For years, yoga and Pilates have been seen as female-dominated practices. But that’s starting to change. More men are stepping onto the mat and discovering the surprising benefits these disciplines offer.

The truth is, yoga and Pilates aren’t just about flexibility or quiet reflection (though those are great too). They help to build real, functional strength, help prevent injury, reduce stress, and support better posture and mobility. No matter your gender or experience level, the benefits are undeniable.

So why the hesitation? For many men, outdated stereotypes still linger. There’s a common belief that these practices are for women, or that you need to be bendy to even begin. But none of that holds up. In reality, these are practices for everybody and promote mindfulness, awareness, and the ability to process how you feel internally.

The numbers still show a gender gap (in the UK, around 87% of yoga practitioners are women), but that’s beginning to shift. More men are realising that intentional movement can improve performance in other areas of life, including sports, sleep, or mental health.

If you’ve been curious, consider this your nudge. Whether you’re looking to ease tight muscles, manage stress, or try something new… Step onto the mat. From calm to challenge, yoga and Pilates offer something powerful.

The Benefits of Yoga and Pilates for Men

Yoga and Pilates offer a wealth of benefits that make them ideal additions to any man’s fitness and wellbeing routine:

1. Builds Strength and Muscle Control

Yoga and Pilates are both brilliant for building strength. Yoga uses your bodyweight to challenge major muscle groups with poses like Warrior, Chair, and Chaturanga (a kind of slow-motion push-up). Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on controlled, low-impact movements that target your deep core muscles, benefitting posture, stability, and injury prevention. It’s sneaky-strong work that leaves you feeling powerful, not punished. 

2. Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion

Tight hamstrings, stiff hips, and aching shoulders are common issues for a lot of men, especially if you’re into weightlifting, cycling, or spend hours at a desk. Yoga and Pilates are both great for undoing that tension. They help loosen up those sticky spots, improve your range of motion, and keep your joints happy. Over time, you’ll move more freely and with way less risk of pulling something when you least expect it.

3. Reduces Stress and Boosts Mental Focus

Yoga and Pilates are both excellent ways to hit pause and recalibrate. They combine movement with breathwork to regulate your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and help you feel more grounded. Whether you’re dealing with a busy mind, work stress, or just need some headspace, these practices can help you focus better and stay calm under pressure.

4. Improves Sexual Health

Yes, you read that right. Yoga and Pilates can boost your sex life. These practices improve circulation, balance hormones, and reduce stress, all of which support sexual wellbeing. They also enhance body awareness and help build pelvic floor strength, which plays a key role in performance and stamina.

5. Enhances Athletic Performance

Many top athletes incorporate yoga and Pilates into their routines. These practices improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and focus, which are all essential for athletic performance. They also help you recover faster and stay injury-free, which means more time doing what you love. From LeBron James to Tom Brady, plenty of elite athletes credit yoga and Pilates with keeping them at the top of their game.

6. Helps with Injury Recovery and Prevention

Pilates is often used in rehab settings, and both practices are low-impact ways to strengthen without overloading the joints. They improve muscular balance, which is key for preventing common injuries in men, especially those related to sports or weightlifting.

7. Improves Sleep

Yoga and Pilates help calm the nervous system, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle tension, all of which set you up for deeper, more restful sleep. Even just 10–20 minutes of gentle movement in the evening can help you wind down, clear your mind, and signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Think of it as a physical and mental switch-off, without the screen time.

What Should Men Wear?

This is easily one of the most common questions men have when trying yoga or Pilates for the first time and good news - it’s a simple fix:

Fitted, breathable clothing: Think a T-shirt or tank and shorts or leggings that move with you. You want to avoid anything too baggy that might get in the way or ride up mid-pose.

Supportive underwear: Trust us, it matters. Comfort equals confidence.

Barefoot for yoga, grip socks for Pilates: No shoes needed. You’ll want to feel grounded and stable, especially during balance work.

Basically, wear what you’d wear to the gym just make sure it stretches and stays put.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, boost focus, or just feel better in your body, yoga and Pilates offer something powerful. It’s not about being the most flexible in the room, it’s about showing up for yourself, moving with intention, and creating space to feel good. 

Words from Jen McGregor, Yoga and Breathwork Instructor

"As a yoga instructor, it’s incredibly inspiring to witness the transformation that happens when men fully embrace yoga. In a space traditionally seen as female dominated, our men’s only class (Broga) breaks the mould a little. 

