Men Can Do Pilates (and Should)!
Although Pilates has been around for more than 50 years, there are still misconceptions about what it is, what it’s not, and what it can do.
One of the biggest areas of confusion and misunderstanding is that Pilates isn’t designed for men, which is surprising given it was created by a man, for men! This is what a man can expect from a class:
1. Pilates is Not a “Stretch” Class
Many men (people, in fact) believe Pilates is more like a stretch or yoga class. While Pilates offers the opportunity to move your muscles in new ways, the approach is much more rigorous and demanding. Stretch and yoga classes tend to rely on only mat work whereas reformer Pilates offers resistance training.
2. Other Men ARE in the Pilates Studio
While people believe a Pilates studio will be full only of women, many men take part in Pilates! Did you know Lebron James, Tiger Woods, JJ Redick, Hugh Grant, David Beckham and many more all do Pilates?
3. Pilates Can Be Frustrating … At First
Pilates takes a new effort of control, focus, and breathing to be successful. While you can often “force” your way through a normal weight or gym workout, Pilates targets specific muscle groups through more controlled movement. Sometimes this can be hard for men because slow, controlled movements are not what they're used to when they think of "working out".
4. Pilates is a Workout Unlike Any Other
Men may be surprised just how hard a Pilates workout can be! Expect a feeling of great satisfaction as you incorporate both strength training and awareness during a Pilates workout.
5. Take Pilates Out of the Studio and into Your Gym Workout
As you learn the basic Pilates routine, you will become more aware of your body, how you move, the muscles to (and not to) engage, and how your breath can help with repetitions. All of these skills can improve normal gym or weight workouts.
6. Pilates Will Improve Your Sport
Whether you’re a skier, golfer, tennis player, runner or any other kind of athlete, Pilates can improve your sport. From a stronger core, greater flexibility, improved stability, and corrected alignment you will find that you’re stronger and more aware how to use your body in your sporting activities. Pilates will also help protect you from injury during sports.
7. Understand Which Muscles Are Strong – and Which Need Some Work
You may feel like you have a good understanding of the power your body currently has to offer. With Pilates, you may be surprised to learn areas of good strength you have along with other areas that are much weaker than expected.
8. Get a 6-pack Without the Crunches
One of the most noticeable signs of Pilates improvement is the development of strong and defined abdominal muscles. With Pilates, you can forget the crunches as you transform your abs with other exercises that build lean muscle mass. Pilates focuses on a strong core that will improve your posture to make you look taller, slimmer, and stronger.
Share the love of Pilates with the men in your life!