Breaking A Stigma: Part I

When my doctor first recommended strengthening my core to address some underlying issues, I wasn’t quite sure where to start. More importantly, as a man, I irrationally hesitated to acknowledge the need to focus on my pelvic floor. Like many, I had unconsciously absorbed the stigma surrounding this aspect of fitness, often relegated to postpartum recovery discussions. It turns out that pelvic floor strength is critical for everyone…men included. I know my pain is real, and I need to address it…

Pilates 101: For decades, Pilates has been a popular form of exercise for fitness enthusiasts and celebrities alike. While Joseph Pilates first invented it in the 1920s, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow helped popularize it in the early 2000s. In the last decade, the popular fitness modality took a back seat to other forms of exercise like HIIT, weightlifting, and beyond. But in recent years, Pilates has regained its crown as a favorite form of fitness. 

That’s how I discovered Monarch Pilates, a studio where, in just a few sessions, I’ve started to transform not only my physical health but also my understanding of movement, posture, and strength.

From my very first conversation with Sandy Novembre, the owner of Monarch Pilates, I knew I was in good hands. With her expertise in musculoskeletal injury prevention and post-rehabilitation strengthening, she immediately put me at ease. She listened carefully to my concerns, guided me through the fundamentals, and reinforced the importance of alignment and posture. Under her direction, I began working with the studio’s team of talented instructors, each bringing a specialized approach to my training.

Laura Ely introduced me to Oov instruction, a method I had never encountered before but has become a small obsession. The Oov, a unique tool designed for neurological and balance training, has helped me recognize muscle imbalances and improve my posture in ways I hadn’t expected. Laura’s depth of knowledge, particularly in Pilates for scoliosis and alignment training, has been instrumental in my progress. With her guidance, I’ve learned to connect with my body on a deeper level, engaging muscles I had unknowingly neglected for years.

My one-on-one session with Kat Brault has been equally transformative. As a Balanced Body Reformer Certified instructor, Kat has an incredible ability to break down movement patterns and build strength from the ground up. Their approach is both meticulous and encouraging, helping me push my boundaries while respecting my current limitations. With Kat’s support, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the reformer—its ability to provide resistance and stability while allowing for controlled, intentional movement has been a game-changer in my training.

The early results have been dramatic. By focusing on the fundamentals of Pilates—posture, breath, and core activation—I’ve noticed significant improvements in my stability and strength. Tasks that once felt awkward or strained now feel more natural and fluid. Of course, this is only the beginning. Strengthening the pelvic floor and core isn’t a quick fix; it’s a long-term commitment that requires patience and consistency. But what makes the journey so rewarding is the support and encouragement from the team and how welcome I feel at the studio. 

If you’re someone who, like me, once hesitated to address this essential aspect of health, I encourage you to take that first step. The benefits extend far beyond the studio, influencing everything from daily movement to overall well-being. And with the right guidance, breaking the stigma is just another part of the journey.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I dive deeper into my progress, the challenges I encounter along the way, and how I continue to push my limits.