Pilates for Men – Teaching and Tips
Are you a trainer and would you like more men to attend your classes? Although in Poland women currently dominate Pilates sessions, more and more men are discovering that this sport perfectly strengthens the body and opens up new possibilities for sculpting the figure.
Joseph Pilates created his method of exercise over 100 years ago – an approach developed by a man for men. So why do many men think that Pilates is an easy, low-demand workout for women? Why do men often approach this method with reluctance and feel embarrassed to try it?
The problem often lies in the atmosphere during the classes. If only women participate and everything is tailored to them, it can be difficult for a man to feel comfortable. However, it is enough to take care of a few important tips to make Pilates an enjoyable and valuable form of exercise for every man – whether a professional athlete with high physical fitness or a person undergoing rehabilitation, or even after an amputation.
Here are 6 tips to help you encourage men to regularly practice Pilates!
1. Take care of the atmosphere and environment
The atmosphere during classes attended by men should be neutral. A clean, professional studio will help men feel more at home. Carefully choose the color scheme of the room – combinations of blue and brown work well. This will create an elegant yet friendly environment.
When selecting exercise machines for men, opt for the 18’’ studio reformer – it is more comfortable for taller male clients and those with back or knee pain. With such a reformer, they can use the machine without discomfort while working standing up.
2. Plan the first group session well
Always try to place a new male client in a class that includes another man. If possible, it’s good for a man to also be in the group working before and after the one in which the new client will participate. When a man sees that he is not the only male exercising during the class, he feels more comfortable and gains confidence.
3. Suggest appropriate clothing
Regular gym attire does not always work well during Pilates, especially on machines. A new male client may not know what to expect, and as an instructor, you want him to feel comfortable. Advise your client before the first class to wear compression shorts under his sports shorts.
If it happens that a man forgets this or is unaware of why it is important, initially avoid exercises that could cause embarrassment or awkwardness.
4. Ensure proper communication
Descriptive cues greatly facilitate exercises. They help connect something familiar with an action that needs to be mimicked. However, when using such comparisons for men, avoid terms that typically come from the female world, such as “bra strap,” “Barbie toes,” “high heels,” or “corset.”
Instead, use terms like “raised heels,” “weightlifting belt,” “back strap.” They are much more masculine and meaningful to men – this makes a difference during Pilates exercises.
5. Carefully select exercises
Consider – why did this client book a session? Does he suffer from back pain? Does he want to improve his golf game? Has he sustained a shoulder injury? Did he learn that someone famous practices Pilates?
Make sure to use exercises that the new client expects and meet his goals! If he enjoys the exercises and feels that he has undergone a valuable workout, you will have the opportunity to work with him again in future sessions and teach him all the benefits of Pilates.
6. Make a good first impression
When working with a man, do not try to forcefully prove to him how difficult Pilates can be. Showing that he underestimated Pilates by assigning overly exhausting exercises can have the opposite effect – discouraging the new client.
The first (and subsequent) experience of a man with Pilates should be a balance between fulfillment and humility. Strive for this with every client – even through 1000 sessions!
Each training session should make the client feel fulfilled – having the sense that they have accomplished something they could never do before. At the same time, Pilates training should be a training of humility. Humility, so as not to stop at a momentary achievement, but to move forward and see that Pilates can support and challenge every level of fitness.
With this approach to Pilates, the belief that it is a method only for women will slowly fade away. For this to happen, instructors must make every man feel comfortable in Pilates classes and proudly encourage their friends to try this discipline!
Just as a woman in a male-dominated gym can feel safe and welcomed, so too can Pilates training be made a valuable and supportive time for all men!
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.