Do you want to have a fit and trim body with toned muscles? Are you looking for a way to get fit that has a low impact on your joints but still feels like a workout? Do you want to get in shape without spending hours on the treadmill or money at the gym? If so, mat pilates may be just what you are looking for.
Mat Pilates is a great way to work out and transform your body. It is a low-impact exercise that is perfect for beginner and experienced exercisers. These core exercises can help improve flexibility, muscle tone, posture, and balance. Plus, it’s a great way to de-stress and relax! Ready to give it a try? Sign up for a mat class today.
Read on to learn more about what is mat pilates, what is it good for, and how it can transform your body and life.
What is mat pilates?
Mat Pilates is based on the principles of Joseph Pilates. He developed this type of exercise in 1926 from his experience with physical rehabilitation following injuries he sustained during World War I. He created a series of exercises using a mat for people recovering from strokes or other physical disabilities and those who wanted an alternative workout for fitness and wellness.
The exercises are done on the floor using your body weight for resistance. No fancy machines are involved, though you may use a towel to provide added stability at first. The workout involves special breathing techniques and can be done in bare feet or socks and with a mat. Additional equipment can be used but is not required. They include exercise balls, blocks, and bands.
The main thing is to focus on your body, maintain a straight line and perform the mat pilates exercises with good form. Pilates mat work is a great form of exercise as you can modify or skip certain elements to suit your own needs and range of motion.
What is Mat Pilates good for?
Mat Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on your core by strengthening and lengthening the muscles. Focusing on core strength can assist with posture, lower back pain and pelvic floor muscles. It also helps improve coordination, balance, flexibility, endurance and muscle tone. It tones and strengthens all major muscle groups on the body, including the arms, abdominals, back muscles, chest, shoulders, glutes, hips, and thighs.
It is also an excellent rehabilitation exercise as pilates is a gentle workout. Its low-impact, isometric nature makes it ideal for people recovering from injuries and other physical disabilities. It helps improve flexibility, balance, strength and coordination, which are crucial for successful rehabilitation.
Using a pilates mat and your body weight to create resistance makes this workout challenging. These isometric pilates exercises help focus on toning muscles without adding any extra bulk or stress onto joints. This makes it possible to target every muscle group in the body by simply holding your body in different positions.
Pilates is a great way to get in shape, burn fat, and helps build muscle, regardless of your fitness level.
Transform your body and life with pilates exercises
So, you’re asking how it can transform your body and life. We have gone through how it can transform your body above, but did you know it can help with life’s challenges too?
Mat Pilates may be the perfect exercise for our fast-paced, constantly-connected lives. In a world where we’re always on the go, finding ways to de-stress and relax is essential. It can help you do just that. Centring and grounding your body can help reduce stress and improve mental focus and clarity. You will notice a positive difference in your mood and energy levels when you practise the workout routine.
It also uses specific breathing techniques to help you focus the mind and calm the body. This can help improve your sleep quality by reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of relaxation. You inhale and exhale at a controlled pace, taking deep breaths that help oxygenate your muscles and tissues. You need to breathe from your belly and engage the diaphragm and core muscles to help strengthen your internal organs. The result is improved circulation, greater energy levels, and better overall health.
As a result, you will feel more relaxed but more energetic to concentrate on daily tasks. Pilates may have mental benefits that can help you transform your life in several ways.
So whether you’re looking for a way to reduce stress or improve your overall health and well-being, mat work is worth considering.
How to get started with Mat Pilates Workout?
There are many ways to get started with this form of pilates, whether you prefer private pilates sessions to mat pilates at home. You can practice pilates anywhere. The easiest way is to sign up for a pilates mat class. There are many options when it comes to classes.
- Pilates studios are an excellent way to start as there are pilates instructors to guide you and assist with your form and breathing. You can either sign up for one-on-one classes or group classes.
- Online classes are available for either one-on-one or group fitness class options. It is like paying for membership classes in the comfort of your home. You still get instructors explaining and guiding you step by step. Depending on how challenging, the only pilates equipment you need is a mat. These classes can be done anywhere, and you can quickly achieve the same results by following a video.
- Pre-recorded mat pilates videos online are also available if you prefer to work out alone or want it done at your own pace. You can do them at your own time that suits your schedule and save money on gas to and from the studio. It is possible to find structured classes through pilates and fitness apps or even step-to-step workouts on YouTube.
However, no matter what option, it is an excellent mat workout to include in your exercise routine. You will benefit from increased muscle strength and definition, body toning and weight loss while increasing flexibility to give you an all-around great workout.
Wrap up
So, if you’re looking for a low-impact workout that will tone your body, improve your flexibility and balance, and help reduce stress, the Mat Pilates class is a perfect choice. This exercise can be done by anyone from all levels of fitness, from beginner and experienced exercisers alike, so no matter where you are on your fitness journey, you can benefit from adding pilates to your routine. Give it a try today – we promise you won’t regret it!
