Long branded as a “girly” workout, Pilates is breaking free from that stereotype as more men embrace the practice.
Ironically, the exercise system was developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates. During his childhood, Pilates was sickly and dealt with numerous health issues, including asthma and rickets. Committed to improving his physical condition, he spent years exploring different forms of physical training, including martial arts, bodybuilding, gymnastics and boxing.
During World War 1, Pilates helped rehabilitate injured male soldiers by creating the first version of the Pilates Cardillac machine using springs attached to hospital beds. The soldiers who took part in Pilates training recovered more quickly than those who did not.
From its origins as a rehabilitation tool, Pilates has evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after fitness trends, fueled by social media influencers and aesthetically curated workout content. According to The Pilates Store, Pilates became the most popular workout globally in 2023, recording 92% more bookings than the previous year and growing by another 84% in 2024.
Yet despite its widespread appeal, the practice continues to carry a distinctly feminine image, often associated with female dancers, flexibility training and the pursuit of a lean physique. That perception is reinforced by female-dominated classes and the lingering misconception that Pilates lacks the the intensity and muscle-building benefits traditionally associated with men’s fitness routines.
Regardless of how it is marketed to women, Pilates benefits men just as much.
Pilates offers men a range of physical and mental benefits. The exercise promotes balanced training by strengthening often-overlooked muscle groups while improving posture, alignment and overall body mechanics. It encourages more efficient and controlled movement patterns to enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. Equally important, Pilates helps relieve stress, sharpen mental clarity and improve concentration, making it a workout that strengthens both the body and the mind.
As more men discover the benefits of Pilates, participation continues to rise and reshape perceptions of the exercise as a women-only activity. Much of this shift stems from the influence of top athletes who use Pilates in their training routines. Endorsements from stars such as LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo have helped showcase Pilates as a serious tool for improving strength, mobility and athletic performance.
Pilates may be dominated by women today, but its benefits extend far beyond gender. As more men take the practice seriously, long-held stereotypes surrounding the workout continue to fade. In the end, Pilates proves that fitness knows no gender.
