Pilates Method: 3 Ways the Mat trumps the Equipment
Accessible, Challenging, Mindful
Well hello there!
In light of my March being all about Pilates Mat exercises I’m sending you this post that I wrote a year ago (but haven’t published here on the Stack yet). What I’m trying to say is that you might have received it a year ago and heck, you might’ve even read it back then but…
You know I’m a bit of a Pilates Nerd and I hope that what I’ve written provides a bit of inspiration for you to get down on your mat or attend a class. Yes of course I hope you do some Pilates but really, mostly I just hope you move.
Remind yourself that you do not need fancy equipment or the latest in workout wear, just the desire to feel a bit better via Moving & Breathing and Breathing & Moving.
xBec
Unlock the Benefits of the Pilates Matwork
Despite its seemingly simple setup - just a mat and your body - Pilates Mat exercises pack a punch, offering a comprehensive workout that challenges both body and mind.
With the craze regarding group Pilates Reformer classes (and yes I have mixed feelings about them which I won’t go into now) the Matwork of Pilates is often an overlooked gem. Many teachers and practitioners even consider the Mat the toughest and most challenging aspect of the Method.
Why should you focus your time and energy on the Mat? Here are three (damn good) reasons why:
1. Accessibility and Convenience
You can pretty much do Mat anywhere there’s a bit of floor space because the Pilates Mat exercises requires minimal equipment, i.e. you need a mat (or a towel, or a blanket, or a bed, or even a bit of carpet) making it incredibly accessible. Yay!
Since there’s no fancy equipment the Matwork is perfectly portable and you can practice anywhere and anytime! If you’ve been in my world for a while then you’ll know all about Pajamalates, Hotelates, or even Poolates.
Yes, you can workout at home.
Yes, you can workout when you travel.
Mat is the great equaliser. Sure, I’m really lucky because of my home-based studio but not everyone can afford to have equipment at home, nor does everyone have a Pilates studio that’s nearby or convenient to attend.
2. The Challenge
Can you say body weight exercises? Think about it. The Pilates equipment is based on spring resistance that supports you and gives your body constant feedback. It also provides alignment cues to help you self correct.
But the Matwork? It’s all YOU!
I like to tell my clients that the “equipment” on the mat is their body + gravity + the space around them. This means that Mat exercises will challenge your proprioception (knowing where your body is in space) and there’ll be a bit extra focus on those deep core muscle to keep you aligned and steady.
Without the external support or resistance of the springs (or pulleys) the intensity of each exercise is amplified, resulting in a workout that can truly push your limits as the only thing you can rely on is YOU.
your strength
your focus
your control.
This makes each exercise truly full-bodied and if you can work this way you’ll gain the benefits of Pilates’ “Returning to Life” philosophy.
3. Mind-Body Connection
I find it much easier to slip into mindlessness when I’m on my Reformer or Springboard versus when I’m down on my Mat - how about you?
With no equipment to guide your movements, you must rely entirely on your body's feedback (both internal and external) to perform each exercise with precision - the trick is to pay attention! This is especially true for your alignment. This attention to detail and awareness will foster that deeper mind-body connection that we’re all searching for.
I love it when I get into a groove and lose myself in the flow of the Matwork. The meditative quality encourages me to be fully present in the moment, and I hope you’ve experienced it too.
The Matwork allows you to refine movement patterns and you can correct imbalances, moving to more uniform development. As mentioned before, the trick is to pay attention! (some of my clients accuse me of being picky and pedantic which I totally own but you know what they say, God is in the details!)
Here’s a thought:
What you learn on the Mat is available to you when you’re upright and moving through the world. This heightened awareness leads you to improved body mechanics in everyday activities and a greater sense of overall well-being. Yay!
In Conclusion:
Why Choose Matwork Over Equipment?
While Pilates equipment certainly has its benefits, matwork offers unique advantages:
Easily Accesible & Convenient: You can practice your Pilates pretty much anywhere & anytime.
Challenging: Harder than equipment based Pilates? Many think so. You have to rely more on YOU
Mindful Movement: The focus required to execute good, quality Matwork can drop you into your mind-body connection more readily.
Remember Pilates matwork is not just a stepping stone to some equipment nirvana or something that you’re sentenced to do because you don’t have access to a Reformer or Cadillac. It’s a powerful and valuable practice in its own right.
Its accessibility, challenge to the body, and emphasis on the mind-body connection means IMHO, it should be an indispensable component of your fitness regimen. Whether you're a seasoned Pilatista or new to Pilates, don't underestimate the power of the Mat.
Alrighty, I’m officially off my soapbox now so I’ll just end by saying thank you for reading. And if you want to try some mat classes, head on over and check out my classes on demand.
Catch you next week,
xBec
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and Rebecca Forde disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this post