Reasons To Fall in Love With Pilates Mat Classes (Again)

I am falling in love with Mat work again this summer. Here is why.

• You can get a full body workout in 25-30 minutes. It is helpful to be able to do a mini session when that’s all the time you have.

• You can do it anywhere, anytime. I have done my mat work in some pretty strange places. I have memories of doing mat fundamentals in the middle of the night in my hospital room after delivering my son and in a tent during long camping trips.

• There is no distraction from the apparatus. There is a learning curve for people doing Pilates with the apparatus. There is a lot to remember with using the apparatus and mat work provides an opportunity to focus solely on your body and the movement.

• Doing mat work makes your body efficient and establishes a strong abdominal connection, priming you to get more benefit from apparatus work or warming you up for other athletic activities..

• Mat classes are cost- effective. Mat classes provide opportunities for a wide range of clientele to take Pilates and reap the benefits. I have 2 gorgeous 70 year olds in my open level class that never miss. They have spent time in the studio to get a good understanding of the mat exercises. They move beautifully and take physical challenges with grace and control.

• The order makes sense. There is wisdom to the sequence of the exercises. It works with how your body is put together and is satisfying to complete.

• When you know what to apply and work in the exercises it is incredibly challenging.
• Teaching and taking group Pilates is fun and supportive. People connect to each other in class. They are bonded by similar goals and can commiserate together over their struggles. It is sometimes helpful to try new things in a group as opposed to solo. Everyone is different.

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The Mental and Spiritual Benefits of Pilates

As we began discussion this month about the benefits of Pilates we started with the physical. Pilates is a method of corrective exercise, so that is the natural place to begin our journey. Our bodies, minds and hearts are intrinsically linked. The activities we engage in affect all aspects of us, bodies, minds and hearts. Some of what makes Pilates so satisfying and effective for people is that the workout can benefit all parts of us. The physical practice is a portal to many things, some of which are increasing your awareness of how you use your body/mind and improving the level of detail with which you work/move.

 Just as we build stability in the body first, Pilates benefits our mind by creating focus. This focus clears away the constant chattering that goes on in our minds. Tasks, roles we live and are responsible for, information, information, information. This part of our “modern living as Joe Pilates refers to it, is endless and nonstop. And he said this in the 30’s, decades before our smart phone culture! When our minds become cluttered and unfocused we sometimes we lose sight of what we want or what is important. This takes our efforts and actions and causes them to go in unproductive directions. Know the feeling of spinning your wheels, but never getting to where you want to go?

When your mind is focused and clear of unnecessary thoughts you can simply follow through better. Being able to follow through will lead you to completing your goals and making decisions that align with your priorties.The result is a calm, focused person who is capable of responding, not reacting to the events of life itself. As John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans”. I have found this true time and time again. To have the ability to be calm and respond to whatever life throws you takes wisdom and skill.

Continuing a workout program takes forbearance and strength of will. The days you need it most are the days you don’t feel like it. The act of simply following through on your intentions creates a ball rolling affect on your self-esteem, personal satisfaction and general mental well-being.

When your body feels good and works well, you feel good. When you feel good you are capable of responding to others in a compassionate, honest way. You can be the best version of you, not the version that is hurt or screwed in perspective.

So take Pilates! Your body, mind and heart need you! It will not be easy to continually make the time or take the time to do it, but the result will be a strong spirit, clear mind, and body that does not hurt and functions to its peak. Imagine that for a lifetime!