Is Pilates for Men??

The short answer to this question is yes! However, despite the founder, Joseph Pilates, being a man who wanted his method of ‘Contrology’ to be for everyone, when it comes to Pilates, men seem to be second to females leading the charge to the reformer. Women around the world have embraced and mastered this amazing form of exercise and perhaps that is because Joseph Pilates set up in the building of a dance studio in New York City. Had he set up in the changerooms of Yankee Stadium, perhaps we would see a different mix of clients today.

There is also the idea that Pilates isn’t hard enough for the guys as it is predominantly a body weight system of exercise. To that I say, have you ever tried to do a jack knife? And I’m not talking about the thing with a car and a trailer. However, one would just need a session on the equipment to see that adequate resistance can be added giving a very thorough burn if that is the desired result. However I do say to clients that Pilates is more like a slow burn, think of that slow cooked lamb shank that takes time….yes well that’s Pilates. We move slowly with purpose through the move, making sure the breath is coordinated with the move, the body is where it is meant to be for the move to work & with just enough resistance to make you want the call for “2 more” but still feeling like you could do it again when you finish.

Here’s what a couple of our regular male clients have to say:

Dale: I started Pilates a couple of years ago at the recommendation from a specialist & I haven’t looked back. I have had a few injuries linked to hyper mobility & Pilates has helped me recover as well as improve my strength to further reduce injury. I love that it can be tailored to what is needed & how I am feeling. I would highly recommend Pilates whether it be for rehabilitation or overall strength & movement improvement.

Mark: As a keen exerciser I have always done things that I thought were tough; heavy weights, endurance events, road & trail running. I never thought I would do Pilates because I didn’t think it would be hard enough & give me the sweat & burn I was used to. But I gave it a go & was really surprised at how hard it is. I have been doing Pilates for over a year now & each session challenges me & I leave a little stronger, a little more flexible & a little more impressed with what it can do.

So, fellas, sportsmen, weekend warriors, old blokes & young blokes, whoever you are why not give it a go. Now is the time for the Men to step up to the Reformer. Set aside the previous assumptions or the association that Pilates is for females. Sure, you will see the core strengthening, toning & flexibility benefits that the ladies get, but you will also get an opportunity to overcome an injury, improve for the sport you play or simply have an increase in your general wellbeing.

We will see you at the reformer.