PILATES MATWORK

Pilates matwork

Matwork is a series of exercises performed on a mat primarily using body weight. Depending on the style of class, the sessions may may involve traditional smaller pilates props, such as magic circles, hand weights, stretch Thera bands, various sized balls and foam rollers. Using a series of exercises the teacher will guide students to develop deeper connections to their body, strengthen, tone and stretch their muscles, learn to breathe fuller, whilst correcting their posture and alignment.

Classical Mat Pilates classes are based on the series of exercises prescribed in Joseph Pilates book ‘Return to Life’. The choreography is set out with a specific order, transitions and set of repetitions, so that it becomes one complete flowing sequence. Originally Pilates Matwork was designed for clients to complete as homework. The full classical exercises may be modified or ‘broken down’ to allow them to be more accessible to a beginner client, with the intention of the client achieving the full expression of the classical exercises in the future.

Contemporary Mat Pilates classes use the fundamental elements of Joseph Pilates teaching, but create new routines and exercises, focusing on different aspects rather than following the classical choreography. Contemporary exercises focus on mobilising, strengthening, realigning and balancing the entire body. They focus on developing greater control and alignment of the joints, optimal breathing and a better understanding of the basic concepts and patterns of movement.

In our studio group mat classes there is a maximum of 6 clients per class and a maximum of 10 clients for our online group mat classes.