Comparison

Pilanies vs Backbone LA

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Pilanies

This app offers intelligent Pilates workouts designed for your body, blending classical foundations with modern sequencing. Its AI-powered system curates personalized sessions based on your goals and progress, promoting strength and balance.

Highlights
  • AI-driven workout programming
  • Classical Pilates sequencing
  • Slow, controlled movements
  • Focus on alignment and longevity
  • Personalized session curation
  • Distraction-free experience
Features
Read full description

Pilanies™ is the evolution of private Pilates. Created by renowned LA instructor Alana Mesica, the app brings her signature method beyond the studio through an ever-growing library of mat and reformer classes built around precision, control, and intelligent programming. Every session is rooted in the same philosophy that has made her method one of the most sought-after in Los Angeles: thoughtful movement creates lasting transformation. At the center of the platform is the AI-powered Sculpt Engine™ — a first-of-its-kind Pilates experience that builds a completely personalized workout in seconds. Select your available time, goals, energy level, focus areas, and equipment, and the Sculpt Engine™ assembles a custom class from hundreds of individual movements. Every playlist can be edited, reshuffled, and saved, giving you complete control over every workout. Whether you're looking for a quick reset or a full-length session, every class is intentionally programmed to challenge, strengthen, and restore — without ever repeating the same routine twice. INSIDE THE APP: • Mat & reformer classes led by Alana Mesica • AI-powered Sculpt Engine™ personalized workouts • Hundreds of exercises and growing • Fully editable workout playlists • Programs for every level • New classes added regularly Pilanies™ isn't another streaming fitness app. It's a smarter way to practice Pilates. SUBSCRIPTION PRICING & TERMS Pilanies is free to download. Access to workouts and the Sculpt Engine™ requires an active subscription, available on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. New customers are eligible for a 7-day free trial period. Payment will be charged to your credit card through your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the subscription period. There is no increase in price when renewing. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal turned off in Account Settings in iTunes after purchase. Once purchased, refunds will not be provided for any unused portion of the term. Terms of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.pilanies.com/privacy-policy

About

Backbone LA

Features
Read full description

Backbone is a private and semi-private training studio based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Founded by Chelle Mahoney, built from years of experience in personal training, Pilates, and performance programming. Backbone was created to deliver a smarter, more intentional way to train, in an environment you never want to leave. The Backbone Method is built around three pillars: Strength. Stability. Stamina. These principles guide every session and ensure a comprehensive approach to full-body conditioning. Our programming blends reformer Pilates, progressive weight training, and strategic treadmill intervals into a seamless 60-minute experience designed to challenge the body in all three dimensions of performance—power, control, and endurance. Every workout is structured with purpose. We prioritize form, alignment, and progression to help you build lean muscle, increase cardiovascular capacity, and improve functional movement patterns that translate beyond the studio. This is not random sequencing or trend-based fitness. It is disciplined, results-driven training built on longevity and measurable growth. Nestled in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, Backbone offers an intimate, elevated environment where members feel both supported and challenged. Our private and semi-private format ensures personalized attention while cultivating community and accountability. At Backbone, you are not just attending a class—you are building your foundation. Welcome to your third space. Welcome to Backbone.

Screenshots

Pilanies4 screens
Backbone LA4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backbone LA at none against Pilanies's 3. Pilanies's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Pilanies sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Backbone LA asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pilanies ships an update every 2 weeks, Backbone LA every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Pilanies versus Backbone LA: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPilaniesBackbone LA
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size57 MB121 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperPilanies LLCSutra Fitness, Inc.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Pilanies

Subscriptions3
  • premium7 Days trial$29.991 Month
  • premium7 Days trial$85.003 Months
  • premium7 Days trial$319.991 Year
None

Backbone LA

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pilanies free?
Pilanies is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backbone LA free?
Backbone LA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pilanies or Backbone LA have ads?
Neither Pilanies nor Backbone LA shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pilanies or Backbone LA?
Pilanies ships an update every 2 weeks, and Backbone LA every 6 months. Most recently, Pilanies was updated on October 30, 2026 and Backbone LA on October 16, 2026.

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