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Michael Myers: Why Pilates is Great for Men

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • February 11, 2018
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When Joseph Pilates brought his method to New York City in the 1920’s most of his clients were males. It’s been said that the Pilates method, which he called ‘Contrology’ was created by a man for men. Yes, Pilates for men was the original intent.

And, while it wasn’t too long before his client base was male and female overtime more women than men became the usual practitioners. However, the benefits of Pilates for men have not changed.

Pilates is often marketed as an exercise methodology that creates flexibility, long lean muscles and great for physical therapy. But, those benefits barely cut the surface of how amazing Pilates is.

Pilates challenges all types of bodies and its main benefit is to strengthen the muscles. When done regularly Pilates will create strength and balance in every muscle in your body.

In the past few years, many athletes have been adding Pilates into their workout regimen. Football players, Baseball, basketball and more! It’s no longer a secret that Pilates is helping men take their workouts to the next level.

But, you don’t have to take my word for it! My client Michael Myers share his Pilates journey-

“I have been a Pilates enthusiast for about 3 1/2 Years now, and it has been a complete game changer for my body. I was a collegiate athlete, where I played Division I football, so needless to say my body was broken. I couldn’t get through a normal day without being in excruciating pain, whether it be my knees or my back, there was always something. Once I found Pilates all of that changed. Starting with my mind/body awareness. Being able to mentally and physically have an awareness of my body helped work through minor injuries with simple body adjustments. Once I was able to correct minor adjustments I was then able to transfer my mind/body awareness to the weight room. Where I felt stronger, more explosive, and most importantly more stable. These three elements are the foundation to any functional and dynamic strength training program.

I recommend Pilates to all of my clients male and female. I stress the importance of becoming truly stable from the inside out. The only way I have found to do that is through Pilates. I advise men to get over the stereotype that Pilates is only for women because that is false. There’s a reason why top professional athletes are hiring Pilates instructors at higher frequencies. One thing to always remember, “Pilates is only easy when it’s done wrong!”


You can see Michael in this mat class of mine on Pilates Anytime and join us for his interview with me on getting more men to do Pilates here.  And, if you want to work out with Michael check out his Ultimate Athlete Bootcamp!

It’s easy to add Pilates into your regular workout routine with mat classes online here or in person classes in your area. Looking for a teacher in your area to challenge you? Check out my blog on finding the right instructor here.

xx~LL

michael myers why pilates is great for men online pilates classes

Certified Personal Trainer, Michael Myers received a full, four-year football scholarship to Colorado State University, where he played Running Back and kick returner,  graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Science. Certified by the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), Stott Mat Pilates, Schwinn Cycling and many other group fitness class programs, Michael has developed a deep expertise that spans a wide variety of training methods. Michael works with a slate of private clients in addition to teaching various Boot Camp classes and Mat Pilates classes at Equinox in West Hollywood and Century City.

Follow Michael on Instagram!

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers.
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Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

See you in class,
Megan

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, rod, box and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

Props needed:
Mat: 1lb weights or water bottles
Reformer: 1lb weight or water bottle

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MOBILITY AND STABILITY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, TOWER/CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Throughout our movement practice we have muscles actively moving and muscles actively holding still. Whether muscles are mobile or muscles are stabilizing us, they’re definitely working and definitely getting stronger while we workout. As we bring awareness to what’s mobile and what’s stable, we hope it helps you connect more to your body, your practice and your overall confidence in movement!

Props needed:
Mat: Squishy ball or bolster
Reformer: None
Tower: None
Chair: Optional box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

IT TAKES 2!

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

Yaasss, it does take 2 to make a thing go right! This month, we’ll only be doing 2 reps of each exercise on the Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac/Tower. This is such a fun challenge for our bodies. Have a towel nearby because we’re gonna’ work up a sweat!

Props needed:
Mat: Magic Circle
Reformer: None
Tower/Cadillac: None
Wunda Chair: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BOOM BOOM POW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Boomerang on the Mat isn't easy for me. It's got sooo much going on. Perhaps that's why Joe Pilates put it at the end. In this week's classes on the Mat and Reformer we'll build up the connections we need to roll through our Boomerang with strength and control. And, focus on the genius of how many exercises ready us for this chaotic controlled roll.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weights or water bottles and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1lb weight or water bottle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Pilates is often thought of as a "core" workout. But, if you've been around OPC long enough you know its all about the center and that includes the back. In this weeks class on the Mat and Reformer we are going to explore how our back is part of every exercise.

Props needed:
Mat: 1 exercise a the beginning with the Magic Circle and 1 exercise a theraband or leggings. After that no props needed.
Reformer: None

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic, Theraband or leggings and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1-2lb arm weights and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


SHAPE OF YOU

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In this Pilates workout we’ll explore the body’s natural ability to move through the five fundamental spinal shapes: tall back, flexion, extension, lateral flexion (side end), and rotation (twist).

As we flow we’ll become more aware of the way our spine moves because the shape of your spine tells the story of how you move.

Props needed:
Mat: none
Reformer: Rod and box

See you in class,
Megan

FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Ever wonder why some of the exercises that require more stability, balance, and control are at the end of the order when we’re tired? I have, and I can’t help but think “Why all the madness???”

We know there was definitely a method to the matness (puns intended), but I wonder if there’s a bit of madness to the method. I want to know if it really makes a difference to do the order from beginning to end…so, why not flip our Order and reverse it and then talk about it?

Join me for this week’s classes where we are going to flip it & reverse it! We are going to start at the end of the order and work our way to the beginning. Let’s explore how our bodies feel when doing the “end of the order” exercises while we are COLD and how it feels to do our “warm up” exercises while we are HOT (and maybe a little tired)!

Grab a barrel or a blanket for the Mat class. We might need a little help connecting at the beginning of our workout, and a barrel or blanket will help us do that! Grab a ball and you’ll have everything you need for the Reformer class.

See you in class,
Rachel

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, barrel or a blanket and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


ARM WEIGHT FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Everytime I use Arm Weights in my workouts I have a lot of fun playing around with the exercises. These little weights have a big impact on our form, control and execution and we also get a sweaty workout. Let´s grab your 1 to 2 pound Arm Weights and get together on your Mat & Reformer to play around and have some fun!

See you in class,
Yasmin

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL