Pilates for Men: Not Just for Ballerinas

While Pilates started as a rehabilitation method for ballet dancers, it has since evolved into a methodology focusing on core, functional strengthening, posture, and flexibility. Many of these factors could benefit men who tend to overtrain certain joint, and muscles and neglect postural, and flexibility training creating movement imbalances. Pilates, at its simplest, zeroes in on these faulty patterns, creating balance and symmetry. Here are 3 tried and true Pilates for Men exercises that target the major areas of the body men tend to be imbalanced.

1. Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and feet flat on floor. Engage the backs of your legs and lift you hips up so they are in line with your shoulders. Repeat 2-15x reps.
2. The Swan: Lie on your stomach with your elbows bent at your sides: Engage your back muscles, and lift your chest higher than your hips. Lower back down to starting position. 2-15 reps
3. Double Leg Side Lift: Lie on your side with your legs straight and stacked. Engage your obliques, and lift both legs off the floor. Repeat 2-15 reps.

We hope to see you guys in a Reformer class soon!

Love, and Planks

Higher Terrain studio