Mat Madness at Maunga Chi Pilates
“No man - No machine can correct or create vitality, power, or health for you; everything comes from within; you have to unfold it.”
Joseph H Pilates
If you're just getting started with Pilates, you might be having trouble deciding whether you want to take Pilates mat classes or Pilates equipment classes. The equipment is practically symbolic of Pilates, but that doesn't mean a good old fashioned mat class isn't worth your time. If you have the opportunity to use equipment, that's great, but don't knock the mat.
And for those of you who are in love with equipment and are neglecting your mat classes, it's time to rediscover the undeniable benefits of mat work.
1. Mat Classes Give You the Benefits of Pilates
Toning, flexibility, better posture, more efficient movement, the body/mind connection—just about every benefit the Pilates method has to offer can be achieved through mat work. Pilates equipment adds an element of moderate resistance training, which is important in your overall fitness plan.
A Pilates mat workout that incorporates the classic Pilates repertoire is an exceptionally good workout that will provide the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits, not to mention, that Pilates mat work it the ULTIMTE in core workouts
2. Mat Classes Cover the Basics
You will learn all of the fundamental Pilates movement techniques in Maunga Chi Pilates Mat Classes. Neutral spine, a properly engaged core, c-curve, shoulder and pelvic stability, spinal articulation, full breathing, working with oppositional energy – all are key to Pilates mat work in our classes.
3. Mat Skills Are Equipment Skills
Some people think that Pilates mat exercises were intended by Joseph Pilates to be the foundation for Pilates equipment exercises. We don't know exactly how Joseph Pilates developed the work with regard to the mat and equipment exercises. However, most Pilates instructors and long-time practitioners will tell you that consistent mat work is profoundly beneficial to equipment performance.
Doing the mat exercises are great for transitioning to equipment, as most mat exercises translate directly onto the equipment.
The teaser and swan are the two examples of exercises that are consistent from the mat to reformer, plus they keep their names as you move through the reformer, chair and cadillac (tower). All mat exercises teach skills that relate to the equipment exercises.
4. Mat Work Improves Body, Mind & Spirit
Pilates has nothing to do with religion, but it was definitely developed with the intention of helping to integrate and elevate the body, mind, and spirit.
Pilates exercises are always practiced with the Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.
When a Pilates workout is infused with this kind of attention and quality it becomes more than a physical experience, and the effects are felt throughout one's life. The mat is the perfect place to embody the Pilates principles.
5. Learn How to Do your Own Mat Workouts
To get the BEST results and learn how to be the best you can be, come and see Maunga Chi Pilates. We will set you on your course, guide you. Yes, give you homework cards and make every cent you pay worth it. Being with a top Instructor who knows your body, goals and ”weak” points will set you on a path to being the best version of you.
Once you know the mat exercises and have them locked in you can make a routine at home, this is what Joseph Pilates intended for all along when he wrote Return to Life Through Contrology. All you need is a mat and your passion of persistence – as we know Rome was not built in a day!
Come into the studio, and get what you deserve, a fabulous Mind, Body & Soul.
