Is Pilates useful for men?
Consider this: Pilates was started by a man, Joseph Pilates; it's been a training vehicle for elite athletes, both men, and women, for over 50 years; and men have figured prominently as instructors and promoters of the Pilates method throughout its history.
Core strength, flexibility, balance, uniform development, and efficient movement patterns — all are hallmarks of Pilates training and highly relevant to men's fitness. The integrative component of Pilates can be especially beneficial for men, whose workouts often emphasize a part-by-part approach to muscular development, such as occurs in weightlifting.
Pilates, by contrast, emphasizes moving from the center of the body, the powerhouse, and developing core strength in the deep muscles of the center to stabilize the trunk and protect the back. This kind of core training makes Pilates an excellent technique for whole-body fitness, as well as a foundation for cross training with other kinds of sports and exercise.
Developed on a man's body, and taught with input from both men and women, Pilates is founded on healthy movement principles for the human body in general.
Pilates is a body/mind practice where part of the exercise is to bring one's full care and attention to every movement. Similarly, exacting alignment and core training that goes beyond the superficial muscles require more subtle attention and micro-adjustments than some men are used to finding in an exercise class. There is none of the "just power through" kind of attitude that men might be used to from gyms. This often becomes most apparent when working with the Pilates equipment, which, though it is resistance equipment, is not intended to be overpowered.
(By Marguerite Ogle @ verywellfit.com)
