Joe Pilates WAS A MAN!
Created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, the method originally called CONTROLOGY was a blend of Western yoga, Greek and Roman gymnastics, Karate and Zen. This training system developed into a series of physical and mental conditioning exercises we now know as Pilates.
During the time he was interned in the Isle of Man in 1912, Joseph Pilates developed a fitness technique to help rehabilitate injured soldiers, and later on when he served as an orderly in a hospital he created his first version of what we know today as the Pilates Cadillac by attaching springs to a hospital bed.
Research has found that Pilates can improve strength and flexibility, reduce generic lower back pain, lower glucose levels, reduce arthritis pain, improve balance and posture, enhance sport performance, and have positive effects on mood and emotions. 1 2 3
Why should I practice Pilates and not just high intensity/high impact sports?
Because centering the work in the Powerhouse (the core) is key to rebalancing and lengthening the muscles. This is something which can be emphasised very little in high intensity routines. Pilates builds deep core strength and this strength can help reduce muscular imbalances and the associated aches and pains that come with the imbalances.
It can be practiced on its own or associated with aerobic or non aerobic sports. Basically, it’s all to be gained by practising it!
What does it mean, REBALANCING the muscles?
Many routines that are practised by men tend to overtrain certain muscles, particularly quads, biceps, rectus abdominis (six pack!), biceps, triceps and pecs. This is where Equipment Pilates makes all the difference. In a session you will be able to work the whole body, including all those smaller muscles that might not look that fancy, but have the duty of stabilising the joints. This is because the system is based on movements during resistance.
This is a quote from Joe: “I invented all these machines… they resist your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.” 5
If the body work in symmetry and the muscles work more efficiently the risk of injury is minimised.
My muscles are super tight and I have chronic back pain, can Pilates help?
The most common complaint amongst men is tightness in the hamstrings and lower back. During a Pilates session, not only you will feel the stretch in those areas, the greatest improvement over time is the thickening of the transversus abdominis muscle which protects the lumbar spine 4 . As consequence of getting stronger, you will be able to move more and so become generally more flexible as well as stronger!
Are there any famous men that practice Pilates? Oh yes! Cristiano Ronaldo, Andy Murray, Tiger Woods, David Beckham and many NBA and American Football players, rugby players.. so many professional athletes practice Pilates on a daily basis.
So to conclude this very short summary, Pilates is for EVERY BODY. It is not gender specific and it was not designed with a gender in mind. Anyone who joins our group or private sessions benefits from this incredible Method and everyone is welcome at Mindful Pilates, any age, gender, injury or needs.