Pilates for Men

“Pilates? Nah. I need a REAL workout.” I get it. You’re a guy, and you want a workout that will challenge you.  Pilates can sometimes conjure up thoughts of a studio full of long, bendy women in Lululemon tights. Not exactly the place you’d expect to find training that improves functional fitness and sports performance right?  Maybe it’s time to give those preconceptions a challenge, because Pilates can be a powerful tool in creating mobility, stamina and a deeper kind of strength. It can make you a better athlete, and help you better manage the physical demands of your day. Pilates for men. It’s a thing. And it might just be the thing your body is craving.

Why You Should Care

The Pilates method trains whole body movement supported by a dynamic core; using body weight and specialized resistance equipment to work you in all planes of motion.  If  you’ve divided your workouts into leg day, arms & upper body day, and core work is an extra, then you’re  missing some important stuff! Pilates will strengthen muscles you may have forgotten about, and create mobility you might not have thought possible. The benefits of Pilates are very different than the ones you get from cross-fit or traditional gym training – but they will add to the quality of your movement, and your life, in a pretty big way.

Core control 

One of the main objectives of the Pilates Method is the development of a connected and stable core as the foundation for strength and mobility.  First, we make sure you can access your deep system “core” properly. That means not just your deep abdominal wall but your pelvic floor, deep back muscles and your respiratory diaphragm. Then integrate that inner unit core with as much motion and load  in your whole body as you can support. The goal is not just to build muscles, but to ensure that your core is toned and responsive enough to activate and support you automatically when you need it to move.

Mobility and Flexibility

The increased muscle mass that men often seek can sometimes go hand in hand with a decrease in overall mobility and flexibility. Reduced mobility is often an indicator that the body is lacking stability.  If your easy range of motion is not what you’d like it to be – you may be missing the kind of strength that supports your structure. Bigger muscles may be trying work less efficiently as structural stabilizers; costing you in terms of joint mobility and ease. You feel strong – but your movement doesn’t flow well. Or maybe you feel strong, but you suffer from back and joint pain. Pilates works to re-train your movement patterning for better efficiency; working toward balanced strength and stamina around the joints. As the body feels more stable, flexibility becomes possible where it might not have been before. The result is ease and efficiency in motion, and more often than not – less pain.

Proprioception

Specialized Pilates equipment makes it possible to load movement in an almost infinite number of ways. You’ll find yourself doing exercises lying down, sitting and standing up. You may be right side up or upside down or somewhere in between. Sometimes you’ll be on a stable surface, sometimes you’ll be on a moving platform. You’ll  load the movement in various ways. Often, using a lower weight load can provide a surprisingly intense experience.

A good Pilates teacher will ask you to notice how your body feels as you work through various exercises. As you concentrate on your movement, you’ll begin to notice when things feel connected and supported. This awareness makes it easier to look for similar sensations when you’re out in the world, doing your thing. You develop your balance and your ability to sense your body in space, which are important skills for moving around in life and sport.

Sports Performance & Injury Prevention

Pilates builds a strong, structural foundation for healthy, well-organized movement. It works to create access to and control of the body, stamina for support, and strength to move you around in the world. By fine tuning your movement patterning for the most efficiency, you free up energy previously wasted on non-optimal support and movement strategies. That energy can then be used toward moving bigger, for longer, in a wider range of motion. New movement potential can lead to cleaner technique, better race times, improved agility and a whole lot of other really good things. And the more well-organized your movement, the more likely you are to avoid injury. Pilates helps builds better athletes!  (Check out this study about Pilates and running: Pilates Training Improves 5-Km Performance in Trained Runners)

Better sex

Feeling healthy and strong is always a gateway to good sex, but Pilates can help in more specific ways too. Training the pelvic floor as part of a strong and integrated core can support improved stamina and control during sex. The freedom of movement Pilates brings can open the door to whatever inspiring movement you can imagine with your partner! (I’ll leave the details to you… )

Pilates for Men

In my experience, many men I’ve worked with come to Pilates after they’ve had an injury of some kind. Their pain and dysfunction aren’t responding to the things they’ve tried and the ways they’re used to working through things. But once they discover Pilates offers some amazing possibilities beyond rehab, they’re hooked. It can be hard for a guy to walk in the door to the Pilates studio though, when he’s expecting a room full of women on the other side.

Moving Spirit welcomes everyone. If you’re ready to take the plunge to learn how to move better and feel better doing it, we’re here for you. We specialize in building personalized programs to support your specific needs and goals. We’ll do a comprehensive assessment, and cover the all the important Pilates basics to get you moving at your best.

Get Started Now!

Buy an Introductory Private Training Package  now, book your 5 Introductory Privates and discover just how great your body can feel! 

About Susannah Steers

Susannah is a Pilates and Integrated Movement Specialist, and owner of Moving Spirit. Through movement teaching, speaking and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. Susannah co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World Podcast; an interview-based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change for individuals, families, communities and across the globe.