That's a question I've heard dozens of times. And honestly, I get it. Pilates does involve stretching, but it also intensely focuses on strength, control, and endurance. The springs and adjustable resistance on a reformer provide constant tension, targeting muscles you didn't even know existed. Even AFL players like Zak Butters and Sam Walsh regularly use reformer Pilates to enhance their balance and performance, as highlighted in this article from Herald Sun.

Why reformer Pilates is great for men

A lot of men come into my studio assuming Pilates is mostly for flexibility. But Pilates is equally about building strength and muscle symmetry. Robyn Rix, president of Pilates Association Australia, has mentioned that roughly 20 to 25 percent of her Pilates clients are men—usually introduced by their partners, but quickly realising the benefits themselves. You can learn more about Robyn and her insights on the Pilates Association Australia website.

I've personally seen men initially hesitate, then quickly embrace Pilates once they experience its impact. It’s not just about muscle growth; it's about developing functional strength and balance. If you're looking to build lean muscles specifically, take a look at why reformer Pilates is great for building lean muscles.

How does reformer Pilates build muscle?

What makes Pilates unique is its ability to consistently engage your muscles through controlled movements. Exercises like plank variations, footwork, and jumping with a jumpboard ensure that your muscles remain under tension longer. The reformer's adjustable springs also allow you to progressively increase resistance as you get stronger.

Men who've regularly trained with our onyx reformer often share how impressed they are by the muscle definition they develop, especially in areas like their core and back, without feeling bulky. For a deeper dive into how Pilates effectively builds lean muscle, here's an interesting perspective from news.com.au.

What Aussie men are saying about reformer Pilates

Feedback from my customers, especially those using our onyx fold reformer, has been overwhelmingly positive. They consistently highlight its stability, premium build, and the comfort provided by details like suede-lined straps. It's great hearing how genuinely surprised they are by how quickly Pilates improves their strength and posture.

If you're curious about how other men are benefiting, here's an internal piece we wrote specifically discussing why men should try reformer Pilates.

Key exercises for muscle gains

Exercises such as footwork, plank positions, and jumpboard exercises are incredibly effective. These moves not only build strength but significantly boost core stability. If you need something practical for your home, consider using a reformer that's foldable for easy storage, such as our onyx fold reformer. It's perfect if you have limited space but still want high-quality workouts at home.

And if you're interested in exactly how Pilates qualifies as strength training, check out this article from GoodRx. It clearly explains why Pilates is effective for muscle development, especially for beginners.

Ready to try reformer Pilates?

If you're keen to try reformer Pilates or have questions about choosing the best machine for your goals, you can contact me directly via our contact page. I'd love to help you get started.

Reformer Pilates isn't just a trend; it’s a genuinely effective way for men to build real strength and muscle definition.