What is Mat Pilates? 

Mat Pilates is a series of floor-based exercises. Pilates combines fundamental principles, including breathing, core control, coordination, strength, precision & balance. Exercises positions include standing, lying on your back, your front, side & kneeling. Sessions also incorporate a small piece of equipment, including hand weights, foam rollers, massage balls, theraloops & magic circles.  

 

What is the difference between Mat Pilates & Reformer Pilates? 

Joseph Pilates (the original creator of the method) began all of his exercises on large Pilates equipment. The Mat exercises came later but are based on the equipment exercises. This means there are many similarities between the Mat & Reformer. The main differences are the challenges of the exercises. In Mat Pilates, your body isn't supported by the equipment, which can increase the body awareness, balance & strength challenges. 

 

Do I have to have done Reformer or Equipment Pilates before Mat Pilates? 

No, your Pilates practice can begin on either the Mat or the Reformer. This is down to your personal preference. 

 

I am healthy & relatively active; which is the best option for me to get started? 

You can join one of our beginner courses or book an induction session. 

Once you have attended a beginner course, you are welcome to join any of our mixed-level classes on the timetable. We have PAYG or class pass options. 

You can also join any of our mixed-level classes on the timetable after at least one one-to-one intro session. Some clients wish to attend more than one intro session before joining a group class. Clients are welcome to book as many of these sessions as they like. The aim of our beginner course & intro sessions is for you to feel safe & confident during your Pilates practice. During any session, one-to-one or group, our instructor is there to answer any questions & assist you as required. 

 

I have some aches & pains & would like to join a Mat class; what is the best option for me? 

One of our MOT Assessment & 30-minute Mat Pilates sessions is the best option. As Physios & Sports Therapists, we are trained to work with those with injuries & pain. We have many clients in our group Mat Sessions who have ongoing health problems, suffer from aches & pains or have had previous treatment such as joint replacements. If a group session is your goal, we will aim for you to be able to join a class as soon as possible. 

 

How many sessions do you recommend per week? 

Due to the difference in the benefits of the Mat the Reformer, we recommend one Reformer session and one mat session per week. You can, of course, do more sessions. This is down to your personal preference & how much time you want to commit to your Pilates practice. 

 

How do class passes work?

We offer two different class passes that reduce the price of the class. 

5 class pass (£60 / £12 per class). Saving £2.00 per class compared to PAYG. 

10 class pass (£100 / £10 per class). Saving £4.00 per class compared to PAYG. 

 

Class passes are valid for six months. 

Classes can be booked up to () in advance or up to the time of the class. 

Passes can be paused due to illness/injury. 

Passes are non-refundable / transferable. 

 

Our Training 

All of our instructors are Physiotherapists or Sports Therapists. This means they were degree-level therapists before completing their Pilates Training. This provides a foundation of a vast knowledge of anatomy, physiology, movement, pathology & injury rehabilitation.

Our instructors are trained by The Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) or Polestar Pilates. Both are internationally recognised as world leaders in Pilates Training. Both the APPI & Polestar were founded by and continue to be run by Physiotherapists, meaning their approach is deeply rooted in up-to-date medical research. This means their training specifically incorporates working with those with injuries, pain, health issues & long-term conditions, as well as those who are fit & active.