Kristopher Scott knew nothing about Pilates a year ago, but he did know how much his body ached from working as a technical editor and accruing sports injuries. His wife, Erica, "got tired of hearing him complain about soreness" and encouraged him to try Pilates with her. After taking weekly Pilates and Deep Stretch classes at Holly's PIlates Village for the past year, Kris says he "notices a huge difference in how I feel. My posture has improved. I have a lot less soreness...and I can relax. So if you're unfamiliar with Pilates, you should certainly give it a try. I'm a believer. It's just fantastic."

Joe Pilates was a boxer, gymnast, and diver before he developed the Pilates exercise regimen for men. Although male professional athletes have praised the method for years, Pilates also benefits weekend warriors, couch potatoes, and men hobbled by back and hip injuries. "The hallmarks of Pilates training are core strength, flexibility, balance, uniform development and efficient movement patterns--all of which are highly relevant to men's fitness," says Brandon Gamble, senior faculty for BASI Pilates in California. 

Mark Cox, a plumber who likes to race his mountain bike in Louisville parks, says, "If I miss a week (of Pilates), I'm in pain. I feel it and I can't wait to get back here."