Is Pilates just for women? Is Pilates for men?

Pilates is becoming increasingly popular and mainstream.  And as with everything that becomes more popular, misconceptions result.  Among the misconceptions that are percolating throughout about Pilates here are a few.

• Pilates is for women.
• Pilates is not for men.
• Pilates is a derivative of Yoga.
• Pilates is just a quick fix for flabby abs.
• Pilates is easy; it’s for wimps.
• Pilates is not challenging enough.
• Pilates is too hard.
• Pilates is too expensive

While we can’t tackle all the above misconceptions in this issue let’s start with the first two.  Pilates is for women. Pilates is not for men.  Pilates is for both women AND MEN.  As we’ve seen in our History of Pilates Joseph Pilates was a man and originally designed the exercise and methodology for men.  Joseph Pilates himself developed the exercise during his career that included stints as boxing coach, martial artist, circus performer, athletic trainer and physiotherapist. 

Despite the history behind the creation of Pilates, Pilates has and is off to a slow start with men.  Pilates will greatly enhance athletic performance by improving strength, flexibility, agility, balance and coordination.  Golfers will hit the ball farther.  Runners will run longer and pain free.  Many professional sports teams include Pilates in their conditioning.   Fortunately, Pilates is becoming more accepted in fitness organization that more men are showing up to classes to sample the benefits.