Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 3 hrs ago
More men are taking Pilates classes across the United States
More men are taking Pilates classes across the United States, a workout long associated with women.
Fitness influencer and former NFL player Jarell Carter expected his first class to be easy, but said his legs were shaking within 20 minutes.
About 4.1 million men practiced Pilates last year, compared with 2 million in 2021, and men now make up about one-third of practitioners, according to the Health and Fitness Association.
Pilates uses controlled, low-impact movements to build core strength and stability, and classes can take place on a mat or on spring-resistance machines called reformers.
Men say the workouts improve mobility and help them feel younger, including in everyday activities and sports.
The shift reflects a less gendered approach to exercise, though some women have complained that male newcomers sweat on equipment or wear unsuitable clothes.
Most men attend mixed classes, while some also join men-only sessions or workshops.
The number of men taking Pilates classes in the United States has risen sharply, according to figures from fitness organizations and businesses.
About 4.1 million men practiced Pilates last year, up from 2 million in 2021.
ClassPass says the number of men taking classes has nearly tripled since 2023, while Equinox reports male participation rose by more than 50% in group and private sessions over the past 18 months.
The shift is changing perceptions of Pilates, which has often been associated with women.
Some women welcome the growing number of men, while others complain about sweat, equipment cleanup and unsuitable clothing.
- Who
- Men in the United States are increasingly taking Pilates classes.
- What
- Male participation in Pilates has risen, with about 4.1 million men practicing last year.
- When
- The figures compare last year with 2021; ClassPass reports a near tripling since 2023.
- Where
- Pilates studios and gyms across the United States.
- Why
- Some men say Pilates helps them improve mobility and strength for everyday activities; broader reasons are not stated.
Women welcoming men in Pilates
Women objecting to men in Pilates
Participation
Women welcoming men in Pilates
Some women are welcoming men, and some are leading the movement.
Women objecting to men in Pilates
Some women complain that men sweat on equipment without cleaning it.
Clothing and practice
Women welcoming men in Pilates
Not stated.
Women objecting to men in Pilates
Eve Tilley-Coulson says some men wear basketball shorts and cannot perform movements properly in unsuitable clothing.
About 2 million men in the United States practiced Pilates, according to the Health and Fitness Association.
ClassPass says the number of men taking Pilates classes has nearly tripled.
About 4.1 million men in the United States practiced Pilates.
Equinox reports male participation rose by more than 50% in both group classes and private sessions.
- United States men practicing Pilates last year
- 4.1 million
- United States men practicing Pilates in 2021
- 2 million
- ClassPass trend
- Nearly threefold increase since 2023
- Equinox trend
- More than 50% growth in male participation in group and private sessions over 18 months
- Share of Pilates practitioners who are men this year
- About one in three
What people are saying
Hoje você vê mulheres na sala de musculação e homens no pilates.
Quem inventou o pilates odeia os homens.
Eles suam em tudo e não limpam os aparelhos.