Pilates, to many (sceptical) men, is something reserved for women, or it is seen as an exercise method that doesn’t build muscle or strength. But that’s far from the truth. I have worked with many men, and they currently account for 40% of my actual clients. I love working with them; they are goal-oriented and driven to achieve their goals. I very rarely had a “lazy” male client, and most of the time, it doesn’t last long or work out if that’s the case.
Those who come to Pilates do so for various reasons, most of which are related to pain, whether it is a sore back (a lot!), tight shoulders, pain around the hips, wear and tear, discomfort from years of lifting heavy weights, or as a support for other physical activities they engage in. Often, as it doesn’t happen naturally, they have been advised by their GP, osteopath, or physiotherapist that Pilates could be beneficial. But what they (most of the time) don’t realise is that Pilates is not a quick fix (wink).
The Need for Patience
Whether in their 20s or 50s, many men get into Pilates expecting instant results. Some of them have been neglecting for many years the signs that would lead to bigger issues; they are in a lot of pain and want to be out of it as quickly as possible and some others who are used to the fast-paced, immediate gratification of the gym, where lifting heavy weights and pushing through pain is seen as the path to success struggle with the method’s requirements. And yes… Pilates doesn’t work this way.
The body doesn’t respond instantly to every exercise; recovery and understanding what it needs to work correctly and how require time. The journey is as important as the destination. Pilates is about building long-term strength, developing healthy movement patterns, enhancing flexibility, and cultivating a deep connection to your body. It’s not about achieving quick results or fixing things in a flash.
The Role of Ego
One of the most interesting aspects (to me!) of teaching Pilates to men is witnessing how their ego influences the process (and that includes some women who are in powerful positions). I absolutely love this part! I found out they tend to perform better when working out privately with a teacher rather than in a group class, which sometimes brings out their competitive side. It’s not always a bad thing, but when it gets in the way, it takes the main point of focus away.
Men who have achieved great things in other areas, whether in their careers, at the gym, or in sports, often think they can master Pilates in a short time… Until they try it! But Pilates addresses the deep muscles, not the superficial ones that give beautifully shaped arms, chest, legs, arse, and abs, but the foundation of the body, the ones that keep you upright and give proper strength. Those are not easily accessible and require time to reach and develop.
The Pilates work is about building control from within. And often, the idea of it is attractive, but the application a tad less. The ego can get in the way and create resistance, especially when they struggle with movements that seem simple or “easy” at first glance. It’s in these moments, when they surrender and let go of the resistance, that significant growth occurs. That’s a moment I live for, and these clients are often the ones I enjoy working with the most. They healthily challenge themselves, and through this newly found humility, they experience real breakthroughs.
The Power of Trust and Vulnerability
Then, there are those who had a sedentary life, who used to be strong to some extent or function without asking themselves too many questions; they come to me in pain and struggle with vulnerability. Pilates challenges them to open up, sometimes share a space with other clients and trust the process. It can be difficult to accept that the body is not what it used to be, that sometimes it takes time to heal, and that one needs help. These clients often feel vulnerable in giving their body to someone they have just met, but their willingness to stick with it and to trust the process is what makes their progress so rewarding. Together, we form a team (with the strong-headed ones above, too!). I help them rebuild that trust in themselves, in their bodies, in their abilities and in the Pilates process.
The Benefits of Pilates for Men
Pilates can be incredibly beneficial for men, especially those who are looking to maintain long-term strength, flexibility, and joint health. The deep core strengthening that Pilates offers can help prevent injuries that often occur when living life with a body that functions through incorrect patterns and/or performs repetitive movements or lifts heavy weights. It improves posture, balances muscle imbalances, and enhances flexibility. Pilates teaches control, precision, and mindfulness, which in turn translates to improved daily life and overall performance in any sport or physical activity.
Choosing the Right Teacher
One of the most crucial aspects of Pilates is finding a teacher who respects your goals, understands your body, and knows how to guide you through the process. The right teacher will encourage patience, provide the proper modifications, and challenge you in a way that respects your individual needs. Pilates is about listening to your body, understanding it, walking hand in hand with it, and challenging it, but not pushing it to extremes. A good teacher helps you respect your limits while guiding you towards improving them.
Respecting the Process
Ultimately, Pilates is about treating your body with care. It’s an intricate machine that accompanies you every single moment of the day and deserves respect. We all want quick results, but the body is not a machine that can be fixed overnight. It’s a slow, steady process of rebuilding strength, improving flexibility, and learning to move with more precision and mindfully. As a teacher, I always remind my clients, both men and women, that the journey is the goal. Embrace it, trust the process, and enjoy the progress, no matter how slow it may seem at times.
Big LOVE to all my past and present male clients.
Mx