What is Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates is an awesome workout for all fitness levels!
Pilates is a form of exercise that uses controlled movements to improve strength, flexibility, and body awareness. This workout focuses on building core strength and stabilizing muscles while also working arms and legs. It’s a low-impact workout that’s highly effective!
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, a circus performer, boxer, and self-defense instructor, in the early 1900s. He developed the exercise method to improve his own fitness levels and to help rehabilitate injured soldiers during the First World War. In the 1920s, Joseph and his wife Clara emigrated to the United States from Germany and opened their own gym teaching their new fitness method. Pilates has continued to evolve over the last 100 years and is now practiced worldwide.
Pilates can be taught in a specialized Pilates studio or in an open area with mats and small equipment. Specialized studios often utilize a large machine called a Reformer to perform the moves and classes can be quite expensive. Mat Pilates is an adaption that allows you to do these moves on the ground using just a yoga mat and your own body weight. Both are super effective workouts!
Mat Pilates is a great option for many people because it tends to be more accessible, less expensive, and can be made more advanced for students looking for a challenge. Since Mat Pilates only requires a yoga mat, it’s easy to do from home if you choose to join us for a virtual class. Classes also tend to be less expensive since they don’t require enough machines for each student and less intimidating. Most people are familiar with using a yoga mat. Mat Pilates is also scalable since you are supporting your own body weight, so you can get a challenging workout in whether you’re a beginner or advanced student.
Mat Pilates can help you:
Build muscle and strength
Improve your posture and flexibility
Rehabilitate after injury, surgery, or illness
Expand your body awareness
Challenge your athletic ability
Join us for a Mat Pilates class and see what this workout can do for you!