Very few Pilates teachers have the luxury of working with as many men as women, and it's a real shame because men have disappeared from Pilates studios. Pilates was never meant to be exclusively for women. Joseph Pilates designed this method for everyone—men and women alike. The benefits Pilates offers men, from physical strength to mental resilience, are profound and transformative. Yet, the myth that Pilates is a "gentle exercise for women and dancers" continues to persist, keeping men from reaping its full rewards.

I'm fortunate to be one of the Pilates teachers who attracts a significant number of male clients. Over 40% of my client base consists of men, and there's a reason for that. Success leaves clues, and there's a clear strategy to making Pilates appealing to men—helping them see that it's not just about flexibility or rehabilitation. It's about building a thriving, empowered life supported by a strong, balanced body.

Pilates has the unique ability to cultivate strength, power, and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply with men. But it’s our responsibility as teachers to shift the narrative, educating both men and the women in their lives to see the value of Pilates through its essence. Whether it's a father, husband, boyfriend, or brother, every man deserves to live a life of strength, health, and vitality. And Pilates is one of the most effective tools to help them get there.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to bring men back to Pilates and how Pilates can support men in leading thriving lives. I’ll share insights from my own experience, working with men on both physical and energetic levels, and I hope it inspires you to help more men experience the life-changing power of Pilates. 

Let’s make a change together. Let’s join our forces and bring the men back to Pilates.

The Benefits of Pilates for Men: Rediscovering Strength, Power, and Bravery

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People often see Pilates as just a gentle exercise for women, but it has a surprisingly rugged, resilient history. During World War I, Joseph Pilates developed Pilates—not in a fancy studio but while interned on the Isle of Man. Surrounded by fellow male prisoners, Joseph created exercises to keep them all strong and fit while lifting their spirits and sharpening their minds during tough times.

While many may think Pilates is about being soft, it actually originated from a need for survival, strength, and resilience. Joseph believed that movement was essential for both physical health and mental strength, especially when facing adversity. His vision was to create individuals who were balanced and harmonious, fostering peace instead of conflict.

The true essence of Pilates might have gotten a bit blurred over time, but we should remember its original purpose. Pilates was designed to instill bravery, strength, and happiness in men, nurturing both body and mind. Joseph Pilates once envisioned a world where having a strong, capable body led to a peaceful mind. As we dive further into this topic, we’ll explore the benefits of Pilates for men.

How Pilates Evolved to Embrace Masculine and Feminine Energy

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When Joseph Pilates moved to the United States, he met Clara, who would become his wife and partner in refining the Pilates method. Clara brought a nurturing aspect to the practice, balancing Joseph’s focus on strength and control. Her influence added fluidity and flexibility, enriching the method while maintaining its core principles.

Pilates evolved into something that blends both masculine and feminine energies—grounded and powerful, yet adaptable and supportive. While it’s important to celebrate its inclusive nature, we should also honor its masculine roots. Originally designed to build strength, bravery, and resilience in men, these foundational intentions are present in every movement and exercise.

For modern men, embracing both sides of Pilates—the strength and the fluidity—can build not just strong, agile bodies but also resilient minds ready to handle life’s challenges with grace. Balancing these energies creates a body that’s both grounded and free, powerful yet graceful. At its core, Pilates encourages men to find this balance, offering a journey toward physical strength and emotional well-being.

Reconnecting Men with Pilates: A Tailored Approach

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To welcome men back into the world of Pilates, instructors need to understand the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of their male students. This is especially important for female instructors who have completed their Pilates teacher training, as men often approach exercise differently than women. While masculine and feminine energies can complement each other, they generally have distinct needs in physical training.

Men typically appreciate clear, direct instructions. A straightforward approach that focuses on results, performance, and strength is often effective. During Pilates sessions, using concise cues that target specific goals can make a big difference. Emphasize how Pilates can enhance physical strength, improve performance in other sports, and foster a strong sense of power and capability in everyday life.

This tailored approach not only respects men’s preferences but also helps bridge any gaps. It encourages men to fully embrace Pilates as a way to build strong, resilient bodies and balanced minds.

