The perception of Pilates as an exercise mainly favoured by women is an outdated one, and increasingly more men are discovering its many benefits. Here at GO2 Health, we often have more men than women in our classes!
More than just a workout routine, Pilates provides a plethora of health benefits, more so during the winter season when physical activities are generally reduced.
Clinical Pilates, a modification of the traditional method, is a low-impact exercise that incorporates movements and positions to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. It is ideal for individuals of all ages and health conditions. It’s an effective way to maintain physical health without stressing the joints or risking injury.
Pilates is More Challenging Than You Think
While Pilates may not provide the adrenaline rush of a high-intensity workout, don’t mistake it for being easy – it’s a lot more challenging than it appears and yields significant gains in muscle strength and tone, particularly in the core.
The “core” consists of the muscles of the abdomen, back and pelvis, all crucial for good posture, balance and efficiency in daily activities. This translates to better performance whether you’re lifting weights, playing sport or getting stuck into the garden. Enhancing core strength through Pilates not only aids in overall fitness but plays a vital role in injury rehabilitation, management and prevention.
Keep Moving in Winter
During winter, when outdoor activities are limited and there’s a tendency to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, muscle stiffness and joint aches can become more prominent. Clinical Pilates provides a comprehensive workout to keep these issues at bay. Its focus on flexibility, combined with controlled, precise movements, promotes a healthy range of motion and reduces the risk of winter-associated stiffness and pain.
Additionally, the benefits of Pilates are not just physical. Regular participation in clinical Pilates has been associated with improved mental health, specifically reduced anxiety and depression levels.1 This is particularly relevant in winter, a season often associated with the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to fewer daylight hours and reduced sunlight. The unfamiliar movements and coordination required in Pilates also give your mind a workout. It’s like learning any new skill – your brain has to work just as hard as your muscles.
Adaptable Exercise for Managing Injuries
Build Connections
Our small-group clinical Pilates classes are a supportive community of like-minded individuals challenging themselves to get stronger. You’ll find yourself alongside other men who are serious about their health and fitness goals and guided by practitioners who are committed to helping you reach them.
In conclusion, clinical Pilates offers a holistic approach to maintain and improve health for men who want to stay strong and mobile! It addresses the body’s needs for strength, flexibility and balance, and is equally considerate of mental health – a highly recommended exercise regime, particularly during the winter season, when maintaining regular physical activity can be challenging.
At GO2 Health, our small-group clinical Pilates classes are capped at a maximum of four per class and are taught by experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. We also offer private one-to-one sessions. So, whether you choose our group classes or prefer one-to-one, you’ll always be in safe hands!
Disclaimer: Please consult with your treating practitioner before starting any new exercise program to be sure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
References
1 Curtis, K., Osadchuk, A., & Katz, J. (2020). An eight-week yoga intervention is associated with improvements in pain, psychological functioning and mindfulness, and changes in cortisol levels in women with fibromyalgia. Journal of Pain Research, 3, 279-289. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S22761
2 Cancela, J.M., de Oliveira, I.M. & Rodríguez-Fuentes, G. (2014). Effects of Pilates method in physical fitness on older adults. A systematic review. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 11, 81–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-014-0143-2
Originally posted 18 June, 2025.
