Pilates Is For Guys Too

Pilates Is For Guys Too! I guess like most guys, I thought Pilates was something that young urban girls did instead of yoga to tone up, and to keep fit and healthy.  I didn’t think that as a reasonably fit, active guy in his mid 30s, that I would have any real need to go to a class.  I swim and run multiple times per week, surf, cycle, walk and play golf regularly. Recently, I began to develop pain in my neck and shoulders following a fall I had while surfing and was experiencing more muscle pain than I was used to after surfing.  I spoke to a physiotherapist and began receiving treatment to improve cervical spine movement, and to relieve muscle tension.  My physiotherapist also suggested that I may benefit from a Pilates class and being fairly open minded, I decided to give it a go.  My wife was delighted that I would finally accompany her to a Pilates class, and although I am all for breaking down stereotypes and preconceptions, I must admit that it was a little intimidating walking in to a room full of super fit, flexible girls for my first Pilates class. I remembered how terrible I was at yoga the first time and how embarrassed I felt when the instructor singled out my downward dog as one of the worst in the class.  Despite my apprehensiveness, I enjoyed the pace of the class and the emphasis placed on balance, stretching and core strength, as these are extremely important for a surfer. I attended Pilates classes weekly for a few months and began to notice that my core strength and balance improved significantly.  Combined with a daily regime of smaller stretches and exercises, Pilates improved my posture, balance and stamina, and has actually made me a better surfer.  I find that my paddling position is better, and that by taking the time to perform a quick Pilates based stretch routine before surfing, that my overall flexibility and surfing performance improves also. While I felt great after yoga, I feel that Pilates contributed more to the ongoing development of my core strength and posture during other physical activities.  Now I go to Pilates class regularly and hope to remain surfing well into my old age, pain free and fit enough to steal the odd wave off the young grommets that are always keen to pinch waves off us “old” guys. Do you enjoy reading our blog? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest Pilates articles, news on courses and latest jobs.