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5 reasons why men do Pilates
Discover why Pilates is taking off with male celebs
What do rock legend Ian Moss, swim star Eamon Sullivan and golf pro Tiger Woods all have in common? They all practise Pilates.
The Pilates method was developed by a man – Joseph Pilates – who used it to train army troops, interned prisoners and men from all walks of life, as much or more than he trained females and dancers.
All over the world men are practising Pilates for its health and conditioning benefits, and they will tell you adamantly that a Pilates workout is not for the faint-hearted. Many serious athletes include Pilates in their training regime these days, for these five great reasons.
So guys, to get you on your own Pilates journey start with the Back Support sequence:
1. Sit upright with your legs together and extended along the floor, palms pressing into the floor behind hips.
2. Exhale to lift hips up off the floor to create one long line from head to feet.
3. Do 10 times without slumping into your shoulders.
Increased flexibility
Pilates uses specific exercises and techniques to increase range of motion in all joints and movements of the body. The structure of the male body is different to women and usually tighter, and Pilates can help make a big difference.
All-over strength
Pilates offers functional strength, meaning the body must maintain correct posture and muscle patterns while building strength. This brings the often neglected muscles in to work with the more common muscles trained.
Great abs
Pilates has unique and targeted repertoire for working the abdominals, unmatched by other method. The Pilates apparatus offers ways to work the core on a deep level, and give the real six-pack strength inside and out.
Stay younger and happier
Pilates workouts release internal anti-ageing and stress relieving chemicals into the body, giving a natural high after each session.
Prevent and repair injuries
Pilates, for all the reasons above, is one of the best ways to prevent injuries from occurring. Doctors and physios refer consistently to Pilates for rehabilitation and the results can be astounding.
Sally Anderson is the founder and director of www.pilatesint.com.
