If you've seen people doing Pilates before, chances are it was the more common mat-based form. It's a great way to get started - you can do it anywhere, and it still delivers serious results. All you need is a mat!
Mat-based classes are suitable for everyone, from beginners right through to experienced practitioners. Although it may appear simple, each exercise has several progressions, meaning even after you've mastered it at a basic level, there's still plenty to challenge you. Never underestimate how demanding some of the advanced progressions can be, even if you've been doing Pilates for many years!
In addition to the pure mat-based exercises, we also add in small equipment like resistance bands, chi balls, Stott balls and foam rollers for more variety and some extra challenges!
Mat-based Pilates largely uses the body’s own resistance to strengthen and realign the body. Pilates is person-centred – because you’re working with the resistance of your own body, you’re guaranteed exercise at the right level for you. Gaining a good understanding of, and control over your body with mat-based Pilates is essential before progressing to some of the more advanced forms of Studio Pilates.
Joseph Pilates was always developing his methods, based on the needs of the patient in front of him. Out of this constant innovation came several large pieces of equipment, the most famous of which is the Reformer - a sliding carriage on a bed-like frame.
The Reformer allows the resistance your body is working against to be precisely controlled, and allows muscles to be specifically targeted, helping the exercise bring your body back into balance. Reformer-based Pilates requires a strong core and familiarity with basic moves, so is only suitable for those with previous experience of Pilates.
Other equipment includes the Cadillac - originally created from a internment camp bed while Joseph Pilates was incarcerated as an enemy alien during World War I. Over the years, he developed the concept further, creating a piece of equipment capable of many different exercises - some extremely advanced and specialised!
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