Have you ever done it? Have you ever gone to a Pilates class, looked around, and noticed that you were one of the few guys in the room? As men, it can be easy to dismiss Pilates as just another workout trend that’s not completely for you. But listen. Pilates isn’t just for women. In fact, it may be the missing piece to your fitness puzzle.
A number of Hollywood celebrities have been spotted flying the Pilates flag lately, and heavyweights and ‘yolk-in’ physiques may be giving way to a more athletic aesthetic.
If you want to increase your flexibility, make your limbs more limber and supple, improve your balance and posture, and reduce your risk of injury in team sports, Pilates may be for you. Read on to discover the many benefits of hitting the mat.
Pilates is becoming popular among celebrities
David Beckham was introduced to the practice of Pilates while on loan at AC Milan and has vowed to cherish it. Matthew McConaughey also enjoys a session on the mat, and our very own Jacob Elordi is known for incorporating dedicated stretches into his weekly training sessions. Popular movie star Glen Powell (top gun: maverick) has also been seen on social media wrestling with his body through Reformer Pilates, which he has described as “terrible” but “amazing”.
But the trend was probably sparked by pop music heavyweight Harry Styles, who appeared in a video posted by Exhale Pilates London. In it, Styles is seen twisting his core while holding the bar above his head. It’s a simple thing written on paper, but believe me. But give it a try.-It’s tough!
. flat Breaking Bad Giancarlo Esposito appeared in the video, and the 65-year-old showed Gumby-level flexibility.
Instagram | @thegiancarloesposito
Meanwhile, in the world of sports, top athletes such as LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Andy Murray have also incorporated Pilates into their fitness regimens. For an athlete of this size and vintage, a new way to gain a physical advantage over opponents and reduce pain and injury in later life is an investment worth making.
What is Pilates?
First, let’s debunk the myth that Pilates is only about flexibility and core strength. While these are certainly important, Pilates can also improve your overall strength, balance, and posture. As men, we tend to try to gain as much muscle mass as possible through weightlifting, but Pilates can help you achieve a more functional and balanced body.
Instagram | @exhalepilates London
Pilates is like yoga’s sophisticated cousin. This is a type of exercise that focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and balance while using slow, controlled movements. Joseph His Pilates, who founded this discipline in the early 1900s, once said: “Physical fitness is the first prerequisite for well-being.” And to be honest, having tried Pilates myself, I have to agree with his opinion.
It’s all about precision and control, understanding each movement and how it benefits your body. Like an athletic puzzle, each movement slides perfectly into the next for a full-body workout that leaves your body feeling refreshed and energized.
Combining high-intensity, low-impact movements, Pilates is perfect for people who want to improve their fitness without putting too much stress on their joints. Stretching, bending, holding, breathing, and even slower movements make your muscles scream.But here’s the problem— Your body won’t be unduly sore the next day. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a session on the mat between days of heavy lifting.
Can Pilates help you lose weight?
Pilates has a great effect on strengthening your muscles, primarily by toning your core, hips, shoulders, and back. Depending on your intensity level, you may also start burning calories to drop a few more kilos. Taking a Reformer Pilates class increases the intensity of your workouts and increases your resistance to more challenging experiences.
What is a reformer class? This is Pilates performed on a reformer machine that uses a spring system to increase rebound. You’ll definitely break a sweat, so put your ego aside.
Benefits of Pilates
Recent research has outlined a huge list of Pilates health benefits. Posture, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, body composition, functional autonomy, static balance, athletic performance, and elements of specific sports activities. This study also suggests that Pilates has a positive impact on mood, quality of life, and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
In addition, Pilates is also useful for men who play sports or participate in activities that require explosive movements. The slow, controlled movements of Pilates improve body awareness and coordination, leading to improved performance on the field and court.
Why is Pilates making a comeback?
It is becoming increasingly clear that the days when a large body was the ideal aesthetic for men are over. The current trend is for more athletic and balanced rigs that look and feel great in all aspects of life. And Pilates can help you achieve just that.
In years past, many men were too self-conscious to come to the Pilates room or felt the workouts weren’t intense enough for them. And certainly, these stereotypes persist for some men. But with the ever-growing body of empirical evidence regarding the benefits of Pilates, and the fact that some of the most famous male celebrities on the planet are jumping on the bandwagon, Pilates is having a golden moment. Perhaps it’s time to incorporate the session into your weekly training plan.
Related article:
6 Common Misconceptions about Pilates – Negatives
No, you’re not manly enough for Pilates