Pilates for Men
This article gives an overview of the benefits of Pilates for men, and some tips for getting started on Pilates training. Pilates is a popular workout method that involves a variety of exercises designed to develop functional strength and flexibility in tandem. In modern fitness, Pilates as a methodology focuses heavily on improving core strength, flexibility, posture, and balance.
Pilates Classes for Men?
The Pilates method of exercise was originally designed by a man named Joseph Pilates who had experience as a boxer, soldier, bodybuilder, gymnast, and martial artist. It may have been used to rehabilitate soldiers during World War I. Older adults who practice Pilates can improve their balance, coordination, and mobility, which significantly reduces the risk of falls as they age. Research also suggests that performing Pilates reduces the symptoms of chronic nonspecific back pain, which affects upwards of 80 percent of the general population. Additionally, Pilates training improves scores on functional movement screen assessments when compared with yoga training.
Pilates exercises include both bodyweight mat work and exercises involving the use of equipment. Pilates mat work exercises are usually performed while lying on your back or stomach and drawing in your abdominals to create functional core support. Gravity is the primary source of resistance, and the goal is to maintain mobility in your spine and joints while strengthening the intrinsic muscles that support alignment.
Equipment:
Pilates exercises can also be done with the support of spring-based equipment, including the reformer, stability chair, and Cadillac or tower, as well as a set of barrels. While more research is needed, studies suggest Pilates may improve strength and flexibility, reduce nonspecific low back pain, help lower glucose levels, reduce arthritis pain, improve balance and gait, enhance sport performance, and even boost your mood.
Weights:
Historically, men have tended to overtrain certain muscle groups in the weight room, such as the chest, biceps, and rectus abdominis (“six pack” muscles). Either in conjunction with strength training or as a stand-alone fitness regimen, Pilates can be an effective way to counteract the imbalances that arise from overtraining certain muscle groups.
Pilates, as a system, remedies faulty patterns by balancing the body’s strength and flexibility and optimizing its efficiency. When the body is symmetrically aligned and muscles function efficiently, injuries tend to occur less frequently. You can incorporate it into a general fitness plan that includes both aerobic and traditional strength training exercises alongside a nutritious diet. Pilates builds deep core strength in men and can help reduce muscular imbalances and the associated aches and pains.
Despite popular marketing, Pilates can benefit men as much as women. Pilates routines for men should focus on counteracting common imbalances found in typical men’s training programs. Numerous studies have found that the unique neuromuscular full-body functional training approach in Pilates leads to many benefits in both exercise performance measures and mental well-being. Given the “mind-body” connection that Pilates emphasizes, practitioners can improve their executive function through consistent training.
Check Out ChaiseFitness in Upper East Side Today!
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in the Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or visit our website.
