How Men and Women Move Differently in Pilates

Photo Credit: Pilates Unlimited

Written By: Laiza Lima

At Pilates Unlimited Studio and Scoop Pilates Studio, we teach Romana’s Pilates, the closest living expression of Joseph Pilates’ original method. Rooted in Classical Apparatus and precise sequences refined for nearly a century; this system remains one of the most intelligent and effective forms of physical training available. It strengthens, lengthens, supports, and challenges the body in ways difficult to replicate anywhere else.

Yet despite its origins, many people still assume Pilates is “for women.”

The truth is far more interesting.

Pilates Was Originally a Man’s Method

Joseph Pilates created his method for men. Early archival footage shows him teaching boxers, wrestlers, soldiers, and elite athletes. His work was grounded in discipline, strength, and functional movement. While women later became the primary guardians of the method, we’re now seeing men return to the practice, and thriving because of it.

Why Men Benefit Immensely from Romana’s Pilates

Many men first walk through our doors because a partner encouraged them to try a class. But what keeps them coming back is something deeper: they quickly realize how essential, and how challenging, true resistance-based work is. They feel how the method balances strength and weakness, revealing imbalances they didn’t know they had and giving them tools to correct them.

There is also a psychological element. Many men enjoy the feeling of being coached and challenged. Pilates is not a competitive sport, yet it offers a powerful internal competition — you versus your own habits, patterns, and limits. With close supervision, men feel as though they have a coach beside them, guiding them to perform each movement better than the last. That sense of progression and mastery resonates strongly.

This is also why we encourage male students to consider becoming instructors. Men bring a valuable perspective to the work, and their presence helps other men feel welcome, represented, and inspired. Teaching deepens their own practice, sharpens their understanding of the method, and allows them to share a system that has transformed their own bodies.

Clients at our studios consistently report improvements in:

• Functional strength
• Flexibility and mobility
• Coordination and balance
• Posture and alignment
• Core stability
• Mental focus and body awareness

The Classical method sharpens both body and mind. It teaches control, precision, and efficiency, qualities that translate directly into sport, work, and everyday life.

One young man recently told me he had never experienced a workout like this before: “It’s gentle, but my muscles have worked harder than they ever have.” He left the class feeling energized, lighter, and, in his words, “somehow happy.” That combination of effort and uplift is one of the hallmarks of Romana’s Pilates.

Men and Women Move Differently

A skilled instructor understands that men often require different exercise selections, resistance levels, and cueing. Men typically present with tighter hips, shoulders, and backs, and often carry more upper-body strength. The classical Gratz apparatus — the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair, provides the ideal blend of support and resistance, allowing men to work deeply, safely, and effectively.

Creating a Welcoming Classical Pilates Environment

We are intentional about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s not uncommon to see sessions where the entire class is male — athletes, builders, lawyers, accountants, and men who simply want to move better. They come because they recognize that posture, core strength, and efficient movement are universal needs.

More men are discovering what Joseph Pilates knew from the beginning: this is one of the most complete physical training systems ever developed. Built on strength, control, and precision, Romana’s Pilates meets you exactly where you are and steadily elevates your movement far beyond expectations.

About Laiza

Laiza has always loved being active and has practiced several different sports such as swimming, jazz dance and Brazilian martial arts, capoeira. Laiza has a degree in Physiotherapy and has worked in leading orthopedics and sports physio clinics in Brazil. In 2002 after she graduated with a post-graduation degree in Biomechanics, she was introduced to the Pilates method and was hooked from day one. Her first Pilates teacher training was in 2003. She then moved to New Zealand and pursued her career as a Pilates instructor.

Laiza went through her second Pilates training and is part of the foundation group of instructors trained at Pilates Unlimited training Centre in 2009. She loves to help people to recover from injuries, but also, she is fascinated about showing her clients through the Pilates method the possibilities of movements the body can do are unlimited.