Why men are turning to Pilates for smart strength training, a fitness expert explains  

Fitness benefits of Pilates: Once viewed as a low-intensity stretch session, Pilates is now recognised as a form of intelligent strength training (Image: Slay Pilates)

Once dismissed as “gentle” or “feminine,” Pilates is now having a serious man moment. Across luxury fitness studios and high-performance gyms, more men are rolling out reformer machines, trading heavy barbells for controlled movement and precision. The shift isn’t about abandoning strength training but more about refining it.

Pilates is now at the heart of the new fitness language for men, and its bringing back the forgotten ethos of control, awareness, and sustainability. In a world obsessed with performance metrics and muscle definition, it is the perfect marriage of power and precision with some amazing benefits.

From muscle mass to movement quality:

Over the past few years, the perception of Pilates among men has transformed dramatically. Once viewed as a low-intensity stretch session, it’s now recognised as a form of intelligent strength training. Much of this awareness has come from athletes and public figures who swear by it. When global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Virat Kohli emphasise functional fitness, balance, and mobility, the message is clear: being strong isn’t enough; you need to move well.

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“Men today are no longer chasing just aesthetics, they are chasing sustainability,” Sheena Rathi, Founder of Slay Pilates, tells Moneycontrol. “They want to perform better, recover faster, and prevent injuries. And Pilates fits perfectly into that equation because it strengthens the body from the inside out. What most men discover usually in the first ten minutes of their first session is that Pilates isn’t ‘easy’ at all, it’s precise. It demands strength that’s both muscular and mental. The moment you ask someone to move slowly with control, engage the deeper core, and coordinate breath with motion, you’re exposing a different kind of discipline,” she adds.

Intelligent training for the modern man:

Men who once entered a Pilates studio expecting a relaxing stretch often leave drenched in sweat and wide-eyed at how much their smaller, stabilising muscles have worked. The challenge lies not in heavy resistance but in how precisely one moves.

Says Rathi, “Pilates builds power from the center; it teaches you how to generate force efficiently rather than just exert energy. And that’s what prevents injuries. So, in many ways, Pilates is redefining what strength means. It’s no longer about how heavy you lift, it's about how intelligently you move. That shift is dismantling the gender stereotype attached to Pilates.”

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Balance and breath:

The modern luxury fitness aesthetic like calm interiors, clean lines, and a mindful movement perfectly mirrors what Pilates offers men in terms of balanced workout. As Rathi points out, Pilates builds “strength that’s both muscular and mental,” teaching men to connect movement with mindfulness. Many find the serene studio atmosphere helps them train with sharper focus, pushing them to work smarter, not harder. The goal is no longer brute strength; it’s balance between flexibility and stability, strength and softness, drive and discipline.

FAQs on Fitness Benefits of Pilates

1. What are the main benefits of Pilates for men?

Pilates enhances muscle mass, movement quality, balance, and mobility. It refines strength training by focusing on controlled movements, precision, and mental discipline, leading to better performance and injury prevention.

2. How does Pilates contribute to injury prevention?

Pilates builds power from the centre, teaching efficient force generation and precise movements. This reduces the risk of injuries by strengthening smaller stabilising muscles and promoting balanced muscle development.

3. Is Pilates suitable for men looking for a challenging workout?

Yes, Pilates is challenging. It demands both muscular and mental strength. The controlled, precise movements engage deeper core muscles and require significant discipline, often surprising men who initially perceive it as a low-intensity workout.

4. How does Pilates differ from traditional strength training?

Unlike traditional strength training that focuses on lifting heavy weights, Pilates emphasises intelligent movement and muscle engagement. It combines power with precision, promoting overall functional fitness rather than just muscle definition.

5. Why is Pilates gaining popularity among men?

Men are increasingly valuing sustainability, performance, and recovery over mere aesthetics. Pilates fits perfectly into this equation by strengthening the body from the inside out, promoting functional fitness, balance, and mental focus.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.