Why women love Pilates

What We Can Do to Make This Transformational Practice More Inclusive

Walk into almost any Pilates studio today and the demographic is striking: a sea of women in coordinated leggings, gripping reformers or rolling through precise mat movements. Whether it's a boutique studio, a big-box gym, or an online class, chances are the instructor and nearly everyone in attendance will be female.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with that—but it’s worth asking: Why are so few men doing Pilates?

Even more curious: Pilates was created by a man.
Joseph Pilates not only founded the method that bears his name, but he designed it for men—boxers, gymnasts, soldiers, and circus performers. It was meant to be tough, transformative, and rooted in strength and stamina.

So how did a method built on control, power, and upper-body strength become associated with dainty stretching and delicate movements?

Let’s unpack this gender gap, what’s contributing to it, and how we can shift the narrative to help Pilates become what it truly is: a method for every body—not just women in Lululemon.

A Brief History: Pilates Was Born Masculine

First, let’s clear the air: Pilates was never “just stretching.”

Joseph Pilates was a German-born physical trainer who developed his method during World War I, helping injured soldiers rehabilitate through movement. He later moved to New York City, where he trained athletes, dancers, and performers—notably many male boxers and acrobats.

His system, originally called “Contrology,” emphasized full-body strength, with a particularly demanding focus on the core and upper body—an area where most of us, especially men, like to train.

But over the decades, the method slowly became associated with flexibility and grace, likely because of its popularity in the dance world. More and more women took to it. More female instructors trained in it. Studios grew to reflect the tastes and culture of their majority female clientele. Eventually, many men began to see Pilates as “not for them.”

And that, quite honestly, is a shame.

What Makes Pilates So Appealing to Women?

Let’s be honest: the numbers don’t lie. Women do dominate the Pilates world—both as clients and teachers. But why?

Here are a few key reasons:

1. A Focus on Functional, Toned Strength (Not Bulking)

Pilates emphasizes controlled, lengthening strength. It’s not about maxing out reps or bulking muscle—it’s about building a body that moves well and feels strong from the inside out. For women who don’t always feel represented in traditional strength training spaces, this is a breath of fresh air.

2. A Culture of Mind-Body Connection

Pilates encourages listening to your body, working with breath, and moving with intention. This appeals to many women who are used to multitasking and may crave mental presence in their workouts.

3. Low Impact, High Reward

Pilates is gentle on the joints but challenges the muscles deeply—perfect for women navigating injury recovery, postpartum healing, or aging gracefully.

4. An Aesthetic That Resonates

Let’s not pretend fashion doesn’t play a role. From matching sets to minimalist studios with beautiful lighting and branding, the visual and cultural identity of Pilates tends to align more with female consumer preferences.

Why More Men Should Do Pilates (and Love It)

The irony here is that men may benefit from Pilates just as much—if not more—than women.

Here’s why:

1. Core Strength Like Nothing Else

Pilates doesn’t just “work the abs.” It trains the deepest layers of the core, improving posture, stabilizing the spine, and supporting overall strength—whether you’re lifting weights, playing sports, or sitting at a desk all day.

2. Flexibility Without the Frills

Many men skip stretching altogether, leading to injuries and performance plateaus. Pilates builds flexibility through dynamic, supported movement. No candles or chanting required.

3. Shoulder, Back, and Hip Support

From rotator cuff stability to spinal mobility to hip joint strength—Pilates builds out the muscular foundation most men never realize they’re missing.

4. It’s Way Harder Than It Looks

Advanced Pilates exercises require coordination, full-body awareness, and real upper-body strength. Men who scoff at “stretching” classes are often humbled within minutes on a Reformer.

So Why Don’t More Men Do It?

Let’s face it—there are some major obstacles:

1. Perception

It looks like a class “for women.” Men feel out of place, unwelcome, or simply assume it won’t be challenging.

2. Culture

The environment often feels feminine—from studio decor to class playlists to clothing trends. While none of these are inherently bad, they can unintentionally exclude.

3. Coordination Barrier

Advanced Pilates requires coordination and body awareness, which many men haven’t practiced as regularly. The learning curve can be steep, and that can be discouraging.

4. Marketing

Most Pilates marketing features women—in poses, testimonials, and tone. Rarely do you see a man in a Pilates ad or studio social post. And if you do, it’s often tokenized.

