My 2026 Predictions for the Yoga & Pilates Industry (And What Studio Owners Need to Do Now)

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What’s actually changing in the yoga and Pilates industry in 2026 — and what do studio owners need to do to keep growing without burning out?

In this episode, Jackie Murphy shares her 2026 predictions for the yoga and Pilates industry through the lens of data, consumer behavior, marketing trends, and business sustainability. You’ll learn why industry growth means more competition (and why that’s not a bad thing), how consumers are becoming smarter and more values-driven, and why generic marketing is officially dead.

Jackie also explains why organic marketing alone won’t be enough in 2026, how AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is changing visibility on Google and AI tools, and why coaching and business education are becoming non-negotiable for studio owners who want predictable cash flow and long-term sustainability.

If you want to scale your studio with clarity, stronger messaging, better marketing, and a business model that lasts, this episode will give you a roadmap.

Timestamped Outline

• [00:00] Welcome + why this episode matters
• [02:30] Industry growth data + what it means
• [05:00] More competition = need clearer messaging
• [07:00] Smarter, more values-driven consumers
• [09:00] People scrolling less + why content must improve
• [11:00] Why organic alone won’t cut it (paid ads + amplification)
• [13:00] AEO / Answer Engine Optimization + visibility shifts
• [15:00] Coaching becomes non-negotiable in the industry
• [20:00] Sustainability + predictable cash flow becomes the priority
• [22:30] Using data deeper: longer nurture journeys + conversion
• [26:00] Team structure evolves: specialized roles, not “one studio manager”
• [30:00] Teacher pipeline + onboarding systems / trainings
• [32:00] CTA: Studio CEO Program + what’s included

Key Takeaways

• ✅ The industry is growing fast — which means more options for consumers
• ✅ Generic “yoga has benefits” marketing won’t stand out anymore
• ✅ Consumers are smarter and more values-driven
• ✅ People are scrolling less → your content must earn attention fast
• ✅ Organic marketing alone won’t be enough; amplify what works with paid ads
• ✅ AEO matters as AI answers replace traditional searches
• ✅ Coaching/business education is becoming a baseline requirement
• ✅ Sustainability and predictable cash flow beat “big jumps” in 2026
• ✅ Team roles will specialize (marketing, teacher development, ops)
• ✅ Studios must strengthen teacher pipelines and onboarding systems

Pull Quotes

• “You are so far past generic marketing.”
• “Your consumer is smarter.”
• “Coaching is going to become non-negotiable.”
• “If you want to be part of the growth… you have to be around in 2035.”
• “Get off the roller coaster.”

Resources Mentioned

• Studio CEO Program (12 months)
• Weekly coaching calls + written coaching
• Weekly trending reels (hook + caption + training)
• Bonus workshops (including AEO/AIO workshop)

Related Episodes

• Episode on AI + studios
• Episode on coaching

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo