Pilates for Men
Many men eschew Pilates based on the belief that it’s nothing more than an extended stretching session that is better suited for women. That is also the basis of the misunderstanding that Pilates contributes only to greater flexibility. In reality, it focuses on both eccentric and concentric muscular contractions in order to achieve a balance between extension and strength.
The fundamental concept of Pilates is a precise positioning of the entire body, starting with the torso and pelvis, which results in a healthy spinal posture. The main focus is a strengthening of the deep-set supporting muscles of the back and abdomen, the so-called “core.” Correct body posture along with the deployment of deep supporting muscles allows for highly economic and efficient motion, which in turn leads to a wonderfully aesthetic movement pattern throughout the body. In addition to correcting pelvic position, which promotes the correct positioning of the leg axis and the foot, an emphasis is placed on precision shoulder mechanics in order to recruit and strengthen the arm muscles with the proper focus.
Once men discover the advantages of a functional Pilates workout as a form of physiotherapy or chiropractic, they generally return to the Pilates studio on a regular basis, having found that the positive effect of Pilates in their day-to-day life is significant. Anyone who completes 30 training sessions will be sure to feel rejuvenated and pain-free through correcting poor posture and strengthening the torso, improving flexibility throughout the body – with a primary focus on the mobility of the spine and all the joints.
Pilates Founder Joseph Pilates Was an Athlete
The initial concept for Pilates stems from the man who gave his name to the training method: Joseph Pilates. He was born in Germany in 1883, and struggled with health problems from an early age. His physical limitations prompted him to engage in the pursuits of anatomy, bodybuilding, wrestling, boxing, and Asian martial arts.
He believed that he could heal his own body better through physical activity than traditional medicine. “False posture when sitting, standing, or walking causes an imbalance in the body, which in turn disturbs the various organs, including the bones and muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and glands. A correct positioning of the spine is the only natural means to protect oneself from obesity of the abdomen, shortness of breath, asthma, hyper- and hypotension, and various forms of heart disease.” (Joseph Pilates, Your Health) It is for this reason that Pilates developed his own method of exercise, originally called “Contrology,” enabling him to become a prize-winning gymnast, boxer, self-defense instructor, and circus performer.
When World War I broke out, Pilates was stuck in a detention center on the British Isle of Man. He organized daily exercise sessions for the others in the camp, including those who were too badly wounded to get out of bed. This helped him to refine his technique for a broader public.
Pilates was thus developed by an athletic circus performer who perfected his methods while being detained in an internment camp during the war.
Later, he was invited to train the German army. Is that not the final proof that Pilates has always fulfilled the masculine ideal?
Upon receiving an invitation from a professional boxer in the United States, Joseph Pilates decided to cross the ocean, accompanied by his wife, Clara, and set up his own practice in New York City. It was there that many well-known athletes, actors, opera singers, and ballet dancers became his clients.
Pilates is thus well suited for a broad clientele, regardless of gender, age, or fitness level. It is also employed successfully in physical therapy.
BODY LINE Pilates
Sima Bürgin
Beethovenstrasse 43
8002 Zürich
Telefon: 076 377 36 31
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