What Are the Benefits of Pilates for Men?

Because women are more likely in modern times to take any form of exercise class, including pilates, men tend to think of pilates as a women's exercise. However, pilates was created and used by men for such rigorous activities as boxing. Other athletes as well as soldiers also used it. Men need exercise as much as women do. In fact, due to their tighter legs and smaller pelvic region, without the benefit of a toning and strengthening exercise, men are more likely to experience back problems than women are. Exercises that focus on strengthening while stretching the muscles are fantastic forms of exercise for those troubled areas.

Less Body Fat

Increasingly, our sedentary lifestyles have made us heavier. Fat accumulation in men is different than in women, but also significantly more dangerous. Because men's fat areas tend to accumulate around the belly area, it poses a much greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. Pilates is a great muscle toner that also helps reduce body fat.

Flexibility

Modern exercises usually put men in the body building arena. Less attention is focused on aerobic or stretching exercises. The strength-training, weight-lifting and work-out machines are all fine for building muscles, but they can lead to an increased lack of flexibility on account of bulky muscles. Similarly, not working out at all can also make men less flexible due to their natural body build. Pilates elongates the muscles and focuses on increased flexibility.

Better Orgasms

Yes, pilates can even help your sex life. Both men and women can benefit in this area from pilates. Strengthening the pelvic area helps control in that specific region. It is better than doing kegel exercises repeatedly. In some cases simply providing that area of the body with proper exercise can even help alleviate erectile dysfunction.

Better Posture

Pilates strengthens the entire core of the body, giving men as well as women a better framework and straighter posture. This not only makes you look better, it helps prevent back problems as well.

Balance and Coordination

If you have ever felt like a klutz, pilates may be the answer. Increased muscle tone combined with the yoga-like control required to complete pilates exercises give the body more stability and coordination.