Rise of the Pilates bros: why more men are doing reformer classes

Key Points:

• Reformer Pilates, traditionally seen as a female-dominated fitness activity, is increasingly attracting men, with Virgin Active reporting equal participation of men and women in reformer classes at their clubs.
• Men like Giles, a 42-year-old fashion lecturer, appreciate reformer Pilates for its meditative flow, core strengthening benefits, and injury rehabilitation, often complementing other gym or sports training.
• Some women express discomfort with certain male behaviors in classes, such as loud grunting or lack of spatial awareness, highlighting the need for mutual respect and etiquette in mixed-gender sessions.
• Instructor Carl Guthrie-Evans emphasizes that reformer Pilates bridges traditional gender divides in fitness, encouraging men and women to share classes and promoting a culture focused on personal progress rather than competition.
• Men interested in starting reformer Pilates are advised to approach it with openness, communicate with instructors, and embrace the learning process, as the practice benefits stability, mobility, and nervous system regulation regardless of gender.