"Watching these guys gain flexibility, build strength, and cultivate mindfulness is powerful, but what’s even more rewarding is seeing how our practice brings release and FUN!

Yoga helps reduce stress, improve posture, prevent injuries, and boost mental health, benefits that are especially crucial in today’s whirlwind world. This goodness and these benefits should be and are available to us all, no matter what gender.

This men’s class isn’t just about stretching; it’s about showing up, letting go of ego, and building a community. Flowing with these fabulous guys each week fills my heart beyond measure."

The images from this blog are from Jen McGregor's broga and mixed yoga sessions.

Ready to start? 

Our men’s mats and Pilates equipment is designed to support every stretch, every breath, and every goal. Shop now and get him excited to move, because wellbeing starts here.

When time is tight but your body’s craving movement, this energising 10-minute full-body workout at home is your go-to solution. Created in collaboration with food & fitness expert and personal trainer Lisa Marley, a partner at Study Active, this session is perfect as an easy workout routine for beginners looking to build strength, balance, and consistency—from the comfort of home.

Whether you're just starting out or getting back into a routine, this is your moment to pause, prioritise yourself, and move your body with purpose. Using our beautifully designed, functional Amp Wellbeing equipment, this routine helps increase intensity at your pace. Start with body weight and add resistance as you grow stronger. It’s all about building confidence through progress.

Why It Works

This is a low-impact, high-benefit workout designed to fit into real life. In just 10 minutes, you’ll work all the major muscle groups, activate your core, and boost your energy. It’s also a fantastic foundation to build consistency and reconnect with your body through mindful, intentional movement. When you are ready, you can add in our functional and beautiful fitness equipment to add extra resistance.

Warm-Up (1–2 Minutes)

Get your body ready to move and prevent injury by easing into the session:

• Arm Circles – Loosen tight shoulders
• Arm Swing & Pull – Open up the chest
• Leg Swings – Improve hip mobility and flexibility

The Workout: Full-Body Strength and Stability (8 Minutes)

Each of these beginner-friendly moves can be performed with or without weights. As you build strength and confidence, incorporate your favourite Amp dumbbells, ankle wrist weights or Weighted Pilates balls to elevate the challenge.

Start by performing each exercise for 10–12 reps (or 30 seconds per side for unilateral movements like lunges). Do 1 round for a 10-minute workout. As your confidence and strength grow, increase to 2–3 rounds, We recommend using the 2.5kg/5kg pair Amp dumbbells or 3kg pair weighted Pilates balls to increase intensity.

If you're just getting started, begin with body weight only and focus on form and breath control. Once the movements feel comfortable and stable, introduce 1–2kg weights, increasing as your strength improves.

1. Suitcase Squats

Targets: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, core

Holding 2.5kg weighted bars, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at your sides.

• Lower your hips back and down like you’re sitting in a chair.
• Keep your chest lifted and knees aligned over toes.
• Press through your heels to return to standing.

Beginner Tip: Keep hands on your hips for balance.

Progression: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides (like carrying a suitcase).

Start with: 10–12 reps.

2. Knee Lifts

Targets: Core, hip flexors, balance

Stand tall, engage your core, and hold your dumbbells steady in your hands.

• Lift one knee to hip height, hold for a moment, then lower.
• Switch sides and repeat, moving with control.

Beginner Tip: Place hands on your hips or out to the sides for stability

Progression: Hold a light weight in each hand or add wrist/ankle weights.

Start with: 10 reps per side.

3. Deadlifts

Targets: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, hold your 2.5kg dumbbells in each hand.

• Hinge at the hips (not waist), keeping your back flat.
• Lower the weights (or hands) to mid-shin, slight bend in knees.
• Squeeze glutes to return to standing.

Beginner Tip: Practice first with no weights to master the hip hinge.

Progression: Add Amp dumbbells and increase load gradually.

Start with: 10–12 reps.

4. Side Lunges

Targets: Inner and outer thighs, glutes, hips

Step your right foot out to the side, holding your dumbells in your hands.

• Bend your right knee and push hips back, keeping left leg straight.
• Return to start and repeat on the other side.

Beginner Tip: Step shorter to start and build deeper range over time.

Progression: Hold a dumbbell at your chest or one in each hand, increase the weight as you progress.

Start with: 8–10 reps per side.

