Men Turned to Pilates for Dedicated Group Fitness

Studios across the country have launched men-only classes to provide a comfortable space for strength training and recovery.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Men’s Health

Bold vector editorial illustration of a Pilates reformer machine in sage and teal, representing men's dedicated fitness classes. — Studios across the United States are introducing men-only Pilates sessions to offer a dedicated space for strength training and physical recovery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you feel more comfortable participating in a men-only or women-only fitness class?

As interest in the discipline grows among men, studios like Pure Pilates in Merrick, New York, have introduced dedicated sessions to help male participants feel more comfortable. This shift allows for an environment where men can focus on exercise while discussing their personal health concerns.

Why it matters

Creating specialized spaces may help men overcome perceived barriers to entry for Pilates, an exercise routine originally developed to strengthen soldiers. These classes provide a consistent social outlet and a supportive environment for men to manage personal health and physical maintenance.

Professional athletes, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Andy Murray, have utilized the method for years, with participation trends now reaching a wider demographic of men. Data is limited to participant enrollment reports from specific studios, and the long-term health impact of these dedicated classes remains under investigation.

The players

Nofar Hagag

A Pilates instructor who operates studios in Manhattan and Miami providing specialized training.

Dwyane Wade

A former professional basketball player who helped normalize the use of Pilates for athletic strength and recovery.

LeBron James

A professional basketball player who incorporates Pilates into his long-term conditioning and injury prevention regimen.

The details

Participants in these sessions use reformers equipped with adjustable springs, pulleys, and straps to facilitate resistance training. Instructors typically incorporate two-pound weights to enhance the intensity of the movements. The routine is designed to improve strength and muscle function, and its origin dates back to the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers during WWI.

2008: Nofar Hagag began her career as a Pilates instructor.
2012: Dwyane Wade publicly discussed his experience with the exercise method.
2023: Pure Pilates in Merrick, New York, launched its first dedicated class for men.
January 2026: Matt Goldschmidt, age 41, enrolled in a session.

Health Landscape

The Pilates method has evolved from its origin in WWI-era soldier rehabilitation into a mainstream modality for athletic recovery. The current move toward dedicated classes reflects a growing intent to make these evidence-based movement protocols more accessible to a broader male population.

If you are interested in trying this form of resistance training, look for local studios that offer introductory sessions to see if the reformer-based approach suits your physical goals. It is worth discussing with your doctor whether a low-impact, spring-based program is appropriate for your specific health needs or current injury profile.

The takeaway

The rise of men-only Pilates sessions provides a new avenue for men to engage in structured strength training within a comfortable social framework. If you are considering starting a new fitness routine, ask your primary care physician to help you assess whether your mobility and joint health are ready for a reformer-based program.