Why mat Pilates?

Everywhere you go now, you will notice Group Reformer studios in nearly every suburb. There's a good reason for this - more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of Pilates, and the reformer is such a versatile, amazing machine that can both support and challenge the body. There's springs to add load, and many different set-up options to work the body in all ranges of motion. But, what about the mat?

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When Covid hit, I was teaching studio Pilates in Sydney, and most of my clients had never tried mat Pilates. Soon we went into lockdown, and everyone was forced to keep up their workouts at home, via Zoom. The most common feedback I received, is that it was harder than they thought it was going to be! Without the support of the equipment, there's nowhere to hide. There's no springs or settings to fiddle with, so the class can flow from beginning to end, with no interruptions, no breaks. A mat class can be intense.

Working on the mat is inspiring. There are so many ways to move the body, so many different shapes to be made, and without the help of the reformer it's all up to you. You will be surprised at the things you are capable of.

It's a grounding experience, feeling the floor or the earth beneath you. The force of gravity pushing up against the body. Without the distractions of the straps or box, there's a simplicity and purity of the movement experience.

And of course, you take it with you. No matter where you go, at home, on holidays, on the beach or on a mountain, mat Pilates is with you, it's there for you. It can be 5 minutes of gentle movement, joint mobilisation, and nourishing rotation, that instantly makes you feel so much better. Or it can be a full hour of non-stop, full body flow that leaves you sweating. Or anything in between. Once you have a few moves up your sleeve, nothing is taking that away from you. If you're ready to learn, continue your practice, or branch out into matwork, join me for the next course.