Can men do Pilates?

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Pilates has definitely gained popularity in the wellness world as a go-to for improving flexibility, posture, and core strength, especially among women. But Pilates isn’t just for women. 

In fact, it was created by a man, Joseph Pilates, and it was originally designed to help injured soldiers rebuild strength and mobility. So yeah, it’s got some serious roots in hardcore physical rehab and performance.

Guys tend to gravitate toward more traditional strength workouts, lifting heavy weights, sprint intervals, or pushing through grueling CrossFit WODs. And while those are great for building raw power and endurance, they often leave big gaps in the areas that actually keep you moving well, like mobility, balance, and deep core stability. 

That’s exactly where Pilates shines. It’s not about shrinking your waistline or toning your thighs (although hey, those perks are real). It’s about building a stronger, more balanced body from the inside out.

So, can men do Pilates? Absolutely. And more importantly, they should. This article breaks down why Pilates deserves a spot in every guy’s fitness plan, what kind of benefits you can expect, and how the fitness industry can help ditch the gender bias to make Pilates more inclusive. Let’s dive in.

Breaking stereotypes about Pilates

A lot of guys still think Pilates is a “women’s workout.” Maybe it’s the way it’s been marketed over the years, bright studios, soft colors, and a heavy emphasis on toning and lengthening. Or maybe it’s the misconception that Pilates is easy just because the movements are slow and controlled. 

Whatever the reason, this outdated image has kept a lot of men from even giving it a shot. And that’s a shame, because the truth is, Pilates is one of the most well-rounded and challenging workouts out there, no matter your gender.

One of the most common myths is that Pilates won’t help you “build muscle” or “get strong.” In reality, it’s not about how heavy you lift, it’s about how well your body moves. Pilates targets your deep stabilizing muscles, the ones that support your joints and protect your spine. These muscles often get ignored in traditional training, which is why even strong guys can be surprised by how tough a Pilates session feels. 

Another stereotype that holds men back? The idea that Pilates is only for dancers, yogis, or people recovering from injury. Yes, Pilates is fantastic for rehab and flexibility, but it’s also used by athletes who want to stay ahead of the game. 

Think about it, if NFL players, pro golfers, and Olympians are doing Pilates to improve their performance, there’s clearly more to it than stretching on a mat. The focus on balance, breath control, and total-body coordination is exactly what high-performance bodies need.

It’s also worth noting that Pilates was originally developed by a man, for men. Joseph Pilates built the method to help soldiers recover from injury and stay fit, this wasn’t a spa treatment, it was serious functional training. 

Over time, it caught on in the dance world (thanks to how well it works), and eventually became a staple in women’s fitness. But somewhere along the way, the method’s origin story got lost in translation. It’s time to bring it back into the spotlight.

At the end of the day, Pilates is just good movement. It's strength, mobility, stability, and body awareness rolled into one. The only thing “feminine” about it is the stereotype we’ve been sold. And the more we challenge those assumptions, the more inclusive and effective the fitness world becomes, for everyone.

Benefits of Pilates for Men (Core, Flexibility, Rehab)

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Pilates might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of improving athletic performance or recovering from an injury, but it probably should be. One of the biggest selling points for men is how effectively Pilates targets the core, not just the visible “six-pack” muscles, but the deeper ones that actually stabilize your spine and support your movement. 

We’re talking about muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and internal obliques. These are the core stabilizers that help you lift heavier, move better, and protect yourself from injury, especially in the lower back, which is a common problem area for many men.

Another major benefit? Flexibility, and no, we don’t mean being able to touch your toes in yoga pants. We’re talking functional flexibility: muscles that move freely through their full range of motion without restriction or pain. If you’ve ever felt tight hips, stiff shoulders, or that all-too-familiar hamstring pull, Pilates helps loosen things up while building strength in those ranges. 

Unlike static stretching, Pilates trains flexibility through movement, which makes it much more useful in real life or during sport. That means fewer injuries, better posture, and improved mobility whether you're hitting the gym, the field, or just trying to keep up with your kids.

Then there’s rehab and injury prevention, which is where Pilates really shines. Whether you’re dealing with nagging knee pain, recovering from a shoulder issue, or just trying to undo the damage from years of desk sitting, Pilates offers low-impact, joint-friendly movement that supports recovery without losing momentum. 

Many physical therapists actually use Pilates-based methods because of how effective they are at re-training movement patterns and building strength in a safe, sustainable way.

Pilates also complements other types of training. If you’re lifting weights, running, cycling, or doing any kind of high-impact sport, your body is constantly fighting tightness, overuse, or muscular imbalances. 

