Men, It's Your Turn
Pilates was originally created by a man, Joseph Pilates, in the early 20th century. However, for many years now it has been primarily popular among women. In recent years we have seen more and more men taking up Pilates which leads us to ask, why the sudden increase in interest? A recent article by the Wall Street Journal lists; “NBA superstar Kevin Durant has credited Pilates with helping him rehab an Achilles tendon injury. New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was heard on mic touting the benefits of Pilates during a game last football season. And Exhale Pilates London recently posted an Instagram clip of boxers, soccer players and pop star Harry Styles tagged #mendopilatestoo.”
Pilates Is Not Just Physical
As our community well knows, Pilates is not just a physical practice; it also has incredible mental health benefits. It seems that recently, many men are beginning to discover that Pilates can help them reduce stress and anxiety, improve their focus and concentration, and increase their overall sense of well-being. The mind-body connection that is emphasized in Pilates can help men better manage their emotions, which can have a positive impact on their mental health.
Most notably, however, men are turning to Pilates as a way to enhance their performance in the gym, running, playing golf, basketball, and other sports. Pilates can help men develop better posture, balance, and stability, which can translate into improved performance in weightlifting and many other types of training. Regularly attending Pilates classes or private sessions will also help men develop better body awareness, which will help to avoid injury and train more effectively as this low-impact form of exercise can be done by men of all ages and fitness levels.
As our community already knows - Pilates is a full-body workout that focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and mobility. Men stand to benefit greatly from the classes we know and love to build lean muscle mass, improve their range of motion, and increase their overall strength and endurance. It is particularly beneficial for men who want to improve their core strength, which is important for overall stability and balance.
Pilates Is For Every Person
Though, despite the benefits, some men may feel hesitant to try Pilates because they perceive it as a predominantly female activity. However, the reality is that Pilates is for everyone, and men should feel just as comfortable in a group class among women. At Fuse Pilates, we welcome men and women of all ages and fitness levels to our classes. Our experienced instructors create a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages everyone to feel at ease and to work at their own pace. There is nothing inherently female about the exercise or equipment, and we promise it’s not just a stretching class!
In fact, men often find that group classes are a great way to meet other like-minded individuals and to challenge themselves to try new things. Being part of a supportive community can also be a great motivator to stick with a regular exercise practice.
Pilates is a great form of exercise for men who want to improve their mental health, performance in the gym, and overall strength and mobility. It is a low-impact, full-body workout that emphasizes the mind-body connection and can be done by men of all ages and fitness levels. At Fuse Pilates, we welcome men and women to our classes and provide a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages everyone to achieve their goals. So why not give Pilates a try? You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!