When it comes to training, men often prioritize strength and endurance but overlook key components of movement. While lifting heavy and pushing limits can feel rewarding, improper training habits can lead to plateaus, injuries, and chronic stiffness.
So, what are the top 3 mistakes men make in the gym? And how can Pilates be the secret weapon to fixing them?
Mistake #1: Ignoring Mobility and Flexibility
Men often focus on strength over flexibility, leading to tight muscles and restricted movement. Poor mobility in areas like the hips, shoulders, and spine can cause imbalances, increase injury risk, and limit performance in lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses.
✅ How Pilates Fixes It:
Reformer Pilates incorporates dynamic stretching, joint mobility, and controlled movement patterns to advance flexibility and range of motion whilst training under tension and load. By improving mobility, you’ll experience better squat depth, smoother lifts, and reduced muscle stiffness—helping you perform at your peak.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Core Strength & Stability
Many guys assume core training is just doing crunches. The truth? A strong core isn’t just about abs—it’s about stabilizing the entire body. Weak core muscles lead to lower back pain, poor posture, and inefficient movement patterns in exercises like deadlifts and bench presses.
✅ How Pilates Fixes It:
Pilates is the ultimate core training method. It activates deep stabilizing muscles that standard gym workouts often neglect, strengthening your abs, obliques, and lower back in a functional way. This means better posture, stronger lifts, and reduced risk of lower back pain.
Mistake #3: Training With Poor Movement Mechanics
Do you ever experience shoulder pain during a bench press? Or feel tightness in your lower back after squats? These are signs of poor movement mechanics—often caused by muscle imbalances, lack of mobility, or incorrect activation of supporting muscles.
✅ How Pilates Fixes It:
Pilates focuses on controlled, precise movements that teach your body to move efficiently. It helps correct imbalances, improve muscle activation, and promote optimal movement mechanics—leading to stronger, pain-free lifts and fewer injuries.
Ready to Train Smarter?
Our Men’s Only Reformer Pilates class is designed to complement your preseason or gym training, prevent injuries, and improve overall performance. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, or playing sports—Pilates will help you move, feel, and perform better.
📅 Spots are limited! Book your session now and take your training to the next level.
