pilates
Stefania Della Pia
Programme director, Merrithew Health & Fitness
M
Currently many men who turn to pilates only do so because they have acquired an injury
appreciate is how good it is for all-round body and mental health, not to mention helping them achieve more in the gym – and dare I say it, even in the bedroom. The pilates method is based on core
Michael Mogridge Pilates instructor
t’s very hard to get men into pilates, especially when they see classes full of women. Men often don’t realise that pilates was originally created by a man, that it’s since been a training vehicle for male and female elite athletes alike, and that men have fi gured prominently as instructors and promoters of the pilates method throughout its history. In my experience, men only turn to pilates after they have gained an injury of some sort – it’s great to strengthen around the injury and in turn help the healing and recovery process. But what they don’t
I
strength, fl exibility, balance, uniform development and effi cient movement patterns – all of which are highly relevant to men’s fi tness. Building up a strong core is very benefi cial to weightlifting, for example, as it helps you to hold the correct position, eliminating the chances of injury and enabling you to safely progress. Meanwhile, increasing fl exibility is a
goal that pilates addresses in a way that men fi nd acceptable: it works to increase range of motion but doesn’t use the kind of stretches that you might fi nd in gymnastics or yoga. It’s about developing the strength, balance and fl exibility to move through daily life tasks with grace and ease. This is particularly helpful if you have a large muscular frame, which can limit your movement – pilates allows you to have the strength in muscles, but also movement. Pilates exercises also focus on
strengthening the pelvic fl oor – shown to enhance a man’s sexual function. I believe men will see the benefi ts once they start to include pilates in their training regime – but gyms might consider introducing some men-only pilates sessions onto their timetables to encourage this audience to take the fi rst step.
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en have only recently realised the potential of pilates. Word-of-mouth
advertising is a great way to bring more men to the discipline – existing male clients telling other male members why they love pilates. Trainers and staff should also be encouraged to promote the benefi ts of pilates, referring male members into classes and private sessions. Promoting a more male-friendly
environment in the pilates studio, posting photos and articles of men doing pilates – as well as having male instructors – will also help men feel more comfortable.
“Educating your male clientele on the benefi ts of pilates is key”
Your pilates programming must also
refl ect the needs of male participants, offering both goal-orientated and full- body exercise. Pilates offers a great foundation for cross-training, helping improve the fl exibility, agility, speed and power needed for sports such as golf, hockey and running. Keep the workout moving to
prevent boredom and allow men’s competitive side to come out. Modify movements to help them achieve some of the more challenging exercises that require more fl exibility. Avoid using fl uffy cues or too much imagery: focus on strong and direct cues. And avoid too many subtle adjustments in the beginning – just encourage functional movement and ensure basic foundations are covered. Educating male clientele on the
benefi ts of pilates – such as core strength, fl exibility and injury prevention – is also key. The male mindset is generally to power through workouts, using heavy weights, but this can be challenged by using the lightest spring resistance to challenge control, balance and core strength.
healthclub@leisuremedia.com kate cracknell
august 2012 © cybertrek 2012
PHOTO © MERRITHEW CORPORATION
PHOTO © MERRITHEW CORPORATION
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