June is National Men’s Health Month!

Thanks to sharperfit.com for this quick run-down of why you can’t NOT do Pilates!

Five Reasons Men Should do Pilates

Pilates holds plenty of benefits for men who rise to the challenge. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, want to increase your balance, or are prepping for your first marathon, Pilates can help fine-tune your performance. How? Exercises are made up of subtle, concentrated movements that can help you do the following:

1. Develop often neglected muscle groups

Some of your muscles, like those that dominate your daily movements, are stronger than others, and a big part of Pilates is focusing on those muscles that don’t typically get a lot of attention. Men often focus on the larger muscle groups, such as the pectorals and biceps, and tend not to train the smaller stabilizing muscles. Pilates will help you to reconnect with these important muscles.

2. Improve flexibility

In general, the more muscle mass you have, the less flexible you are. But Pilates’ focus on stretching helps prevent injuries and muscle strains, and increases range of motion. Men only sessions means that we can focus more on the areas that men tend to find tight, such as the hips, hamstrings and shoulders.

3. Build core strength

Every Pilates exercise focuses on using your core to power movement in your limbs. The focus is not just on building the six pack, but gaining true strength and control in the deeper abdominal muscles for more power, strength, greater injury protection and general balance and mobility.

4. Live more consciously

Pilates forces you to pay attention – you’ve got to focus on your breath while working through each movement and concentrating on proper form. After a Pilates session, you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed, which can even carry over into the next day if you’re lucky. The mind-body connection developed during Pilates practice is not of the spiritual kind (like Yoga can be), but more of an increased awareness of the body and how it moves. This awareness translates into more efficient movement patterns and less injury, pain and mobility issues.

5. Have better sex

Pilates strengthens the core and the pelvic floor, and men who practice it have greater control of this region of the body – need we say more?

Need we say more? Now, get on the phone and book your next session: (323) 806-0054!