Pilates: The Underrated Workout For Men’s Fitness

Pilates is a diverse exercise regimen that emphasises upon core strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. Pilates traces its roots to a German man who aided soldiers in recovering from battlefield injuries. Pilates is generally associated with women's fitness, but men can equally benefit from it. It can be used as an independent routine or combined with other exercise routines to address several issues and increase flexibility.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates exercises include routines using equipment as well as bodyweight matwork. When performing matwork exercises, you usually lie on your back or stomach and use gravity as resistance to develop your core while preserving your range of motion in your spine and joints. Pilates exercises are supported by equipment such as the Cadillac, stability chair, and reformer, which increase strength and flexibility. Pilates can help men, who frequently overtrain certain muscle groups, by treating muscular imbalances and enhancing general strength and mobility.

History Of Pilates

Joseph Pilates, a German man who, after overcoming severe health challenges in infancy, dedicated his life to physical training, created the Pilates method. Pilates developed the first Cadillac machine to aid in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers while imprisoned on the Isle of Man during World War I. It is thought that his approach, which was shaped by his skills in boxing, bodybuilding, gymnastics, and martial arts, helped soldiers recuperate more quickly and possibly avoided disease during the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Why Should Men Consider Pilates?

Pilates is frequently linked to women because of marketing and public perception, although men can also benefit from it. Although the workouts themselves are beneficial to both both genders, the primary difference is in the way men usually train. In their workouts, men tend to overemphasise specific muscle areas, which can result in imbalances that Pilates can help with. Men can correct these imbalances with Pilates, which makes it a helpful addition to any exercise routine. 

How Popular Is Pilates With Men?

Men are generally taking a greater interest in Pilates. This includes people who are working professionals, fitness extremists, and athletes who want to balance the adverse impacts of stationary positions like sitting for a long time. 

Pilates Equipment Exercises

The basic movements of Pilates, known as the 50 matwork exercises, form the basis of any Pilates lessons. Even though add-ons like the reformer, chair, Cadillac, and barrels might improve your Pilates practice, you must only use them under the guidance of a professional instructor. It's critical to understand that Pilates is more than just bodyweight exercises. Matwork movements are a great place for guys to start when they want to start with Pilates. 

(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical or fitness professionals.)