Why Men should do Pilates.

Pilates isn't just for women!

After all, the Pilates Method was invented by a man -  Joseph Pilates back in the 1920s. JP was a skilled gymnast, skier, boxer, and self-defence expert, Joseph developed Pilates to keep his body strong and survive incarceration during WWI. 

Key Benefits of Pilates for Men

1. Core Strength

Pilates is legendary for building deep core strength, especially the muscles around your spine and pelvis. This doesn't just mean abs — it's about improving functional strength, stability, and support for your entire body. There is a lot of focus on the core and how to engage and use the core correctly - again to provide support within other areas of your body

2. Improved Flexibility

Many men are strong but tight — especially in the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and back. Pilates stretches and lengthens muscles without compromising strength, helping prevent injury and improve overall movement quality.

3. Better Posture

Pilates emphasizes spinal alignment and body awareness, helping correct the posture issues caused by sitting, tech use, or heavy lifting. Improving the thoracic mobility of the spine (the middle area of the back) can lead to less stress on the shoulders and lower back as well.

4. Injury Prevention & Rehab

Pilates strengthens stabilizing muscles and corrects imbalances. For men who lift, run, cycle, or play sports, it can reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery. A well rounded exercise approach will lead to longer term health benefits over the years.

5. Boosted Athletic Performance

Many pro athletes — including David Beckham, LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tiger Woods — do Pilates. Most professional sports teams use pilates as part of their training sessions. It improves balance, control, and coordination, all of which give athletes a performance edge.

6. Mind-Body Connection - the opportunity to de-stress.

Pilates isn’t just physical — it’s mindful. It trains focus, breathing control, and precise movement. This can improve mental clarity, stress management, and athletic concentration. I have talked about the benefits of pilates for mental wellbeing in an earlier blog post. Men, as much as women, can also struggle with mental health and although society is changing, men can still be much more reluctant to open up about feeling stressed and overwhelmed to their friends and family.

7. Low Impact, High Reward

Unlike high-intensity workouts, Pilates is gentle on joints, making it ideal for men recovering from injury, aging athletes, or anyone wanting a sustainable, long-term workout routine.

Still unsure: check out my reviews on google:

I've been a rock climber for nearly 25 years and as I get older I am finding the strain it puts on my body is increasing. My wife suggested I join the pilates class she had been enjoying, and I've now been going to one of Beth's classes in Thorverton for over a year. The difference it's made to my core strength, balance, and general fitness is huge. Ben Shippey, Thorverton.

Beginners Pilates is starting in Topsham at the Salutation Inn on Wednesday 7th January at 12:30. Do get in touch to book your place or if you wish to join an established group in Thorverton, Silverton or St Leonard's then contact Beth to find out about suitablility.