Beginner's Guide to Mat Pilates

Pilates Beginners- Good news! We have just what you need!

Step onto the mat today for the best possible start to Pilates. 

Mat Pilates is literally the basis for the entire Pilates system of exercise. Generally speaking, you'll find yourself working your powerhouse (core), legs and upper back muscles in every. single. session. You get the chance to learn how to breathe and use your body at all times. With the help of Pilates tools, you get the chance to mimic the resistance of the reformer, no bulky equipment needed!

Many Pilates experts suggest mat classes to start off as you get the chance to work on the foundations of Pilates properly. Dennis Clark, instructor and owner of Body Language Pilates and Yoga Studio in Florence, Italy says:

“The body can get very confused with controlling the effect of an external challenge source and learn to rely on big global muscles or small over-tasked ones to practice a reformer exercise and miss the target.”

Beginning on a mat gives each student the chance to work on how to use the smaller muscles- and they are the ones that matter. While it may not seem as fun and exiting to be starting off on a mat, many students agree that you see and feel the results quicker than expected. But what are these results? Think:

• Toned muscles

• Improved flexibility

• Improved strength

• Better posture

Keep in mind, mat Pilates isn't just for beginners! There are many ways to bump up your time on the mat to make it more challenging! For instance, you can progress to more advanced exercises or additional tools.

The bottom line is this: from day 1 mat Pilates is a winner.