Why Men Don’t Do Reformer Pilates (And Why They Should)

Let’s be honest… 

When people think of Reformer Pilates, they often picture a beautifully aesthetic studio, filled with women holding a matcha latte (and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!). 

But that image alone is often enough to put men off or even considering trying it, unless they’ve been dragged along by their other half (which, funnily enough, is exactly how Lauren got Jono into Reformer Pilates). 

But here’s the reality… 

Reformer Pilates might be one of the most effective, challenging, and beneficial forms of training that men simply aren’t doing. 

So Why Don’t Men Do Reformer Pilates? 

1. “It’s not for me” 

There’s a common misonception that Pilates isn’t “manly” enough, or that it’s just stretching and won’t be challenging. 

The Truth? 

Most men are shocked at how tough it actually is. 

And here’s something we see all the time. Men who have played a lot of sport or work desk-based job often have incredibly tight hamstrings and limited mobility. 

This makes stretching and length-based training feel even harder, and increases the risk of: 

• Hamstring strains 

• Tendinopathies 

• Lower back pain 

Reformer Pilates directly targets these areas. 
 

2. “I already go to the gym” 

Weight training is great, and we actively encourage it. We go the gym ourselves. But it doesn’t always cover everything. 

What often gets missed is: 

• Stability 

• Mobility 

• Control through range 

• Full-body coordination 

These are the foundations of movement, and they’re exactly where Reformer Pilates excels. Think of it as the missing link that supports everything else you do. 

3. Fear of being the only man in the room 

This is a big one. 

Trying something new can feel uncomfortable, especially if you think you’ll stand out. It’s great to see some studios offering men-only sessions, but sometimes that can unintentionally reinforce the idea that other classes aren’t for men. 

The truth is, Reformer Pilates is for everyone. Things are changing. 

We’re seeing a real focus in strength and conditioning across professional sport. More athletes are now incorporating Reformer Pilates into their training programmes, with some junior academies introducing it from as young as 12–13 years old. That awareness is now filtering into everyday training. More men are starting to use Reformer Pilates, and they’re moving better because of it. At S11 Reformer Pilates, Jono is a fully qualified Reformer Pilates Instructor, making sure you won't be the only man in the room.  

Why Men Should Be Doing Reformer Pilates 

We’ll keep this simple, here are three big reasons: 

1. It builds real strength (not just muscle) 

Reformer Pilates focuses on deep stabilising muscles. 

This leads to: 

• Better core strength 

• Improved joint support 

• More efficient movement 

It’s the kind of strength that actually transfers into sport and everyday life, not just how much you can lift. 

2. It reduces injury risk 

Tight hips, stiff backs, shoulder niggles… 

Sound familiar? 

As we get older, these things start to creep in, and they’re easy to ignore. 

The reality is that men are often less likely to seek help early. 
 

After over 10 years in healthcare, Lauren has seen first-hand that many men only come in once their other half books the appointment for them! 

A lot of men push through pain, train around it or ignore it completely. 

Reformer Pilates offers a smarter approach. 

It helps you: 

• Keep training 

• Work around injuries 

• Address the root cause 

By improving 

• Flexibility 

• Strength in weaker areas 

• Balances in the body 

And importantly, it’s always easier to prevent injury than deal with it later. 

This is especially important if you: 

• Lift weights 

• Play football, golf, or racket sports 

• Sit at a desk all day 

3. It improves performance 

Whether you play sport casually or competitively, everyone is chasing that extra edge. (Think the “1% gains” approach, small improvements that add up over time.) 

Performance isn’t just about power. 

It’s about: 

• Control 

• Coordination 

• Efficiency 

Reformer Pilates trains all of these. That’s why elite athletes use it as part of their training. So why shouldn’t you? 

Ready to Feel the Difference? 

Ready to change how you see Reformer Pilates? 

Because here’s the truth: Men should do Pilates and at S11 Reformer Pilates, men DO do Pilates. 

If you’ve been curious but unsure where to start, this is your sign. 

Our sessions are designed to: 

• Challenge you 

• Support your body 

• Help you move and perform better 

👉 Join our waiting list today and see what the difference feels like.