What Might Help Get More Men Into Pilates?

Here’s a practical list of strategies to attract and retain male Pilates students:

✅ Adjust the Language

Avoid calling classes “sculpt” or “lengthen and lean” if you're trying to attract men. Use terms like core conditioning, mobility training, or athletic Pilates.

✅ Create Male-Friendly Classes

Host “Intro to Pilates for Men” workshops or classes specifically marketed toward male athletes, older men, or men rehabbing injuries.

✅ Showcase Male Clients and Teachers

Post photos and testimonials from real men doing Pilates. Highlight their performance gains or recovery stories. Representation matters.

✅ Incorporate Sports Language

If someone plays golf, runs, bikes, or surfs, use those words in your pitch. Pilates enhances performance in nearly every sport.

✅ Invite, Don’t Shame

Men may already feel self-conscious in a Pilates space. Meet them with curiosity and encouragement, not correction or competition.

What Women Can Do to Make Pilates More Welcoming for Men

If you’re a female teacher or client who wants to see more gender diversity in your classes, here’s a checklist of things you can do to help:

✔️ Avoid Eye Rolling or Sighing

When a man walks into class and doesn’t know what he’s doing, resist the urge to groan. Remember your first time? That’s him right now.

✔️ Encourage, Don’t Baby

Don’t assume men will struggle. Offer cues and hands-on support, but also challenge them to rise to the occasion.

✔️ Share Your Experience

Talk about how Pilates has helped your strength, focus, or injury recovery. Share that it’s not just for toning your thighs.

✔️ Recommend It to Male Friends or Partners

Word of mouth works. If you love Pilates, invite the men in your life to try a class with you.

✔️ Diversify the Playlist & Environment

A neutral playlist and simple studio décor can go a long way toward creating a more inclusive vibe.

In Conclusion: Pilates Is for Humans—Not Just Women

Pilates is one of the most effective, intelligent, and empowering forms of movement available today. It improves strength, balance, posture, coordination, and body awareness. And while women have rightfully embraced its power, it’s high time we invited more men to the party.

Let’s remember that Pilates was created by a man, intended for strength, performance, and longevity. If more men gave it a real shot, they’d find themselves stronger, more mobile, and less injured.

If you're a man reading this—give Pilates a chance. Start with a private or a beginner-friendly class and allow yourself to learn. You’ll likely be surprised by just how hard, humbling, and helpful it is.

And if you're a woman in the studio or on the teaching schedule—look around. Is there space to include more men? If not, make one.

Let’s make Pilates a more welcoming, powerful space for everyone—not just those in matching leggings.

