Is Pilates Good for Men? A No-BS Guide for Guys Who’ve Never Tried It

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: Pilates has long had a reputation as a workout reserved for women. But some of the world’s most dominant male athletes have been proving otherwise for years.

LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Cristiano Ronaldo are among a growing cohort of elite athletes who have incorporated Pilates into their training routines to improve mobility, build strength, and support long-term performance. 

And it’s easy to see why. Pilates is a full-body workout that challenges your core and builds strength, working muscles you probably didn’t even know you had. It’s also a powerful complement to your existing fitness routine, whether you’re lifting weights, running, playing sports, or simply looking to move better.

Still skeptical? Fair enough. Let’s break down what Pilates can do for men, and what to expect when you step onto a Reformer for the first time.

First Things First: Is Pilates Actually a Good Workout for Men?

Short answer: Absolutely.

For starters, Pilates was created by a man. Joseph Pilates developed the method more than a century ago, drawing on principles of strength, flexibility, control, and rehabilitation. And while the practice has evolved quite a bit since then, the fundamentals remain the same. 

At BODYBAR, we take those principles up a notch with athletic, Reformer-based workouts that challenge your entire body. Think controlled resistance, sustained muscle engagement, and a level of intensity that might catch you off guard. (And that’s a good thing!) 

The best part is that you don’t have to be flexible, experienced, or even particularly athletic to get started.

Why Men Should Add Pilates to Their Workout Routine

You don’t have to be a gym rat or a fitness nut to reap the benefits of Pilates. Here’s how the exercise brings something different to the table for every athlete at every fitness level: 

1. Build Core Strength That Goes Beyond the Beach Bod 

Pilates targets the deep abdominal muscles, back, hips, and other stabilizing muscles that support practically everything you do. A stronger core can help improve balance, posture, and control, whether you’re lifting at the gym, swinging a golf club, or rough housing with the kids. 

And because so many Pilates exercises require your core to stay engaged while the rest of your body moves, you’re training it to work the way it’s actually meant to.

This article is a useful next read about how strength, stability, and other improvements develop with consistent practice.

2. Improve Flexibility and Mobility (Yes, Even If You’re Stiff)

Can’t touch your toes? You’re in good company.

Tight hips, stiff shoulders, and limited mobility are common, especially if you spend your days at a desk or your workouts focus heavily on strength training.

Pilates combines controlled movement with stretching and resistance to help improve flexibility and range of motion over time. The goal isn’t to turn you into a contortionist. It’s to help you move more comfortably and efficiently in everyday life.

3. Build Muscular Endurance Without Beating Up Your Joints

Don’t let the words low impact fool you. Low impact doesn’t mean low intensity. 

That’s because Reformer Pilates uses a spring-based resistance system that keeps your muscles working through controlled, deliberate movements. Instead of relying on momentum, you’re maintaining tension, holding positions, and challenging your muscles to stay engaged.

This means that you’re feeling the burn and building muscular endurance without the repetitive impact on your joints. 

Trust us, your future self will thank you. 

4. Complement Your Other Workouts and Sports

Pilates doesn’t have to replace your weightlifting sessions, weekend basketball games, or morning runs. But it can help you get more out of them.

By developing core stability, balance, coordination, and mobility, Pilates trains physical qualities that support a wide range of athletic activities.

It also introduces different movement patterns that your regular workouts might overlook. That makes it a useful addition to your training, especially if you’re looking to become a more well-rounded athlete.

5. Improve Posture, Balance, and Everyday Movement

Pilates emphasizes body awareness and alignment, helping you recognize how you move and where you might be compensating for weakness or limited mobility.

Over time, that can translate into better posture, improved balance, and greater confidence in everyday activities.

Is Reformer Pilates Hard for Men?

We won’t lie to you–it can be. (And that’s kind of the point!) 

One of the biggest surprises for men trying Pilates for the first time is how challenging simple movements can be.

You might be able to bench press some serious weight, but holding a controlled position against spring resistance while keeping your core engaged? That’s a different kind of strength.

However, you don’t have to be in great shape to take a Pilates class. BODYBAR workouts are designed to accommodate different fitness levels, with instructors who can help you adjust exercises based on your experience and abilities. You can start where you are and build from there.

What Should Guys Expect at Their First BODYBAR Pilates Class?

If you’ve never stepped inside a Pilates studio, it’s normal to have questions. Here’s the rundown. 

What’s a Reformer?

The Reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment with a moving carriage, adjustable springs, straps, and other components that create resistance and support a wide variety of exercises. It might look intimidating at first, but your instructor will help you get familiar with all the bells and whistles in no time. 

What should I wear?

Comfortable, fitted athletic clothing that lets you move freely. Think workout shorts or joggers and a breathable T-shirt. You’ll also need grippy socks for traction on the Reformer. If you don’t have your own, you can purchase some at any BODYBAR studio. 

Will I be the only guy in class?

Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, you’re there for the same reason as everyone else: to get a great workout. BODYBAR is built around an inclusive, supportive community where everyone belongs.

Which class should I take first?

BODYBAR’s PRECISION class is a great place to start. It emphasizes controlled movement and proper technique while introducing you to the fundamentals of Reformer Pilates. Let your instructor know you’re new so they can help you get comfortable.

How often should I do Pilates?

That depends on your goals and current routine. Starting with one or two classes a week can be a manageable way to build familiarity and consistency. As you get stronger and more comfortable, you can adjust your schedule to fit your needs.

Ready to Raise the BAR on Your Workout?

We’ll keep shouting it from the rooftops: You don’t need to give up the gym or suddenly become a “Pilates guy”. You just need to show up and give it a shot.

At BODYBAR, you’ll find athletic, full-body Reformer Pilates workouts, instructors who know how to challenge and support you, and a community that celebrates showing up and getting stronger together.

Come see what you’ve been missing. Your core might have a few things to say about it afterward.

Find Your BODYBAR Studio & Book Your First Class