What is Mat Pilates?

Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates Method in WWI by using hospital beds and bed springs to create rehabilitative exercises for his patients. He later brought his method from Germany to the United States and into a New York ballet studio where this aided in keeping dancers tone and lean, in order to stay light on their feet and strong for performances. Later, the “reformer” was developed as the quintessential “core” piece of equipment for the Pilates system. If you don’t have access to a reformer, Mat Pilates gives you just about every single advantage that a classic Pilates on a piece of equipment does.

The Core Expert™ Mat Pilates Videos

My Mat Pilates online videos will allow you to get the same benefits of a Pilates workout at home WITHOUT equipment - like the reformer. In my videos we will focus on exercises that tone your body, work on your flexibility, give you better posture, and allow you to move more efficiently in your daily life. My sequences will also inherently deepen and strengthen the mind-body connection.

What’s great about Mat Pilates is that it covers the basics of understanding Classical Pilates before tackling a Pilates class that requires equipment. Consistent PIlates Mat work has been found to be extremely beneficial when transitioning into any equipment based Pilates workout.

In my online Mat Pilates videos I give you the tools to achieve the muscle memory and understanding of the basics of Classical Pilates. If you want to add a bit of a challenge to these at home Mat Pilates workouts you can add bands, exercise balls, or even small weights. If you don’t have weights you can always use soup cans or water bottles.

What is Mat Pilates Beneficial For?

Mat Pilates is the ideal place to embody the “core” Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow, and the mind-body connection. In these Mat Pilates sequences I have created I focus on exercise sequences that unlock the key benefits of Classical Pilates. 

Practicing with my online Mat Pilates classes will help you to create a strong, balanced body, improve your flexibility, align your body, mind, and spirit, and it is the ultimate core workout! My classes are also a fantastic low-impact series for those that are not looking to put a lot of pressure on their joints. Whether you are recovering from an injury, are just beginning to learn Pilates, or are an active ager, my videos are the perfect way to MOVE you through your week!

The benefits of Mat Pilates classes include increased lung capacity, coordination and balance, improved focus and concentration, stress reduction, injury prevention, better posture, and overall mind-body awareness. 

As Joseph Pilates famously said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel different. In 20 sessions you’ll notice a difference. In 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” I like to add an addendum to his statement and say this: after taking my online Mat Pilates workouts, in 30 sessions you’ll have transformed your body, mind, and spirit!

The Core Expert™ Series Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions About Mat Pilates

What should I do if a Pilates Mat exercise feels stressful on my body?

I typically start out my online video classes by saying to “Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right leave it out. Never sacrifice the intuition of the body for the glory of the ego.”

Do just that. Really listen. Don’t push yourself beyond your physical limits. In my Mat Pilates videos I offer modifications for any of the more challenging exercises I demonstrate.

How often should I take your Pilates Mat Classes in order to see a change in my body?

I suggest setting your sights on at least two classes a week. Let your body be your guide to how frequently you will begin to increase the amount of Pilates mat classes you take per week. Again, it comes down to always listening to how you FEEL and letting those feelings lead the way.

Is it safe to do Mat Pilates while pregnant?

If you are pregnant and taking my Pilates online classes, I like to approach this subject with particular pleasure based on many past and present gratifying experiences with prenatal Pilates clients. 

Every pregnancy is different and therefore some Pilates Mat exercises need to be modified as a woman approaches her due date. I advise caution with positions that involve lying on one’s tummy or back during mid-pregnancy and beyond. Instead of lying flat, I recommend propping your body up with pillows. Instead of lying on your tummy, you can be on all fours. If your wrists hurt in this position, you can lean forward on an exercise ball. 

As with all Pilates Mat exercises, the goal is to increase energy, build strength, maintain muscle tone, prevent back pain, and improve the mind-body connection. Specifically for pregnant women, along with all of the other benefits previously discussed, the goal is to ultimately prepare the body for an easier delivery and recovery process.