There have been so many women doing Pilates in recent years that some have the idea that it's a women's form of fitness. That's simply not true.

Men and Pilates go way back. Pilates was started by a man, Joseph Pilates, and men have been thoroughly involved in Pilates - doing it, teaching it, building the industry - from the very beginning.

Core strength, flexibility, balance, uniform development, and efficient movement patterns - all are hallmarks of Pilates training and highly relevant to mens fitness. The integrative component of Pilates can be especially beneficial for men, whose workouts often emphasize a part-by-part approach to muscular development, such as what what finds in weightlifting.

Pilates, by contrast, emphasizes moving from the center of the body, the powerhouse, and developing core strength in the deep muscles of the center to stabilize the trunk and protect the back.

This kind of core training makes Pilates an excellent technique for whole-body fitness, as well as a foundation for cross training with other kinds of sports and exercise.

Increasing flexibility is a goal that Pilates addresses in a way that men often feel comfortable with. Pilates works toward functional fitness. That is, the ability to have the strength, balance, and flexibility that allows one to move through daily-life tasks with grace and ease. To this end, Pilates exercises do seek to increase flexibility and range of motion.

Some men that do Pilates

- Tom Cruise
- Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
- Tiger Woods