I Tried Australia’s First AI Group Pilates Class – Here’s What Surprised Me
train smarter, not harder
By Victoria Lewis | 26th February 2026Is this the future of Pilates? OpenAI data tells us one in three Aussies (32%) now train with ChatGPT, showing there is a major shift towards the use of AI in fitness and wellness. Jumping on the bandwagon, I thought I’d try my hand at Australia’s very first AI-led Pilates class to scope out the trend for myself.
And, surprisingly, as someone who can be quite hesitant about AI’s role at times, I must say, this class has changed my tune.
Whether you’re an em-dash fanatic or still somewhat a sceptic, no one can deny AI is here, and it’s shaping the way we operate. AI is encouraging a new way to look at Pilates and fitness as a whole, as something that is flexible, tailor-made, and above all, accessible. The future is here, and it begs the question: Is AI our newest workout partner?
How did it all work?
Roll out those mats, team, and let me walk you through Australia’s very first AI-driven Pilates class – The Workout, by ChatGPT. The early morning workout flowed like a regular mat Pilates class would – short warm-up (heavy on breathwork), a full body burn, and a relaxed cool down – except every exercise was determined using ChatGPT prompts.
Everything was entirely AI-driven, down to the details: the playlist, the smoothie bowl recipe, even the floor layout.
Led and curated by content creator and fitness enthusiast, Caity Viant, and set in a picturesque private residence in Brisbane’s north, the basic premise was for the workout to mirror how ChatGPT can be used in our everyday life, with sunny skies and an easy-to-follow at-home workout.
With a straightforward five-minute-per-muscle-group structure, there was no guesswork, just the burn. Starting with simple glute activation to ease us in, then transitioning into a bodyweight arm circuit, followed by lunges and an ab series to finish, ChatGPT achieved the unthinkable: a full-body sweat sesh in under 30 minutes – no equipment, no mind games.
Will AI replace in-person Pilates?
Like so much of the discourse surrounding AI, there are valid concerns about AI replacing human jobs. My take? So much of the draw of Pilates, and group fitness in general, is in the human connection aspect. And, frankly, the most interesting thing about the whole experience was hearing from Caity Viant herself – someone who lives and breathes fitness – and her perspective on AI’s role in her industry. She isn’t intimidated by ChatGPT; she embraces it.
Caity isn’t scared of AI taking over, but uses ChatGPT as a tool to help her stay nimble and creative (just like some of us do to, say, craft an email or make a meal plan). She has utilised AI in her job to complement, not compete – to think differently when creating workouts and train smarter, not harder. You can prompt a specific workout tailored to your equipment, time constraints, and even to work around any minor injuries you might have.
Momentum is shifting, with almost half of Aussies (47%) intending to use ChatGPT for wellness by the end of the year. And instead of shying away from the shift, Caity encouraged us to look at how ChatGPT can revolutionise our at-home workouts, and it was incredibly refreshing.
“As a long-time fitness enthusiast, I use ChatGPT to complement my training and nutrition plans, adjusting them around specific goals and races,” says Caity.
That’s not to say AI doesn’t have its limitations; it can’t correct your form in real-time, give you a knowing look of mutual pain when you’re mid-plank series, or make you laugh when you drop your Pilates ball in front of everyone. Your local Pilates studio and the vibrant instructors bring the space to life aren’t going anywhere, but what AI can offer is an affordable, creative workout buddy to fill the gaps in your routine.
The takeaways
Pilates doesn’t always tick the box for accessibility. So, deep in a cost-of-living crisis, AI-driven fitness is certainly a tool that can bridge the gap between everyday fitness and cost efficiency. I mean, seriously, the average gym membership is over $77 per month, so who’s to blame you for outsourcing?
I found out first-hand that AI can also lighten the mental load, especially for those of us who use fitness as a way to switch off from the everyday and tune into some me-time. It does the groundwork of crafting the workout for you; you just show up and kick it into gear.
Now, will I be replacing my monthly mat Pilates membership with my dear old friend ChatGPT? Not just yet. But will I keep this tool in my pocket for those days I’m feeling an easy, breezy, at-home workout? You betcha.
Imagery: Supplied
