We’re seeing more and more Pilates studios offering at-home options for people to join online classes and follow along virtually with a Pilates instructor. While virtual Pilates may have gained popularity through stay-at-home orders, now that the option is so widespread and accessible, you have the choice to join these virtual classes even when you can leave the house. Or you could head into the studio to get that in-person experience. Which is best for you? Let’s compare your options.  

Why Choose Pilates at Home

The convenience and comfort of doing Pilates at home through our virtual classes can’t be beat. Those who sign up don’t need to leave their home to exercise, and don’t even need to share their camera with the class. You gain privacy, which is great for those who might feel anxious about their Pilates performance.  

Although, if you are comfortable sharing your camera, you can get better support from the instructor as they can still check to see your form.  The instructor is there to help and guide you through the exercises, after all! 

If you are just starting out with Pilates, you can use basic equipment that you may already have at home. Or you can purchase more advanced Pilates equipment for yourself – though it’s certainly not required. The advantage to compiling your own equipment is that you can then do Pilates whenever you want, without the need to ever go to a studio.  

Performing Pilates at home has many conveniences, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Pilates in a studio can be safer, and many find a group environment to be more motivating.  

Why Choose Pilates in Studio

The in-studio experience is hard to match. Sure, you have to drive into the studio, but many people find that the physical environment of being in-studio is what helps them to follow-through on their workout.   

Arguably the best benefit of doing Pilates in-studio is that you have all of the support that you need, which can make it a safer activity and help to prevent injury. Our instructors can actually see your whole form from all angles and can give you tips on how to better perform the exercises or how to adjust them based on your goals and limitations. Plus, we have all of the Pilates equipment that you need right in the studio, so there’s no need to invest in your own! We will show you how to use all equipment the correct way, even the Reformer. You’re more than welcome to make use of our equipment, and the techniques you learn are all transferrable if you do ever decide to purchase your own. 

As you don’t need equipment when you join us in the studio, in-person Pilates classes can be less of an initial investment. With the support of your instructor and the other people in the class, many also find that they are more likely to follow-through with their classes, showing up consistently and making the most of their time in class. If you’re partly into Pilates for the social element, or as a way to bond with friends you bring to class, then in-person undoubtedly provides a better experience to connect.  

That said, in-person isn’t for everyone. You need to drive out, bring your water bottle, and then head home before you even get to shower. If that will stop you from attending class, virtual may be a better option for you.  

Practice Pilates with Us 

Whether you feel like in-person or virtual classes are a better fit for you, we provide both at ABsolute Pilates. Sign up for our classes today.  

Although many view Pilates as a women’s exercise, when Joseph Pilates invented it in the 1920s, he did so in an attempt to support men’s health, specifically veterans. He developed a series of exercises that support core strength, flexibility, and many other key facets of physical health. That’s why Pilates is no longer targeted towards veterans and has been adopted by a wide range of people, from professional athletes to those bound to office chairs for most of their day. You might see a lot of information about how Pilates supports women’s health, because it does. However, it is also an exceptional tool to help support men and their overall wellbeing. Here are some reasons why men should consider Pilates, based on their various health goals.  

Support for Chronic Pain 

Many men suffer from chronic pain, whether it’s caused by sitting at a desk all day, performing repetitive motions at work, or persistent old injuries. Pilates strengthens the core muscles, which are needed to support the back and prevent poor movements that exacerbate certain kinds of chronic pain. When you have stronger muscles to rely on, you put less strain on injured muscles. You can also develop better posture which can help to prevent chronic pain, particularly in the back and neck. Pilates can help with the knees, arms, and any other spots in which you might experience chronic pain. Your physiotherapist can show you which Pilates movements will help with your specific problems, helping to minimize pain and better manage chronic conditions.  

Balance Weightlifting Exercises  

Men who lift weights develop mass, but they may neglect their flexibility and smaller muscles groups. Pilates helps you to build strength in smaller, potentially neglected muscle groups. Strengthening these stabilizer muscles helps significantly with posture, and it can improve your strength and performance when executing compound lifts to a surprising degree. It will also help you to maintain or improve flexibility as you bulk, which is critical for safe movement and performance. Pilates encourages you to move in ways that you don’t typically move while weightlifting, and by diversifying your movements you create a stronger body and improve your overall fitness.  

Faster, Better Injury Recovery      

Whether you play sports professionally or simply for your own enjoyment, you may eventually face injury. Even those who don’t partake in organized sport are at risk for injury through the strains of everyday life! The core strength, balance, and flexibility developed through Pilates can help you to avoid these injuries in the first place. However, if injury does occur, Pilates can provide a safer outlet to begin moving the affected muscles and slowly restore strength, balance, and flexibility to the area. Your physiotherapist can help you to tailor Pilates exercises to your specific needs, based on the type and location of your injury.  

Improve Sports Performance  

Depending on your specific sport, you may focus a disproportionate amount on the major muscle groups involved and not enough on the more minor muscles which have the potential to enhance your performance. Pilates will help you to focus on the muscles in your core, which are neglected in many sports but which can significantly enhance your performance by supporting the other muscle groups.  

Develop Pelvic Floor Muscles        

Men may not use the pelvic floor muscles in the same way as women, but they are still vital to your overall health. A strong pelvic floor helps you to maintain control of the organs in the area, and pelvic floor exercises may even improve sexual performance.  

Ready to Try a Pilates Class? 

Men are more than welcome at the Pilates classes hosted at ABsolute Pilates. Please feel free to reach out to us for more information, or take a look at our class schedule here!