Here come the boys!
“I never thought it would be this hard”
Last week at Project, we ran our very first dedicated men's Pilates class, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
We know there is still a lingering perception that Pilates is only for women, so we set out to challenge that idea head-on. The group was made up of men from a range of athletic backgrounds, including ultrarunners, rugby players, martial artists, and gym regulars. All of them came in open-minded, ready to try something new, and left with a completely different view of what Pilates can offer.
The class was designed to improve flexibility, mobility, and core strength, with a focus on proper movement, breathing, and body awareness. We stripped things back to the foundations, highlighting muscles and movements that are often neglected in more explosive or high-impact training routines.
There was definitely a sense of surprise in the room as the class progressed. Movements that seemed simple on the surface quickly proved to be far more challenging than expected. The level of concentration and control required caught many off guard, but that only added to the experience. Everyone pushed through with a great attitude, and by the end, there was a shared sense of achievement and respect for the work.
The next morning, our inbox was full of messages saying the same thing. They were sore in places they did not know could be sore. That deep muscular fatigue is exactly what we love to hear, and it shows just how powerful Pilates can be, even for those used to training at a high level.
What stood out most was how quickly the group understood the value of what they were doing. This was not just a stretch class. It was about improving balance, enhancing recovery, preventing injury, and supporting the body to move better across all areas of life and sport. For many, it was a missing piece in their current training routine.
This class was not about changing what these men already do. It was about adding something meaningful that helps them continue to perform, stay injury-free, and feel stronger in ways that go beyond just lifting weights or pounding the pavement.
We are proud to say this will not be a one-off. Men's Pilates is here to stay at PROJECT. It is part of our wider mission to make Pilates accessible to everyone and to educate people on its benefits no matter their background or ability.
So if you are someone who has been curious but unsure, this is your invitation. Give it a go. Step outside your comfort zone. You might just walk away with a whole new respect for your body and a better understanding of how to train it well.
Pilates is not just for women. Last week proved it. And we are just getting started.
Jessy & Luis
