Pilates for men: why the strongest in the room are often the stiffest
30 October 2026 · 2 min read · Isla Pilates Samui
Men arrive at a reformer studio in one of two ways: sent by a physiotherapist, or dragged by a partner. Either way, the first class goes the same way — a certain confidence for the first ten minutes, then a discovery that a 100 kg deadlift does not help you hold a plank on a moving carriage with your feet in straps.
Strength is not the problem
Most men who train have plenty of strength in a short range: squat depth, bench press, the running stride. What they lack is strength at the ends of the range — a hip that extends fully, a thoracic spine that rotates, hamstrings that lengthen under load. Pilates lives at the ends of the range. That is why it feels harder than it looks, and why it fixes the niggles the gym gives you.
What it does for the sports you already do
- Running: hip stability and a spine that does not collapse at kilometre eight.
- Lifting: a braced centre that comes from the deep abdominals rather than a belt, and shoulders that sit where they should under a bar.
- Cycling and Muay Thai, both big on Samui: hip flexors that open again, and rotation the sport never trains.
- Golf and tennis: rotation through the mid-back rather than the lower back, which is where the injuries live.
The first class
Say what you train and what hurts. The teacher loads the springs heavier than she would for a beginner who does not lift, and lighter on the exercises where control is the point. Nobody minds that you cannot touch your toes; half the room could not either. the guide to reformer pilates in Koh Samui describes the class; the timetable has the times. If the idea of a group is the obstacle, a private session is one hour with a teacher and no audience.
Try a reformer class in Koh Samui
Isla is a ten-reformer studio in Chaweng, a few minutes from the beach, with small classes taught in English. If it is your first time here the intro offer is ฿1,800 for three classes; a single class is ฿900. Pick one from the timetable, or see the packs and prices first.