MAT PILATES VS APPARATUS

Have you been recommended to do Pilates to improve your core stability but you are unsure if a mat group class or a private session is more appropriate? Let me explain the difference between the two, so you can understand which is suitable for your body and your needs.

Mat Pilates is ideal for people who are pain free and able to perform movements such as bending forwards without increasing pain levels. Mat Pilates challenges core stability in all positions such as standing; seated and lying. After completing a Mat class you feel tall, flexible yet strong and connected. Pilates classes focuses on strengthening your inner muscles and improving your joint mobility.  With the use of the resistance band and Pilates rings, Mat classes can also focus toning and strength.

Exercising in a group in environment is fun and great way to meet people. Our Pilates classes are set at three standards Beginner; Intermediate and Advanced. If you have never done Pilates before we highly recommend you do the Beginners course even if you are currently active. To get the most out of your Pilates class you need to have an understanding of the Pilates Principles such as breathing and core control, which you gain in our beginners 5 week course.

Apparatus Pilates is great if you have a specific goal such improving pelvic stability during running or decreasing back pain during everyday movements. In our private sessions your movement is carefully monitored under a watchful eye. The instructor will assess your flexibility; posture; stability; strength and movement in your initial session. The instructor will also provide you with constant feedback throughout the session so you know you are doing the exercise correctly. If you do suffer from pain, private intuition can provide you with exercises suitable for your condition which can assist your movements. The Pilates equipment may look like a torture rack but due to the diversity of the Pilates equipment, exercises can be more safely and with more control.

If you have no injuries and you are looking for an extra challenge, prepare yourself for the apparatus. The Pilates reformer; trapeze table and chair are all magnificent pieces of equipment which can work your core stability in dynamic positions. All the apparatus are spring resisted which is great for toning and strength. Depending on the muscle group you are focusing on an exercise can be made harder by decreasing the weight. As mentioned earlier the Pilates equipment is diverse and can imitate sport related postures which can assist sport performance.

 

“I have found Pilates classes an enjoyable step in my rehabilitation back to normal life.”

– Helen Tapp, Orthopaedic Nursing Sister

 

 

Useful Tags; Mat Pilates London / Pilates Reformer Putney / Which is Better - Mat Pilates or Reformer Apparatus Pilates?