STOTT PILATES, a Merrithew brand and global provider of Pilates education, is set to open a new flagship studio and global academy in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood in January 2026.
The new STOTT PILATES Studio & Academy, located at Yonge and Bloor, will serve both as a local Pilates studio and an international hub for Pilates training and innovation. A waitlist for prospective clients is now live at stottpilatesstudio.com.
“With our new flagship studio and STOTT PILATES Academy in Toronto, we’re building Merrithew’s global hub for innovation in movement,” said Jim Heidenreich, CEO of Merrithew.
“It’s where we’ll test and refine new programming, train the best instructors, and define how Pilates supports performance, recovery, and lifelong health before sharing those insights to our community worldwide.”
The studio will introduce a unique membership model that combines unlimited access to both mat and Reformer classes under one plan—a departure from industry norms where these services are typically offered separately. The membership will also include options for postural assessments and private sessions tailored to individual goals, as well as perks such as advanced booking, guest passes, freezes, and discounts on courses and workshops.
STOTT PILATES said the studio is designed to foster a strong sense of community, aiming for most clients to become members and build consistent Pilates practices supported by expert instruction.
The Academy will also be home to curriculum development, workshops, and new program testing, in collaboration with physiotherapists, exercise scientists, and Master Instructor Trainers.
The organization describes the flagship as “a place where people feel part of something larger: a local community connected to a global one.” The space will host member socials, visiting instructor workshops, and partnerships with local wellness brands to strengthen community connections.
A speaker series is planned for early 2026, featuring international and in-house experts on topics such as athletic performance, rehabilitation, and mental well-being.
Toronto, as the birthplace of the STOTT PILATES method, is being positioned as the anchor for a growing global network in an industry that continues to expand. According to the company, Reformer-based class participation in the U.S. has grown by nearly 40 per cent in the last five years. The global Pilates and yoga studio market was valued at US$181.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.38 per cent through 2033, according to the IMARC Group.
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