How to Support a Man's Pilates Experience as an Instructor

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Physical Body: Many men come to Pilates wanting to increase their strength, agility, and flexibility. Even if they are already strong, Pilates helps refine that strength, making their bodies more functional and adaptable. The program offers exercises that challenge their existing power while enhancing flexibility and range of motion. Men often enjoy dynamic, powerful movements, but incorporating exercises for coordination and control is key for balanced development.

Mental Body: As you likely found in your Pilates education, Pilates is also great for mental resilience. By focusing on alignment, control, and precision, it encourages men to think beyond just sheer power. This shift from brute force to intelligent, purposeful movement builds mental toughness and promotes a smarter approach to both fitness and life.

Emotional Body: On the emotional side, Pilates helps men tune into their bodies, recognizing their limits and strengths on a deeper level. Creating a supportive space for them to explore these boundaries shows that real strength often comes from mindful effort. This combination of physical skill and emotional awareness promotes overall well-being and inner harmony.

Energetic Body: Energetically, Pilates grounds men by focusing on the smooth, intentional flow of energy throughout their bodies. Movements that combine grounding with strength teach men to harness their energy effectively. This connection between the earth and movement supports both physical and energetic balance, enhancing overall strength and flexibility, and promoting a lasting sense of centeredness and vitality.

The Transformative Power of Pilates for Men

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In Pilates, men experience a shift from sheer force to true power. Traditionally, men are driven to lift heavier weights, run faster, or endure long work hours—often pushing themselves to the brink of burnout and imbalance. Most men are not encouraged to purchase Pilates teacher training or Pilates certifications.

But Pilates changes the game. It promotes the creation of authentic power—a blend of mind, body, and spirit that enhances overall strength and functionality. In this practice, men learn to channel their energy efficiently, aligning physical effort with mental focus and emotional grounding. True strength emerges from this balanced connection, not just from pushing limits.

Through Pilates, men start to see their bodies as allies rather than adversaries. It reveals that a well-aligned body can move through life with ease, grace, and less effort. Pilates transforms the body into an integrated system that operates efficiently, relying on inner power instead of brute strength.

This shift from force to power is what makes Pilates special. It nurtures a mindset where men can navigate life with agility, adaptability, and the readiness to face challenges with grace and resilience. On this journey, they discover a deeper connection to themselves, uncovering a reservoir of strength that comes from within.

Pilates: Empowering Men with Strength and Resilience

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As Pilates instructors, we're committed to helping men develop a deeper understanding of power, strength, and adaptability. We design practices tailored to their specific physical and energetic needs, while encouraging them to build mental and emotional resilience. Pilates for men goes beyond just a workout; it’s about giving them the tools to master their bodies—and, by extension, their lives.

We choose exercises that uplift men, making them feel strong, capable, and grounded. Our goal is for them to leave the studio feeling like they’re at the top of their game, fully present in their bodies, and prepared to tackle life’s challenges with renewed energy. It's about movements that balance strength and flexibility, fostering a sense of power through mindful control and precision.

At its core, Pilates prepares the body for the unexpected. Life is unpredictable, and a body that’s both strong and flexible is better equipped to handle whatever comes its way. Through Pilates, men can build a body that not only looks and performs well but also feels good. This supportive practice accompanies them through all stages of life, helping them live with true freedom, confidence, and inner peace.

Reclaiming the Power of Pilates for Men

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Joseph Pilates designed his method to help men thrive—both physically and mentally. He aimed to build strength, resilience, and balance so men could face the world with courage and calm. While Pilates education has grown to include everyone, it's time to reintroduce men to this effective practice, whether they pursue Pilates certifications or simply visit us in the studio.

We have the power to guide men through this extraordinary practice. With a community of other like-minded Pilates instructors, we can cultivate a movement that brings back the magic and joy of Pilates for everyone. As part of IVA Inner Circle, you can take part in lifelong learning, exchange ideas with other certified Pilates instructors, and gain confidence in your ability to reach every student’s needs. Join IVA Inner Circle to join a community of other Pilates instructors passionate about expanding their influence!

By understanding men’s unique needs and teaching in a way that respects them, Pilates instructors can help men rediscover the benefits of this method. Pilates isn’t just a workout; it’s a philosophy of movement, strength, and adaptability. When men embrace this philosophy, they build bodies that are ready for anything—strong, flexible, agile, and powerful.

So, to all the men out there, it’s time to reconnect with your inner power and contribute to creating a better world. Come back to Pilates.

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