I can’t work out how Pilates got the reputation for being a women’s exercise, when it’s a highly effective exercise technique for men too, particularly when it was invented by a man!
Men can greatly benefit physically and mentally from adding Pilates into their fitness routines, but if my word isn’t enough to convince you, here are some compelling reasons why men should consider Pilates.
Core Strength and Stability
Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep muscles of the core, including the abdominals, back, and pelvic floor. A strong core provides stability, improves posture, and enhances overall body strength, which is essential for men in various physical activities and everyday tasks.
Injury Prevention
Men who are physically active, and as they age, are more prone to injury. Pilates exercises target and strengthen specific muscles that support joint stability and mobility, helping to reduce the risk of injuries. It also improves flexibility in the muscles and promotes proper alignment, allowing men to move more efficiently and safely.
Improved Flexibility
Many men tend to neglect flexibility training, focusing primarily on strength and muscle building. However, limited flexibility can lead to muscle imbalances, decreased range of motion, and increased risk of injuries. Pilates incorporates stretching and lengthening exercises, helping to improve flexibility and joint mobility, which is beneficial for men’s overall movement.
Enhanced Performance
Whether it’s for sports, weightlifting, or any other physical activity (including sex!), Pilates can significantly enhance performance. By strengthening the core, improving flexibility, and promoting proper alignment, men can achieve more efficient movement, generate more power, maximize their athletic potential, and increase staying power.
Mind-Body Connection
Joseph Pilates based his work on three principles: Breath, whole-body health and whole-body commitment; with the whole-body meaning mind, body and spirit.
Pilates classes require focused concentration and controlled movements alongside the breath. This aspect can be particularly valuable for men who often face stress and pressure in their daily lives and can struggle to find an outlet. All exercise is good for cognitive ability, but the focus and control required in Pilates is great for challenging the brain as well as the body.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
JP himself was a frail and sickly child. Inventing his exercises helped him recover from rickets and become stronger despite having asthma and rheumatic fever.
Whilst I don’t teach rehabilitative Pilates in my classes, I am qualified and can adapt my classes to suit whoever is in the room at various fitness levels. If you have suffered injury or undergone surgery, Pilates is an excellent low impact exercise to help you get back to full strength and movement. You are welcome to join in as long as you have been cleared to do so by a medical professional and can comfortably get down and up from the floor; do talk to me about any injuries prior to the class.
Postural Alignment
Poor posture is a common issue for many men due to factors such as desk jobs, heavy lifting, or excessive sitting – even sitting with phones or wallets in your back pockets can affect alignment! Pilates promotes proper alignment and postural awareness, helping to correct imbalances and improve posture. This alleviates discomfort, reduces the risk of chronic pain, and enhances overall body symmetry.
If you’re a man and you want to give a Pilates class a go, we have two. Tuesdays at 10:30am is Pilates for All, a gentler class suitable for seniors and beginners, and Pilates Flex on Wednesdays at 7pm which is stronger and great for more athletic types! Both classes have a great mix of ladies and gents, are fully adaptable, and we have a bit of a laugh while we’re at it.
Book by following the link, or message me with your questions. I look forward to seeing you there!
Jayne x