital only fitness."
  [10:38]

• On the importance of AI:

  "If you are not yet using AI in a really strategic way in your business, then what I would say to you is that there is huge opportunity...and in 2026, if you are not using AI in your business, you will fall behind."
  [18:30]

• On the redefinition of wellness:

  "People aren't just working out to get toned as much anymore...they're seeking better mobility, less pain, better nervous system regulation, mindset benefits, and even time for mental health check-in."
  [23:54]

• On the future of studio differentiation:

  "Your differentiation in 2026 will come from really understanding your clients as much as it comes from delivering an exceptional experience."
  [30:50]

• On optimal strategy:

  "Smarter systems, deeper connections, intentional experiences, and a strong identity that speaks to your community."
  [38:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–06:00 — Industry overview, market data, and the maturation of boutique fitness
• 06:05–09:40 — AI's impact on studio management and growth
• 09:41–12:42 — Demographic shifts and the rise of younger, more loyal clients
• 12:43–14:58 — Shift in consumer wellness goals
• 15:00–19:00 — Lessons from 2025: stability, clarity, and loyalty
• 20:00–25:00 — The vital role of Pilates in long-term wellness
• 28:35–36:40 — 2026 predictions: personalization, data awareness, and wellness partnership
• 36:41–End — Recap and closing advice for studio owners

Tone & Final Message

Seran maintains an encouraging, optimistic, and practical tone, focused on empowering studio owners to adapt and thrive. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, connection, and data-driven strategies while reassuring her audience that Pilates is well-positioned for lasting relevance.

"Whatever it is that you want to do, create or offer—you've got this."
— Seran Glanfield [Final minute]

This episode offers a comprehensive, insightful roadmap for boutique studio owners who want to understand the changes of 2025 and prepare for continued success in 2026 and beyond.