Pilates helps balance things out. It fills in the gaps that traditional training often ignores, like spinal mobility, hip stability, and shoulder alignment, so you’re not just training harder, but smarter. And because it emphasizes controlled breathing and focused movement, there’s a built-in mental aspect too. That “mind-body connection” people talk about? It’s real, and it plays a huge role in how you move and recover.

Long story short, Pilates isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a game-changer. It builds core strength, increases mobility, helps prevent injury, and keeps your body functioning the way it was designed to. For men looking to train for longevity, not just brute force, it’s one of the most efficient, underrated tools out there.

Famous male athletes who use Pilates

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If you’re still wondering whether Pilates is really effective for men, just take a look at some of the world’s top athletes. These guys aren’t just dabbling in Pilates, they’ve built it into their training routines because it works. From football fields to tennis courts, Pilates has become a not-so-secret weapon for elite performance, injury prevention, and career longevity.

Take LeBron James, for example. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron credits much of his durability and physical longevity to his off-court training, including Pilates. His commitment to body maintenance is legendary, and Pilates is a key part of that system, helping him maintain mobility, core control, and balance despite the constant wear and tear of the NBA season.

Then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo, a global soccer icon known for his explosiveness, control, and agility on the field. Ronaldo has been spotted incorporating Pilates into his training to keep his core strong and his body supple, essential for his quick direction changes and powerful kicks. With such a high level of performance, he relies on more than just traditional strength training to stay on top of his game.

Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, has also turned to Pilates to support his back and hip recovery. For tennis players, core strength and flexibility are crucial, not just for performance, but for staying healthy during long matches. Pilates gives athletes like Murray the tools to maintain spinal alignment and control, even under pressure.

Even in the high-impact world of the NFL, Pilates has gained traction. Quarterback Drew Brees used Pilates during his career to improve stability and extend his performance window. For athletes dealing with explosive movement patterns and frequent collisions, the deep core work and postural alignment in Pilates offer a major edge, both in performance and recovery.

What all these athletes have in common is a respect for the demands their bodies face, and a recognition that Pilates helps meet those demands. It’s not just about stretching or building a stronger core; it’s about creating a body that can move efficiently, recover faster, and handle more stress over time. And if it’s good enough for world-class athletes pushing their limits daily, it’s definitely worth considering for the average guy looking to level up his fitness.

These examples make it clear: Pilates isn’t a niche workout. It’s a smart training method that’s been tested at the highest levels of sport. Whether you’re chasing championships or just trying to move better and hurt less, following their lead might be the best move you make.

How studios can attract more male clients with Rezerv-driven marketing

If Pilates studios want to attract more men, the first step is changing how the experience is presented, and that starts with marketing. Many studios unintentionally reinforce the idea that Pilates is “not for men” through imagery, language, and class descriptions. 

This is where a platform like Rezerv can make a real difference. With smarter data-driven tools, studios can tailor their messaging to highlight strength, performance, mobility, and recovery, benefits that resonate strongly with male clients.

The powerful advantage is reducing friction in the booking process. Many men feel intimidated walking into a Pilates studio for the first time, especially if they don’t know what to expect. 

Rezerv helps studios streamline online booking, clearly explain class levels, and promote beginner-friendly or men-focused sessions. When the experience feels simple, transparent, and welcoming, it removes a major barrier to entry. Confidence grows when expectations are clear.

Rezerv’s analytics help studios understand what’s actually working. By tracking engagement, retention, and class preferences, studios can refine their offerings to better serve male clients over time. 

That might mean adding strength-focused reformer classes, highlighting male instructors, or promoting success stories from existing male members. The result isn’t just more men through the door, it’s a more inclusive, balanced studio culture that benefits everyone.

Conclusion

The idea that Pilates is only for women is not just outdated, it’s flat-out wrong. As we’ve seen, Pilates was originally created by a man and designed for men recovering from serious injuries. 

Fast forward to today, and it’s become one of the most effective tools for building a strong, resilient, and well-balanced body. For men who care about performance, longevity, and moving pain-free, Pilates offers benefits that traditional training often overlooks.

From strengthening deep core muscles to increasing flexibility and preventing injury, Pilates fills in the gaps that many male-focused workouts leave behind. Whether you're lifting heavy, running long, or just trying to keep up with daily demands, the control and awareness Pilates builds can make a huge difference. Plus, its low-impact nature makes it safe and sustainable, something that becomes more important as we age or recover from setbacks.

So, can men do Pilates? Not only can they, they should. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer, a weekend warrior, or someone simply trying to move better and feel stronger, Pilates belongs in your routine. The sooner we break the gender myths and embrace the versatility of this practice, the sooner more men will experience its game-changing results.

Cheers, Friska 🐨

Read more: Why is Pilates so expensive? Factors behind the cost