Although Studio C does not offer separate mat classes, a number of mat exercises are integrated into each lesson. If you have not done Pilates before, the starter classes consist of at least half an hour of exercises on the mat and wet do a limited number of exercises on the resistance equipment. As you progress, the portion of mat exercises decreases, but they always remain part of the lesson.
Mat exercises form the perfect foundation for understanding and mastering all other forms of Pilates. Although the five basic principles of STOTT PILATES® are implemented in machine-work as well, they are easiest to recognise and understand when you do Pilates exercises on the mat. Matwork is basic and pure. Just you, your body and gravity. It may seem simple, but looks can be deceiving. Although the coordination of most mat-work exercises isn’t too complicated, this gives us the opportunity to focus on detail. For the instructor, mat exercises are an important tool to get to understand their clients’ bodies better and to accommodate and modify accordingly,
Although the mat repertoire is very versatile, abdominal exercises play a central role in most mat classes. This ‘ab-work’ aims to build strength, stability and (particularly) endurance of the core. Although every workout will also include extension, rotation and lateral flexion of the spine, the focus on abdominal work may result in a lot of flexion-oriented exercises, which mean that the (lower) back is in a rounded position. As effective as that may be, a lot of flexion may not be suitable for clients with acute disc herniations or severe diastases and they are advised to consult with their physician to confirm which movements are recommended or counter-indicated, and to inform the instructor accordingly.