5 reasons why men should be doing Pilates

When we picture Pilates classes in our mind, more often than not we probably visualise women. But Pilates is great for men, too! I teach many men Pilates on a one-to-one basis. Admittedly, most have been recommended (told) to give my Pilates sessions a try by their other halves... but once they start on their Pilates journey, they can’t get enough.

In order to remove these stereotypes that “Pilates is only for women”, here’s five reasons why men should be doing Pilates:

1. Pilates can enhance sporting performance. Many elite athletes include Pilates in their regimen (Harry Kane, Andy Murray, Tiger Woods, David Beckham). Regular Pilates classes can help improve your golf swing, tennis serve, running form or dancing (Harry Styles).

2. Pilates is a great way to help ease away the pains from sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone for too long. It increases strength, mobility and flexibility, making movement in daily life that much easier.

3. It’s not boring! There are heaps of different exercises to try, and using the reformer equipment makes it feel much more interesting. And depending on the exercise, it can be very physically demanding. I have had boxers working up a sweat performing what looks like the simplest of exercises.

4. Pilates was invented by a man – Joseph Pilates - over a hundred years ago. 60% of clients in his New York studio were men.

5. Pilates has amazing mental health benefits - it’s an hour a week of self care where you get to focus just on yourself, providing a distraction from the stresses of daily life. There is a strong focus on the mind and body connection in my classes which builds self awareness and can alleviate stress and anxiety, which in turn can help increase focus and concentration outside of your class.

If you’d like to start feeling the benefits of regular Pilates classes, please get in touch.