When people think of workouts, they usually envision activities such as jogging or cross-training. While these are effective ways to burn calories and strengthen muscles, they are also part of a category of movement called “high-impact” exercises.
A high-impact exercise sees some part of the body, such as the legs or arms, come in sudden contact with a solid object, such as the floor or a wall. Because of the jarring force of this contact, the tendons, joints, and muscles in the area receive a sudden shock that can lead to injury. However, Pilates for men is becoming increasingly popular to combat the risks of high-impact workouts.
Low-impact training is widely used among men who maintain high-impact workouts. Should they become injured, Pilates is an impactful way to recover without placing further strain on the body. Reformer Pilates is favored for its ability to maintain muscle mass during injury recovery so athletes can return to form as soon as possible.
The Men + Injury Correlation
When it comes to staying active, men need to find effective ways to recover from their injuries. Studies show that, on average, men are 1.7 times more likely to suffer an injury during a workout than women. This number can range slightly depending on the type of exercise being performed. Still, men are the forerunners in most categories (especially trunk and hip injury, with approximately 37% of all injuries occurring in this region for males).
Because men are more likely to be injured during exercise, planning what to do afterward is essential. Resting the injury is smart, but once it is safe to do so, keeping the area mobile can reduce the loss of muscle and flexibility.
Why Pilates Helps Men Recover From Injuries
There are many options for injury recovery, from warm baths to massage and more. In a literature review of more than 20 studies discussing the efficacy of Pilates as a mechanism of physical recovery after injury, 19 presented highly substantiated evidence that those who engaged in Pilates were more successful in their recovery and recovered faster than those in a control group. In other words, Pilates is consistently beneficial in helping men recover from their injuries, and there are a few reasons.
Reduces Impact Strain
Compared to high-impact exercises, Pilates’s low-impact work spares the joints from sudden, jarring movement. This is especially important after an injury, as the area is not yet stable enough to withstand this force. By allowing the site of the injury to continue to move without facing shocking pressure, it can heal without giving up on exercise and all its benefits.
Gently Strengthens Muscles
One of the biggest challenges many men face during injury recovery is losing the muscle tone they have worked hard to create. By using low-impact Pilates workouts, men can keep their muscles strong while resting the area. Reformer machines are customizable, providing support for injuries during recovery. In this way, men do not have to choose between sufficient rest and keeping their hard-earned gains.
Provides Balance and Stability
One of the leading causes of injury, especially in vulnerable locations such as the ankle, is a lack of proper balance and stability. Men are prone to injury during movement without strong, equally balanced tendons and muscles to exert pressure on a joint and keep it in position.
Pilates strengthens the small muscles associated with balance and reflexes throughout the body, including those difficult to reach through other exercises. This allows the body to remain equally balanced on both sides, decreasing strain on the injury site and reducing the chances of a recurrence.
Keeps Blood Flowing
The blood is full of important agents that can remove damaged cells from the site of an injury and bring essential nutrients, such as oxygen and vitamins, to form new tissue. Pilates is a great way to keep the blood flowing during recovery, increasing the injury site’s access to valuable building blocks that hasten the development of new cells.
Try Pilates to Recover From Injury
Men frequently face the risk of injury when working out, but being injured does not have to mean the end of any physical activity. Reformer Pilates is an effective option for injury recovery.
As a low-impact workout that can adjust according to a man’s needs, it is a worthwhile addition to any exercise routine. Contact RTR Pilates today to sign up for a beginner class and see what a difference Pilates can make!