The Daily Valet. - 2/29/20, Saturday
✔️ Weekend Reading: Real Men Do Pilates
Weekend of February 29th
You ready for a workout? Not a “slam the barbell on the ground and grunt” kind of workout. But a mindful and engaging session that leaves you less stressed and more toned … because that’s what Pilates does. It’s almost meditative. But I’ll be honest, you’ll be sore afterwards. Though I promise you’ll appreciate the results.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Why Pilates Works for Men
Core strength, flexibility and uniform toning. We could all use that, right?
If you think Pilates is stretching for women with dancer’s bodies, you’re probably not alone. But you're definitely wrong. While women are drawn to the practice for it's all-but-guaranteed results, guys can reap the same benefits. Which include everything from strength and coordination to balance and flexibility. Not to mention, mental clarity and better posture. It's no wonder that the biggest names from the worlds of basketball, football and baseball are have been spotted on the reformer machines. If you've got back pain, tight muscles or want to appear taller and more toned ... then Pilates is for you, my friend. Still need convincing? It was created by a dude. Joseph Pilates developed the discipline back in the early part of the last century, naming it Contrology because his method uses the mind to control the muscles. And here’s what it will do for you.
Strengthen Your CoreThe emphasis on core training makes Pilates an incredibly effective technique for whole-body fitness. And it builds a rock solid foundation for cross training or other kinds of sports and fitness disciplines. You might be a bit wobbly at first. And that's because every Pilates exercise focuses on using your core to power movement throughout your body and limbs. Pilates will often isolate your transverse abdominals, the base ab muscle under your burgeoning six-pack.
Tone Neglected MusclesIt's not surprising, but the muscles we rely on for daily movements are stronger than other underutilized muscles. And it's not uncommon for active, gym-going men to develop body imbalances consisting of a strong chest and shoulders with weak backs and underdeveloped legs. Pilates tends to focus on those muscles that don't typically get a lot of attention and many of the movements consciously engage and tone the muscles you don't train while lifting. What's more, the practice has long been credited with lengthening and toning muscles for a longer, leaner frame.
Improve Flexibility and BalanceIn general, the more muscle mass you have, the less flexible you are. But Pilates addresses flexibility in a way that men often feel comfortable with because it incorporates more functional fitness. The focus on stretching in Pilates helps prevent injuries and muscle strains, while increases range of motion. There are no strange or intimidating yoga pretzel twisting stretches here. What you will experience is an opening up of tight hip flexors—activating the back and glutes, while improving spinal mobility and overall control of your body.
Be More PresentYou'll come to realize that Pilates requires more than just flexibility and strength. It demands your attention. To do this well (and not hurt yourself), you'll need to bring your awareness to every movement and every breath. To that point, such exacting alignment and \0x200Bfunctional training (going beyond the standard vanity muscles) requires more focus and micro-adjustments than some men are used to doing in the gym. These aren't exercises you "power through." In Pilates, the controlled, well-aligned movement is the ticket to a deeper level of fitness—and a clearer, calmer mind when you're done.
How to Do ItThe best way to learn is to take a class. Balanced Body has a wide range of videos you can stream, from introductory workouts to more advanced movements and exercises. Or look for a Club Pilates studio near you. With 619 active studios and over 650 slated to be open by the end of the year, they offer classes to suit any fitness level.
Your Portable Reformer
Developed by Pilates instructor and fitness enthusiast Darya Bronston, the MOTR machine combines the comfort of a foam roller with the challenge of three weight level resistances. The innovative, ergonomic design allows you to work out in eight different body positions and quickly switch resistance while targeting different areas. Plus, it collapses into a single tube that fits neatly in a closet or under a bed.
MOTR trainer, $349 by Balanced Body
See you Monday.
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