What Is Pilates Mat Work

Pilates mat work is often done in live classes which are much easier to find than reformer sessions.

What is pilates mat work.

Or you can go to a gym or studio that has special equipment a class or a trainer who can supervise you. Thinner mats such as. Joseph pilates the founder of the pilates method which he originally called contrology developed mat exercises that were quite similar to the work done on pilates machines the reformer the cadillac the chair the barrel. Pilates mat work is a series of exercises that are done on the floor without pilates machines.

The top layer is soft and smooth so moving between poses is easy. Not only are mat exercises the most challenging since you don t have the spring resistance to work against but they are also the most revealing when it comes to asymmetry in the body. Pilates can be taught in a specialised pilates studio or in an open area with mats and small equipment. How pilates on a mat works.

Joseph pilates developed this exercise methodology in the early 1900s and it borrows from disciplines such as dance yoga and classic calisthenics. Mat classes emphasize the placement of the pelvis to correctly engage the core and support the spine. From there the exercises establish how to integrate the legs and arms into core work. Mat pilates is a series of exercises from within the pilates method designed specifically to be performed on a mat.

Mat work is my favorite part of the pilates repertoire. In pilates you ll want a thicker mat that provides more cushioning and padding for rolling floor work and side lying work these mats are typically 1 4 to 1 2 inch thick. Mat pilates is a series of fundamental core based exercises performed simply on the mat. Many pilates experts recommend mat classes as the best bet for beginners.

Even gyms without full pilates studios often offer mat classes usually at no additional fee for members. It is composed of very soft foam that your hands will sink into as you lean into difficult poses. Both studio apparatus and matwork can be taught privately or in small groups most classes last between 60 90 minutes. You can do pilates on an exercise mat either in a class or at home using a dvd.