Did you know that when Joseph Pilates first invented his exercise method he didn’t have any equipment? The Pilates Mat exercises were the first and the foundation of his method of movement. He developed the equipment to support bodies that could not do the Mat exercises on their own. All the Pilates exercises lead back to the Mat. The Mat exercises are the goal in Pilates. 

When I first learned Pilates, I learned the Mat work. I was a teenaged dancer and didn’t even see a Reformer until I was an adult. The first piece of Pilates equipment I used was the old school Magic Circle, complete with wooden blocks. I have special memories of Saturday mornings Mat classes at the ballet studio putting the same amount of work into the Series of Five as I did my pursuit of 32 Fouettés on point. 

I’ve taught a whole lot of Mat lately thanks to lockdown. I’ve always made sure my clients are able to do the Mat exercises because it’s the foundation of the work. I love the equipment but I believe the goal of Pilates is to the do the Mat exercises unassisted. I’ve definitely made use of household items and props that people have at home for added challenge and assistance. But really, I’ve been ok with out springs. 

What I’ve noticed with everyone from my 20 somethings to my 70 somethings is they are stronger and more flexible than when they were working regularly with the equipment.

Here’s five reasons why you should do Mat Pilates exercises:

1. Mat Pilates exercises your whole body. You’ve probably heard a lot about core strength but the Pilates method uses the core strength to challenge your whole body throughout the workout.

2. Mat Pilates helps you strengthen while also working on your flexibility. There are exercises in Pilates that use dynamic stretches, which is moving through a stretch instead of holding a static stretch. All of my clients have more flexibility and stronger muscles as a result of staying consistent with their workouts.

3. Pilates helps you avoid injury by bringing balance to the body. The Pilates method helps you to work your muscles more evenly. We do not live our lives in symmetry. We use one leg to drive, we write with one hand and we don’t usually walk backwards. This can create imbalance in your body. Pilates helps to remind all the muscles of their jobs and make sure they work together in the best way for your body. 

4. You can do Pilates with no equipment at all. Exercise equipment has been in short supply but you don’t have to have a thing but your body to get a challenging workout with Pilates. 

5. Pilates coordinates the body, the brain and the breath. Pilates helps your body to work better by helping all the systems work together. There is nothing mindless about this exercise method. The body awareness alone is worth the challenge. When you take the time to pay attention to what is happening in your body you can use that knowledge to make yourself feel better. 

Pilates helps you to create strength, flexibility and body awareness in a way that no other exercise method does. You have to concentrate on what you are doing. You can’t just go through the motions. There is always more to learn and new things to accomplish. So try Pilates Mat with me and find out how it helps you get stronger, more flexible and have better body awareness. I have a few new classes you can enjoy from the comfort of your home on my schedule. Sign up below to see how Pilates can help you.