YES, MEN DO PILATES - HERE'S WHY

by Kerry De Vivo

Recently, a female client since 2002 (the year Excel Pilates Annapolis opened, for you history buffs) said,

“I notice there are a lot more guys coming to the studio these days.”

I was so excited to hear her say this and notice this fact. The truth is, for the over 20 years that I have been teaching Pilates, the majority of my clients are women. Over the years, I have been struck by the number of times I have received calls asking the same question.

“Can men do Pilates?”

To which I reply, “The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was created by a man FOR men... YES!”

My first Pilates teacher was a man. And many of my fellow second generation Pilates teacher colleagues are men. Initially, it never occurred to me to that some saw Pilates as a form of exercise mainly for women. In my experience, it was always for everyone. However, I have been committed to community outreach to proclaim that

MEN DO PILATES,


should do Pilates,


and love Pilates.

I am so excited to say that male clients make up 22 percent of our current client base. Furthermore, of the new clients who started Pilates with us in 2019, almost half of them are men. You don’t need to hear it from me, let’s hear it from the men of Excel Pilates Annapolis who I am featuring in this article.

I asked a few questions and I'll let the men speak for themselves:

1) What inspired you to start Pilates sessions?

"A neighbor recommended it. I had been suffering through a string of exercise-related injuries and she related her own injury-free experience with Pilates."

- Tristan



"I was experiencing a lot of back pain and discomfort from working in an industrial environment and flying with safety equipment. A friend recommended I try Pilates to avoid a clinical solution - it worked!"

- Scott


"I initially started doing Pilates because of chronic injuries from many years of cycling and crashes that I sustained."

- Ryan

(notice a trend here…)


Not all, but many of our male clients came to Pilates when they needed to find a solution to pain or a way to address chronic pain so they could continue to do sports, work, or activities they enjoy. Most say they wish they started Pilates sooner. Read a little more about this in one of our blog articles titled "Pilates IS for Men" https://excelpilatesannapolis.blogspot.com/2015/02/.


2) What do you get out of your sessions? How has Pilates helped you reach your goals?

"While I am still new to Pilates, it has already given me far better balance and general core strength. That base has allowed me to expand back into my hobbies with notable benefits - far more stability in stand-up paddling and on the skateboard (and presumably the snowboard)." - Tristan

"The sessions help me gain a better understanding of core control and differentiating upper extremity/lower extremity movements. They also help with flexibility and ensuring that each side of the body is equally strong." - Ryan

Read more about how doing The Pilates Method and developing a strong core helped make these accomplishments possible in our blog article titled "The Secret Weapon" https://excelpilatesannapolis.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-secret-weapon.html.

(Notice my male colleague in the background teaching Lesa and me in the second photo.)


3) Why would you encourage other men to do Pilates?

"I believe Pilates builds on my basic understanding of body mechanics to build a strong base for activity. I have more clarity when performing other exercises - what am I doing with my abs? My glutes? My ab/adductors?" - Tristan


"Is very effective and efficient - regardless of where your physical abilities currently are. It is always challenging and progress is tangible. I can touch my toes!" - Scott


"Pilates is great for men because it will help them improve both core strength and flexibility, while at the same time making them stronger functionally. There will be a performance increase with sports and recreational activity besides helping them reduce injuries." - Ryan

4) How is a Pilates workout different from other forms of exercise you have done or currently do?

"It is more difficult and yet less stress on the body than other types of exercise." - Scott


"I think I can say more about how it relates. Pilates, so far, is reminiscent of the best of physical therapy (Crossfitters, I am particularly reminded of Kelley Starrett's recollections on ancient Japanese teachings of the importance of keeping the belly firm and the feet in good position) and the focus of powerlifting (see Mark Rippetoe's teachings on squat mechanics). It correlates and blends in to all my functional movements." - Tristan

"Much more core and flexibility work. Focusing on coordination and single sided activities to help reduce compensation." - Ryan

5) How does a Pilates session affect you physically and mentally?

"It correlates and blends in to all of my functional movements."

- Tristan

"I went for relief of physical discomfort, now I get way more than that. An hour of focus on breathing and inner strength releases my mind as well. I always walk away taller, stronger, breathing easier, and thinking clearer." - Scott

"I normally feel more energetic following a session. I'm more in tune with my body and the way that I move. If I go to the gym after, I feel that it’s a better session overall and I’m more productive." - Ryan

Just a week ago, one of our male clients said co-workers razzed him when he left for his Pilates session. To those who doubt the work or the masculinity of a Pilates workout, I say,

CAN YOU DO THIS?

Also, check out these stories of professional, male athletes

and how Pilates has changed their game.

https://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/edge/jake-arrietas-full-body-pilates-workout

https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/03/28/jake-arrieta-chicago-cubs-profile

https://www.stack.com/a/antonio-brown-footwork

https://www.stack.com/a/wide-receivers-pilates

(I love the opening passage in this last link, "Escaping the 'that's just for girls' mentality, Pilates has become popular among professional football players looking for an edge. The Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers have both incorporated Pilates into their training regimens.")

"Excel Pilates Annapolis has been a true 'game changer' for me. I started going three months ago and I am so glad that I did. Each instructor is encouraging, yet challenging. After my first session I thought, 'Wow. I feel better. I want to come back.' I had more movement in my hips, back and shoulders. My posture started to improve. After three sessions I thought, 'Wow. I have my life back. I don't ever want to stop.' I sit, stand, and walk so much more comfortably now. I have increased energy and mobility to play with my son again. Thank you, Excel Pilates Annapolis!" - Jarrell


I love this testament from Jarrell who started Pilates with us in 2018. It's reminiscent of an amazing quote from Joe Pilates,


"In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body."


The men of Excel Pilates Annapolis, both those who are highlighted today in photos or interview, and those who were not available to participate, know the progress they’ve made. Their dedication and perseverance have paid off. Their rewards are the great benefits of Joe Pilates’ method. You are focused, thoughtful, strong, FLEXIBLE, and dedicated individuals. Keep up the good work!