(Some) Men Do Pilates, but why not more?
Pilates is often considered for women, older people or for injury recovery but there are so many reasons why more men should be doing Pilates.
1.Pilates (originally known as Contrology) was created by a man
Joseph Pilates was a boxer, gymnast, circus performer, physical culturist and avid proponent of the classical Greek ideal of man, balanced in mind, body and spirit. He invented apparatus and series of exercises to address physical dysfunction and imbalances, allowing you to discover your potential and then challenge, enhance and develop that potential.
“Contrology is the science and art of coordinated body-mind-spirit developed through natural movements under strict control of the will” (Joseph Pilates)
Pilates enhances sporting performance
With its focus on whole body integration and control, strength, flexibility and resilience, Pilates promises fantastic results. Other benefits are injury prevention, quicker recovery time, enhanced performance, increased range of motion, more efficient breathing techniques and overall efficiency of movement.
It is increasingly well published that many elite athletes and sportsmen do Pilates as a vital component of their exercise programme. Here’s just a few well known for incorporating Pilates into their training:
- Andy Murray
- Tiger Woods
- Lebron James
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Harry Kane & the England football squad
- Jos Butler
- Kobe Bryant
Recently I welcomed Ant Middleton, soldier, adventurer and a true leader of positive mindset into my studio, who instantly recognised the many benefits of Pilates,
“It is not easy! I felt the exercises for days after, there is longevity in Pilates.
I think it gives me the flexibility, strength and balance that doesn’t just help me with exercise but daily life tasks to keep me stronger and healthier for longer.”
I think it gives me the flexibility, strength and balance that doesn’t just help me with exercise but daily life tasks to keep me stronger and healthier for longer.”
“To visibly see such a difference in my flexibility through one session was great. Jo took me through the release of the foot and ankle, and how it affects the whole body, and I could almost touch the floor.”
- Pilates for mental health benefits
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living.” (Joseph Pilates)
It’s not all about the physical benefits though. In a recent JPilates survey we found that 72% of men do Pilates for general well-being. Pilates is a powerful way to de-stress, dial down the nervous system, to give space to breath and focus.
As Ant said in the studio session,
“the exercises are almost meditative – you don’t switch off, you switch in.”
So how can we encourage more men to do Pilates?
One of the most agreed upon points in the survey was marketing. We need to create a greater awareness through advertising, ensuring that there is male representation on our social platforms. We could do this by collectively promoting more benefits of Pilates to men and raise that awareness across our online channels.
Keep spreading the word- Pilates has a vast scope of adaptability and accessibility that holds no barrier to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ability, shape or size. Pilates is for Everybody!
If you’re interested to learn more about the JPilates survey results and insights contact me on info@jpilates.co.uk
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