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From Springs to Confidence

Why Your Regular Bra Doesn’t Belong in Pilates Class

By Leslie Guerin • September 9, 2025

Let’s be honest: we’ve all done it at some point. You’re rushing from home, work, or errands, and you head to a Pilates class without giving much thought to what you’re wearing underneath your workout clothes. You throw on leggings, a top, and—without hesitation—your regular bra. After all, it’s just Pilates mat. It’s not running or jumping. How much could it really matter? The answer: a lot. In fact, wearing a traditional bra to Pilates mat class is one of the most common and avoidable mistakes I see women make. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about biomechanics, spinal comfort, and setting yourself up for the best experience possible. What you wear directly affects how your body feels and functions in class. And while Pilates is all about building strength, mobility, and alignment, the wrong gear—especially the wrong bra—can sabotage your comfort, compromise your performance, and even contribute to back pain. Why the Regular Bra Doesn’t Work for Pilates A traditional bra is designed with one goal: to shape and support breasts under everyday clothing. Most are structured with: Rigid underwires that press against the ribcage. Narrow straps that dig into the shoulders. Hook closures that create pressure points along the spine. Materials meant for aesthetics, not breathability or movement. That’s fine when you’re sitting at a desk or going out for dinner. But once you lie down on a Pilates mat and start rolling, curling, flexing, and twisting, all of those design features work against you. Here’s why: Spinal Discomfort – Pilates mat work involves a lot of supine (lying on your back) positions. The hook-and-eye closure digs into your spine, making it impossible to fully relax into the mat. That constant pressure leads to tension and pain. Restricted Movement – Underwires and rigid fabrics restrict natural rib expansion. Pilates breathing is three-dimensional—it requires your ribs to expand outward and back into the mat. A stiff bra limits this, creating shallow breath and less effective core engagement. Strap Pressure – Narrow straps dig into your shoulders during roll-ups, teasers, or any exercise where arms are overhead. Over time, this creates tension in your neck and upper back, distracting you from the precision Pilates demands. Compromised Flow – Pilates is about finding flow and ease. If you’re constantly adjusting straps or wincing at a clasp digging into your back, you’re not flowing—you’re fidgeting. The Importance of Costume Choices in Pilates Joseph Pilates himself often referred to “contrology” as an art form, not just an exercise method. He cared about alignment, grace, and the whole-body experience. What you wear is part of that experience. Think of it as your “costume” for the role you’re playing in class: a student committed to moving with control, precision, and awareness. If your outfit is working against you—pinching, digging, or restricting—you’re not able to embody the method fully. When we talk about costume choices, we’re not talking about fashion statements or brand labels. We’re talking about gear that supports your physical comfort, safety, and performance . What to Wear Instead The good news? There are better options—gear that is designed for movement, breath, and spinal health. Sports Bras with Wide Bands Choose bras without clasps or underwires. Wide, flat bands distribute pressure evenly so there’s no digging when you lie on your back. Look for materials that are stretchy but supportive, allowing ribcage expansion. Straps that Support, Not Dig Racerback or cross-back straps often provide better distribution and freedom of movement. Adjustable but wide straps help customize fit without cutting into your shoulders. Seamless Designs A seamless sports bra reduces irritation from seams or hardware. The smooth surface also means less distraction when rolling or twisting. Breathable Fabrics Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable, especially in longer classes or when working deeply into your core. Breathability supports better skin comfort and prevents overheating. How the Right Gear Elevates Performance Some may wonder: “Isn’t Pilates gentle enough that it doesn’t matter?” Actually, it’s precisely because Pilates is subtle, precise, and deeply connected to body awareness that gear matters even more. When you’re wearing the right bra and clothing: You breathe better. Your ribs can expand, making core activation more effective. You move better. Nothing digs, pulls, or distracts you. You focus better. Your mind stays on alignment, not discomfort. You recover better. Less unnecessary tension means less strain post-class. Pilates is about efficiency. Every detail—your posture, your focus, your gear—affects how efficient your practice is. The Back Connection Why do I emphasize the back specifically? Because back pain is one of the most common reasons clients come to Pilates. When you wear a traditional bra in class, the hooks and underwires don’t just cause temporary discomfort—they can exacerbate chronic back tension. Imagine lying on a hard clasp for a 50-minute class: your muscles subtly guard and tighten around that pressure the entire time. That’s the opposite of what Pilates is meant to achieve. Pilates builds a strong, supported back by improving spinal mobility, core stability, and posture. Don’t undermine that by placing an uncomfortable piece of hardware directly under your spine. A Personal Note as a Teacher As someone who has been teaching Pilates and Barre for over 26 years, I’ve seen every wardrobe choice imaginable. I’ve seen clients show up in jeans, in slippery socks, in bras with enough underwire to set off airport security. And every single time, their experience was compromised—not because they lacked strength or effort, but because their clothing was working against them. When I suggest a gear change, it’s never about judgment. It’s about giving clients the best chance to feel what Pilates really offers. Once someone experiences the difference—lying comfortably on the mat, breathing freely, moving without distraction—they never go back. The Mental Shift: Valuing Your Practice Here’s the bigger picture: choosing the right gear isn’t just about avoiding pain. It’s about valuing your practice enough to set yourself up for success. You wouldn’t show up to a dance performance in stiff jeans. You wouldn’t run a marathon in flip-flops. And you shouldn’t come to Pilates mat in a regular bra. Your costume matters because your practice matters. Conclusion Pilates is about creating strength, balance, and freedom in the body. But to access all of that, your body needs the right environment—and yes, that includes your clothing. A regular bra has no place in Pilates mat class. It will hurt your back, restrict your breathing, and distract from the flow. Choosing the right sports bra, with the right fit and fabric, sets the stage for comfort, performance, and a pain-free practice. So next time you head to class, take a moment to think about your costume. Give your body the gift of comfort. Because in Pilates, as in life, the details matter. And when the details work for you, the whole experience transforms.

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