For Men’s Health Week, we’re spotlighting Gui, a Tempo 301 Pilates trainer whose personal journey from martial arts to Pilates is both relatable and eye-opening. From preventing injuries to challenging stereotypes, Gui’s story offers an honest look at how Pilates can transform men’s long-term health!
From Jiu Jitsu to Pilates
Gui, short for Guilherme, is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and instructor. It was through years of combat training that he first discovered the need for something more restorative and supportive. “I was getting injured too often,” he explains. “That’s what brought me to Pilates. I found a class called ‘Pilates for Weightlifters’ at the gym, and it helped me massively.”
The goal wasn’t flexibility or relaxation, but injury prevention and longevity. As Gui discovered, Pilates wasn’t just complementary to his sport, it was transformational. What started as a way to improve performance soon became a new passion, eventually leading him to train and teach the method at Tempo 301.
The Real Challenge
Gui remembers his first class clearly. “We all think Pilates looks easy because the movements are slow. But when you actually try it, you realise how much control and strength it takes. It was really challenging – and that’s what kept me coming back.”
That sense of challenge, of engaging the body in ways most men haven’t experienced, is what turns sceptics into regulars. And Gui admits, he didn’t face much stigma being a man in a largely female-dominated discipline. “When you’re in the class trying to move with control, you don’t have time to think about that stuff. Everyone can benefit.”
Why Men’s Health Week Matters
Men’s Health Week exists for a reason: men are statistically far less likely to seek help for health issues. “Men tend to wait too long to go to the doctor or deal with injuries,” Gui says. “Exercise, a good diet, and early treatment aren’t weaknesses – they’re strengths. It’s time to normalise that.”
In his classes, he sees it all the time: men who are strong but lack joint stability, balance, and control. “Pilates fills that gap. It keeps your joints healthy and helps with long-term performance.”
Breaking the Stigma!
Gui is quick to point out that Pilates isn’t just for flexibility. It supports strength, mobility, and posture – areas where many men struggle due to weightlifting, sports, or desk-based jobs. “There’s a real epidemic of back pain and posture issues from sitting all day,” he says. “Pilates can help prevent that – and it also helps you move better as you age.”
Pilates isn’t a replacement for weight training or cardio. It works best as part of a wider approach. “Doing Pilates once or twice a week, along with other training and good nutrition, leads to visible improvement in how people move and feel,” Gui explains. “That’s true for everyone.”
Discover the benefits of Pilates and how it can help everyone!
Why Tempo 301?
At Tempo 301, our classes are music-led, control-based, and designed to challenge everybody. Gui teaches Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates – one of our new Studio 2 Signature classes aimed at supporting long-term fitness and muscle health.
“After age 35, we all start to lose muscle and bone mass, it’s a process called sarcopenia,” Gui says. “We need to keep moving, and ideally combine Pilates with strength training. That’s why our new Signature Strength classes exist. Come try them out – you’ll love them.”
Curious to try it for yourself? New students can book our 3 for £36 Tempo Signature intro offer, perfect for getting started with Mat Pilates, Strength, Barre or Yoga in SE17.
So Why Are More Men Turning to Pilates?
This Men’s Health Week, we’re inviting more men to step into the studio and experience the benefits of Pilates firsthand. It’s not about ego. It’s about health, function, and staying strong for the long run.
So why are more men turning to Pilates? Because it’s not just about flexibility, it’s about building functional strength, control, posture, and endurance. Pilates addresses the imbalances that come from everyday life: long hours at a desk, high-impact sports, or simply years of skipping mobility work. It develops better movement patterns, enhances performance in other forms of training, and most importantly, keeps your body working well as you age.
Our 3 for £45 Reformer intro offer is made for first-timers looking to build strength, control and mobility with Tempo’s signature music-led method.
Your Journey Starts Here
At Tempo 301, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative Pilates can be for men across all levels of fitness. It’s a method that challenges, supports, and progresses with you. There’s no perfect starting point, only the decision to start.
Gui puts it best: “It doesn’t matter how you start. Just come in. Movement is essential – and we’re here for that.”
Whether you’re new to Pilates or returning to movement, Tempo 301 offers beginner-friendly, expert-led Pilates and strength training for all levels. Explore our full timetable and book your first class!
