What do Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tiger Woods all have in common besides being phenomenal athletes in their respective sports?
They do Pilates.
Pilates is a mind-body exercise emphasizing breath, core strength, and controlled movement. Pilates increases flexibility, strength, and mobility. Pilates is also famous for rehab. NBA star Kevin Durant used Pilates to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
Although Pilates is thought of as a form of exercise performed by women, more and more men are catching on — including several Paseo Club members.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides fitness, tennis, pickleball, and Pilates facilities. Certified instructors teach Pilates classes every day to people of all levels.
In this article, you will learn why Pilates is considered a "women's" exercise, why men can benefit from doing Pilates, and what men at the Paseo Club have to say about their Pilates practice.
Why is Pilates considered an exercise for women?
Pilates became popular when founder Joseph Pilates began to work with dancers at the New York Ballet Company, most of whom were women. Women continue to gravitate to Pilates because it builds long, lean figures similar to a dancer's physique.
How does Pilates benefit men?
Men tend to choose sports — tennis, basketball, boxing, etc. — and more intense forms of exercise such as weight lifting and high-intensity training. Pilates is often dismissed as easy or ineffective.
But most people do not realize Pilates was initially developed to help injured (male) soldiers during World War l. The founder, Joseph Pilates, developed the practice by working with bedridden soldiers, helping them focus on their breath and core muscles.
Pilates has become the go-to program for rehabbing injuries, but there are several other benefits too.
1. Improves your sex life
Pilates helps with better breathing, stamina, and flexibility. Men with stronger cores and pelvic floors make intimacy more enjoyable for both parties due to them being able to lengthen the period of lovemaking.
2. Makes you stronger
Pilates strengthens while stretching and lengthening the muscles. Most men are very tight and spend little time on flexibility training.
3. Reduces back pain
Most men struggle with lower back pain. The main focus of Pilates is to strengthen the core, which in turn helps strengthen the lower back.
4. Reduces stress
Many men suffer from high-pressure jobs and family responsibilities. Pilates helps lower cortisol levels by performing Pilates breathing. Pilates uses diaphragmatic breathing, which helps oxygenate the muscles. This practice not only lowers your cortisol levels but also helps you to perform better at work and in sports.
5. Increases flexibility
Men who spend most of their time sitting at desks have tight hamstrings and hip flexor muscles. There are great stretches you can do on the Pilates reformer to loosen these muscles.
6. Improves posture
Pilates improves posture by focusing on lengthening the body and strengthening the back and front of the core.
7. Deeper sleep
Pilates helps you sleep better. Deep breathing, stretching, and lengthening help you have fewer sleep discomforts.
8. Improves balance
Pilates helps with balance. This translates well into other sports and is essential to improve as you age.
Should men do Pilates even if they are active with sports or training at the gym?
Everyone can benefit from Pilates — especially men. Pilates is a wonderful compliment to any athletic training as well as to help men support the simple activities of daily living.
Many professional athletes use Pilates as a form of cross-training to improve their overall performance.
Not a pro football or basketball player? Pilates can still be a vital component of your exercise routine and serve as a fountain of youth for your overall physical well-being.
What men at the Paseo Club have to say about Pilates
“For those of you who haven’t discovered Pilates at Paseo Club, you are definitely missing out. As a guy, Pilates is great for stretching, working core strength, and maintaining balance. The trainers are fantastic. They do a great job of matching the routine to your skill level. For me, it is a core part of my workout regimen.”
- Terri Robinson
Terri Robinson“I’ve been a member of the Paseo Club since 2003. I took my first Pilates class in 2020, and I’m sorry that I waited so long. A back injury forced me to reexamine my workout routine. My wife suggested Pilates. The first class quickly dispelled my thought that Pilates was "too easy". Not only did I work up a good sweat, But I also worked small muscle groups that had been hiding for far too long. My back pain is now manageable due to the great core exercises and stretching techniques that I’ve learned. Pilates is my favorite class at the Paseo Club, and it will be a part of my workout routine forever.”
- Curt Chase
“My wife asked me, let’s do Pilates.
Me: No thank you, I’m not a Pilates guy.
Wife: Come on! Just try it once with me
(If you know my wife, then you know that ‘no’ is not an option)
So of course, I went and I have to say it was a great workout. The class was pretty amazing and to my surprise, I was sore the next day.
It was nice, relaxing, (yet pushes you), and the vibe is great and the teachers are even better!
I noticed my posture, flexibility, and strength have improved so much. I’ve always worked out with weights and never had a thought about doing Pilates. That has all changed now and weekly my wife and I do the class and it’s now been 8+ months! This is a place where you also build relationships, we’ve met so many great people and love our time here."
- Kevin Kerr
Pilates at the Paseo Club
The Paseo Club has several Pilates classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. There are also fun hybrid classes if you like variety. All Pilates classes, except Pilates Mat, are part of our small group training program, which allows you to have individualized attention and guidance.
Check out these options:
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates Barre
- Jump Board Abs
- Pinot and Pilates
- Pilates and Props
- Pilates Reformer Stretch
- Pilates Reformer Blood Flow Restriction
- Pilates Reformer (Intro, All-levels, Intermediate, Advanced)
Learn more about Pilates classes by checking out our athletics calendar and Pilates page.
The Paseo Club also offers over 60 fitness classes each week, tennis, pickleball, and swimming opportunities. Check out court drills, weight lifting or HIIT class, and cycle. These programs are taught by certified instructors who can guide you in achieving your fitness goals.
Have you checked out our cafe and clubhouse? After a challenging Pilates class, you can chill with a bite to eat or a beverage to drink. Put your feet up and visit with your friends.
The Paseo Club is your home away from home. Join us and become a member today.
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