Men’s Health Month Motivation
June is Men’s Health Month, and it is the perfect time to take charge and reacquaint yourself with your wellness goals! Did you know that men live six years less than women, with an average life expectancy of age 74? Heart disease is also the number one killer of men in their 40s or younger, but the good news is that by implementing a fitness routine, you can increase wellness and experience greater health. Whether a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Pilates provides the perfect solution to building a healthier lifestyle.
When most men think of Pilates, they often think of women, but Pilates was once known as ‘Contrology’ and was designed by a man predominantly for men. The Founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, created Pilates at an internment camp during the First World War. He combined his experience as a boxer and self-defense trainer with the needs that emerged from fellow detainees and introduced the world to Pilates. Now, everyone from professional athletes to the United States Military use Pilates to maintain optimum physical fitness.
Pilates provides a portal to endless possibilities as you recommit to your fitness goals or develop a new fitness routine! Try our Frame Reformer and explore our content library with over 250 classes! Use our filters to customize the content that best suits your needs, or, see below for our top 3 Pilates moves for men:
- The Hundred: This move involves lying on your back and lifting your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat while pumping your arms up and down. The Hundred is a good Pilates move for men because it helps strengthen the abdominal muscles, improve overall health, and increase endurance. Additionally, it can help men to improve their posture and develop better control over their abdominal muscles.
- Single Leg Stretch: This move requires lying on your back, bringing one knee into your chest while extending the other leg out, and then switching legs in a scissor-like motion. Single leg stretch is a beneficial Pilates move for men as it targets the core muscles, helping to build strength and stability in the abdominal region. This exercise also engages the hip flexors, promoting flexibility and balance in the lower body.
- Plank: This move involves holding a plank position on your forearms or hands and toes and engages the core while strengthening the entire body. The plank move can contribute to improved posture and spinal alignment, making it particularly beneficial for men who may spend long hours sitting or engaging in repetitive movements.
