Despite
the explosive growth of Pilates in recent years, there
seems to be a misconception among men that Pilates is
only for women. I have to admit that women have been the
first to adopt it in masses, but Pilates is just as beneficial
for men as it is for women. Pilates is not, and never
was a gender thing. As a matter of fact, Pilates was developed
by a man who was a boxer, gymnast, and circus performer
and had a following of male practitioners.
When
men try Pilates for the first time they are surprised
to find out that Pilates is not easy. Jack Cohn, a CEO
of a commercial production company who took on Pilates
to deal with back injuries, was marveled by the difficulty
and the athleticism required by the Pilates method. His
trainer Regina Joseph in an article in Pilates Style magazine
shares what Jack whispered to her at one point; “Boy,
I’d never expected it to be this tough. I always
thought Pilates was... you know, kind of girly.”
Why
Men Need Pilates More Than Women.
Many
physiotherapist, doctors and sport coaches agree that
based on men’s biomechanical and physical needs
they could benefit from Pilates more than women. The reason
is simple.
* As boys, men start training in sports earlier than girls
and due to poor training practices at a young age, they
don’t develop core strength and correct exercise
habits. Through time, lower abdominal weaknesses and destructive
workout routines can result in back pain and inflexibility,
especially in the hamstrings.
* Men don’t bother to stretch after an activity
and if they do they do it haphazard or incomplete. Over
time they develop microscopic tears in the muscles. With
time scar tissue develops and when the muscle is fatigued
it loses flexibility.
* Men don’t know how to engage the transversus abdominis
properly. In other words, they don’t use their abs
correctly.
The
Pilates method core strengthening and stretching principles
are a great way to regain the flexibility and treat many
of the injuries and misalignments and bad habits that
men frequently impose on themselves.