5. Reverse Lunges

Targets: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, core

Step one foot back and lower your back knee toward the floor, holding the weights in your hands.

• Keep your front knee stacked over your ankle.
• Push through the front heel to return to standing.

Beginner Tip: Hold onto a chair or wall for balance if needed.

Progression: Add dumbbells at your sides or a single weight at your chest.

Start with: 8 reps per side.

6. Forward Lunges

Targets: Quads, glutes, calves, balance.

Holding your weights in your hands, step forward with one foot and lower into a lunge.

• Keep your chest upright and both knees at 90 degrees.
• Push off the front foot to return to start.

Beginner Tip: Keep movements small and controlled.

Progression: Add Amp dumbbells to increase resistance.

Start with: 8 reps per side.

7. Bent-Over Row

Targets: Upper back, shoulders, arms

Hinge at the hips with a flat back, knees slightly bent.

• Hold weights or Weighted Pilates balls, palms facing in.
• Pull the weights toward your ribs, elbows close to your body.
• Squeeze shoulder blades, then lower slowly.

Beginner Tip: Start with light weights and perfect your posture.

Progression: Increase dumbbell weight or time under tension.

Start with: 10–12 reps.

8. Skull Crusher

Targets: Triceps, shoulders

Lie down (on a mat or bench) with weights extended above your head.

• Keep elbows in as you lower the weights toward your forehead.
• Pause, then press the weights back up.

Beginner Tip: Use 1–2kg dumbbells or Pilates balls to begin.

Progression: Increase reps or weight slowly.

Start with: 10–12 reps.

9. Chest Press

Targets: Chest, shoulders, triceps

Lie on your back, feet flat on the floow and hold your weights at chest level.

·       Press your arms straight up.

• Lower slowly and repeat.

Beginner Tip: Focus on steady control through the full range.

Progression: Increase weight or try with resistance bands.

Start with: 10–12 reps.

10. Pec Fly

Targets: Chest, shoulders

Lie down holding your weights directly above your chest.

• With a slight bend in your elbows, open arms wide
• Bring weights back together at the top

Beginner Tip: Start with low weight to avoid shoulder strain.

Progression: Add more weight or pause at the bottom of the movement.

Start with: 8–10 reps.

11. Dumbbell Crunches

Targets: Core, upper abs

Lie on your back with knees bent, hold a weight at your chest.

• Engage your core and lift your shoulders off the mat.
• Lower slowly and repeat.

Beginner Tip: No weight needed to start—just focus on form.

Progression: Add weight once movement feels solid.

Start with: 10–12 reps.

12. Side Plank (Left & Right)

Targets: Core, obliques, shoulders

Lie on your side, elbow under shoulder and stack your feet and lift hips, keeping your body in a straight line.

• Hold for time, then switch sides

Beginner Tip: Drop your bottom knee to the floor for extra support.

Progression: Extend the hold (start at 15–20 seconds, build to 30+).

Start with: 15–30 seconds per side.

Cool Down (1–2 Minutes)

• Hamstring Stretch – Reach forward and lengthen the back of your legs
• Deep Breathing – Relax, reset, and return to your day feeling strong

 Want to follow along with Lisa? Watch the full workout on YouTube here.

Meet Your Trainer: Lisa Marley

Lisa Marley is a certified personal trainer, health & wellness coach, and trained chef passionate about plant-based living and holistic wellbeing. She specialises in behavioural change coaching—helping clients set realistic goals, overcome obstacles, and develop strategies for lasting success.

Her 30-minute personal training sessions, offered online and in-person, are designed to maximise efficiency while fostering consistency. Lisa combines movement with mindful nutrition to help you feel energised, strong, and empowered—body and mind.

“My ultimate aim is to optimise your body’s efficiency, reduce inflammation, enhance muscle responsiveness, and boost your performance—so you can thrive today and into the future.” – Lisa Marley

  Why This Workout Belongs in Your Routine

• Quick, convenient, and accessible—perfect for busy days.
• Builds strength, balance, and coordination.
• Beginner-friendly, with room to grow using Amp resistance tools.
• Ideal for starting (or restarting) your fitness journey.

This is fitness designed for real life—with equipment that inspires you to move every day. Wherever you are in your wellness journey, Amp is here to support you with tools that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Ready to get moving? Explore our full range of premium fitness equipment to bring the gym home—stylish tools to elevate your workouts, at home or in the studio.

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