If you think Pilates is only for women, think again. Some of the world’s best male athletes have incorporated Pilates into their normal training regimes because they know the benefits it brings them.
Whether you’re into the NBA, golfing or tennis, there is a superstar who can inspire you to do Pilates. The King, Beckham, and Woods are prime examples of men who do Pilates.
If you need something more constructive and informative, read our men’s Pilates guide and when you're ready to start, browse our collection of Pilates socks for men.
Male Athletes and Stars That Do Pilates
1. LeBron James - NBA player
In an interview with Business Insider, Lebron James revealed that Pilates is a normal part of his workout routine. Known for his longevity and durability on the court, James said:“
I do Pilates and yoga, but I've been doing a lot more Pilates".
However, in 2011, he revealed that he often combined swimming, Pilates, and yoga as part of his postseason exercise.
2. David Beckham - Former soccer player
"I do an hour of Pilates a day. It is fantastic, and fitness-wise I am the best I have been for a long time".
Beckham stated in an interview. The former soccer player also joined Pilates classes when he moved to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
3. Antonio Brown - NFL player
The Pittsburgh Steelers NFL player incorporates Pilates into his training. His goals? To greatly improve his core strength, generate explosive power from his hips and glutes and balance his body's alignment. Brown has shared videos of himself doing Pilates on social media, demonstrating his commitment to the practice.
4. Tiger Woods - Professional golfer
One of Pilates's benefits for men is that it helps align your body, and golfers are some of its beneficiaries. In fact, Pilates is seen by some as an exercise to prolong your golfing career. Tiger Woods is a prime example. Woods has incorporated Pilates into his training regimen to improve flexibility and core strength.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo - Soccer player
Ronaldo attributes much of his fitness to Pilates, which he incorporates into his regular workout routine. In fact, Pilates forms part of his daily workout, which includes a mixture of swimming, targeted weights, Pilates and various cardio exercises.
6. James Harden - NBA player
Harden added Pilates to his training regimen after dealing with fatigue in the 2017 playoffs. But this was combined with yoga and minor improvements to his diet.
7. Andy Murray - Tennis player
In an article by The Wall Street Journal, Andy Murray was reported to have used Pilates as a low-impact workout to keep his back, core, and entire body strong, especially after his back surgery in 2013.
8. Jake Arrieta - MLB pitcher
Pilates might have been the exercise routine that gave Jake Arrieta’s pitching the edge it needed.
"I started Pilates in 2014 and now practice 6-7 days a week with each session being 1 and a half to 2 hours long".
He strongly advocates the practice because " the impact on your joints is very minimal,” says Arrieta. “I can do Pilates and come back the next day and get a solid workout in.”
9. Kobe Bryant - Former NBA player
The late Kobe Bryant was known to incorporate Pilates into his training routine.
10. Hugh Grant - Actor
50-year-old Hugh Grant has been spotted attending Pilates classes and credits the practice for helping maintain his fitness.
11. Sylvester Stallone - Actor
Stallone has shared multiple posts on social media regarding Pilates.
"Brutal! Working out with my daughter doing Pilates... This is an amazing workout but definitely not for the faint of heart".
12. Jason Kidd - Former NBA player
Kidd has been practising Pilates since 2005 and has spoken about its benefits for his game. He said:
“I don’t lift the big heavy 300-pound bench and all that anymore. I just try and keep a fine line of a little iron and a lot of the Pilates machine.”.
13. Mark Canha - MLB player
"I love it. I've always been a guy who prides myself in being agile, and Pilates gives you the option of getting all the little muscles stretched out," Canha stated.
14. Aaron Judge - MLB player
Judge incorporates Pilates into his training, saying, "The biggest thing is just being able to stay flexible".
He goes on to say:
“Pilates - that’s something really that activates a lot of core. With the Yankees we have a couple Pilates machines at our training facility, so it just fits in. The biggest thing is just being able to stay flexible. If I’m flexible, loose, and I’ve got a strong core, I’ll usually be able to stay healthy and on the field.”
15. Chris Sale - MLB pitcher
Sale enjoys Pilates workouts because they help maintain and improve his flexibility.
“Pilates is an interesting thing for me and the reason I appreciate it is if I don’t feel good one day, I can go in and get like a flush workout, still sweat good. But if you feel good you can make it a hard workout, so it can be rejuvenating, but it can also crush you.”
16. Tyler Seguin - NHL player
Tyler shard on social media, "I focused a lot on body posture this summer. I started doing Pilates, just kind of opening myself up more a bit, being more upright and avoiding other injuries".
17. Ben Simmons - NBA player
Simmons has been spotted attending Pilates classes as part of his fitness routine.
18. JJ Redick - Former NBA player
Redick has incorporated Pilates into his training regimen to improve flexibility and core strength. When asked about how he stays flexible and loose, he mentioned:
“I have a foam roller and I alternate between foam rolling and doing Pilates moves. I do the Hundreds, I do some Rolling Like a Ball… abbreviated versions of the series of five. I kind of mix it all up.”
19. Auston Matthews - NHL player
Matthews has mentioned using Pilates as part of his off-season training program.
“I focused a lot on body posture this summer. I started doing Pilates, just kind of opening myself up more a bit, being more upright and avoiding other injuries. I think I’m more flexible. …I feel good and I’m pretty excited to get going.”
20. Blake Griffin - NBA player
Griffin has been known to include Pilates in his workout routine to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
Here’s Why Pro Athletes Do Pilates
Agility and flexibility
Agility and flexibility are crucial for athletes. Pilates enhances the body’s capacity to perceive its position in three-dimensional space, improving neuromuscular connections necessary for swift, precise movements. The roll-up, a Pilates exercise, strengthens the core and improves spinal flexibility, essential for swift movements.
It makes you focus more
Athletes need to concentrate mentally as much as physically to perform well. Staying focused during stressful situations is crucial for success in sports. Pilates helps people be more aware of their thoughts and surroundings, which can improve their mental focus.
In Pilates routines, athletes must focus on their breathing and body. Being mindful allows them to stay in the moment, even under pressure during sports.
Additionally, Pilates exercises require body awareness. As athletes better understand their physical abilities, they can identify areas of weakness or imbalance and take steps to improve.
Low-impact for post-workout recovery
People who do intense physical activity need to focus mentally as much as they do physically to succeed. In sports, staying focused in high-pressure situations is crucial for doing your best. Pilates promotes mindfulness, which helps people improve their mental focus.
During Pilates workouts, athletes need to focus on their breathing and their body. By practising mindfulness, they can stay fully present, even when under pressure during competition. Pilates exercises also require a high level of body awareness. As athletes improve their understanding.
