“Movement has the power to connect people, and that’s exactly what we witnessed.”
— Hannah Storey
The Pilates World Sets a Guinness World Record
20th July 2026
The Isle of Man has successfully secured a new Guinness World Record following the Pilates World Record Attempt and Wellness Festival at Knockaloe, with 2,804 participants coming together to set the record for the largest standing roll down exercise class ever held. The achievement was confirmed by Guinness World Records adjudicators at the event, marking a significant milestone for the Island’s growing wellness offering.
While the event fell short of the existing record of 3,486 participants required to claim the title for the world’s largest single Pilates class, the event nevertheless delivered a remarkable result, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the Isle of Man’s unique connection to Joseph Pilates and securing a world record of its own. The attendance represents one of the largest wellness gatherings ever held on the Island.
Organised by Ramsey Crookall and 34Moves, and supported by Visit Isle of Man, the event formed the centrepiece of a wider Wellness Festival and Charity Village at Knockaloe, attracting residents and visitors of all ages for a day dedicated to movement, wellbeing and community connection.
Set against the backdrop of the location where Joseph Pilates developed many of the principles that would later shape a global movement, the event highlighted the Isle of Man’s distinctive place in wellness history and showcased the Island as an ideal destination for those seeking opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
From the Organizers
Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man
“Of course, we would have loved to have brought home the record for the world’s largest Pilates class, but achieving a Guinness World Record and seeing 2,804 people come together at Knockaloe is an incredible achievement in itself.
What made today truly special was not simply the record, but the atmosphere. We saw people of all ages and abilities coming together to take part in something positive, inclusive and inspiring, while celebrating an important chapter of our Island’s heritage. The sense of community and collective participation was extraordinary.
The Isle of Man has all the ingredients to become a leading wellness destination. From our open landscapes and coastline to our strong sense of community, heritage and connection with nature, the Island naturally lends itself to experiences that support wellbeing. Today’s event has helped shine a spotlight on that potential and marks the beginning of an exciting journey to further develop and celebrate our wellness offering.”
Joanna Crookall, CEO of Ramsey Crookall
“We are immensely proud of what has been achieved today. Bringing together 2,804 participants and successfully setting a new Guinness World Record is a fantastic outcome and reflects the enthusiasm and determination of everyone who took part.
From the outset, our ambition was about more than records. It was about creating an unforgettable experience, celebrating the legacy of Joseph Pilates and demonstrating the positive impact wellness initiatives can have on communities. Seeing thousands of people gathered at Knockaloe has been incredibly rewarding.”
Ruby Griffiths, Co-Founder of 34Moves
“Movement has the power to connect people, and that’s exactly what we witnessed today. To see so many individuals come together in a place so closely associated with the origins of the Pilates method was both emotional and inspiring.
Setting a Guinness World Record is a wonderful achievement, but perhaps even more important is the momentum this event creates. We hope it encourages more people to embrace movement, wellbeing and connection, while further strengthening the Isle of Man’s position within the global wellness community.”
The event also provided a valuable platform for local health, wellbeing and community organisations, with attendees supporting numerous exhibitors, charities and businesses throughout the day.
Organisers hope the success of the event will form the foundation for future wellness-focused initiatives, helping build on the Isle of Man’s growing reputation as a destination where people can reconnect with nature, improve their wellbeing and enjoy meaningful experiences rooted in the Island’s unique heritage.
PilatesStyle Catches Up with Lead Instructor Hannah Storey
Just days after the event, PilatesStyle spoke with Hannah Storey, who led the historic record-setting class.
1. When you looked out and saw thousands of people moving together, what was going through your mind at that moment?
This is incredible! My nerves vanished the second I saw everyone taking their positions; kids with grandparents, Pilates teachers who’d brought friends, teenagers from the island, stewards, my teaching team, all smiling up at me. That kind of warmth and welcoming was running through the whole festival. Watching everyone move together, clearly loving it, felt momentous. To be honest, once I started teaching, it felt no different to a class of ten; that’s the classical method at its best.
“Once I started teaching, it felt no different to a class of ten; that’s the classical method at its best.”
2. You made history. What does this achievement mean to you personally and to the Pilates community?
We did! I’m so proud to be representing the classical method and Exhale Pilates. The organisers did such a brilliant job of putting the whole festival and Guinness World Record attempt together that all I had to do was focus on delivering the class; everything else was taken care of.
Movement has the power to connect people, and that’s exactly what we witnessed. To see so many individuals come together in a place so closely associated with the origins of the Pilates method was both emotional and inspiring.
“Movement has the power to connect people, and that’s exactly what we witnessed.”
3. How meaningful was it to lead this event at Knockaloe, where Joseph Pilates developed many of his early ideas?
Honestly, an honour. It felt like stepping back to where it all began. Ruby, from 34 Moves, and I spent months studying archival footage of Joseph Pilates’ standing matwork, and practising standing versions of the classical mat and arm spring series on the Cadillac to build a class that could work for everyone on a (quite uneven!) field.
The organisers planned this event to celebrate the legacy of Joseph Pilates, and hope the success of the event will form the foundation for future wellness-focused initiatives, helping build on the Isle of Man’s growing reputation as a destination where people can reconnect with nature, improve their wellbeing and enjoy meaningful experiences rooted in the Island’s unique heritage.
4. If you could leave the global Pilates community with one message after the event, what would it be?
Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or decades into teaching, if you work in a large studio or small village hall, just keep showing up for your community!
“Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or decades into teaching… just keep showing up for your community!”
That’s one heck of a community!
On behalf of PilatesStyle, we congratulate everyone who participated. What a fabulous event!
We would also like to recognize Exhale Pilates of London, whose sponsorship and leadership helped make this historic day possible. They continue to be first-class representatives of the global Pilates Community.
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