What is Mat Pilates?

 

Pilates was created in the 1920s by the physical trainer Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) for the purpose of rehabilitation. It is resistance exercise, not aerobic (cardio) exercise, although the heart rate will certainly rise for a deconditioned individual and it is not intended to build bulk. Instead it focuses on flexibilty, body awareness and strength. 

 

Mat Pilates is a sequence of exercises that are done on the floor without Pilates machines. A yoga mat or any type of exercise mat will do. We also incorporate the Pilates exercise ball in our training. Attention to movement flow and core muscles are the same as when you do Pilates on the machines. 

 

Mat work is an intense workout. Demand for qualified Pilates instructors with training on equipment such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Spine Corrector, the Ladder Barrel, and the Wunda Chair, or on the floor (mat work) is great, and the sessions must be supervised by specially trained instructors. There is limited availability of trained Pilates machine instructors so mat Pilates may be your best bet.  Our instructors are properly trained and we place emphasis on safety first. Contact us for detailed information.

 

Check with your doctor before doing any of these exercises if you have medical or orthopedic conditions that affect your movement. Stop doing any exercise that causes pain.