What is mat Pilates good for?

What is mat Pilates good for?

Pilates exercises is an option for those who are recovering from an injury, also great option for a general low-impact exercise while a mat class is perfect for those who want to try a total body toning class that is also gentle on the joints.

Physical benefits of mat Pilates

Generally, the goal of a mat Pilates class is to strengthen the body’s “powerhouse,” a Pilates term that refers to your abdominals, lower back muscles, pelvic floor, hips and glutes. Through a series of floor exercises using resistance bands and rings, the workout helps build, sculpt and tone these muscles, giving your body a long, lean look. Pilates can aid in flexibility and improving posture, as stretching your body is a vital part of class. While low-impact, Pilates burns fat during and after class, as your muscles continue to shed calories long after class ends.

Mental benefits of mat Pilates

As your instructor will be quick to remind you, focusing on your breathing plays a major role in Pilates. Encouraging you to breathe from your belly instead of your chest, Pilates connects your breath to the exercise, allowing that influx of oxygen to better complete each movement. Since you are concentrating so strongly on breathing deeply, the mind can benefit from mindfulness, relaxation and stress reduction during and after class. Over time, your mind becomes trained to stay more focused not only while working out, but also in your everyday life. Those who practice Pilates often reap the benefits of these deep breathing exercises, suffering less from anxiety, anger and even depression.

Mat Pilates is an effective, precise set of exercises. It’s accessible to everyone at any level of fitness and provides countless benefits. If you love rules and structure, likes to keep your mind in sync with your body and muscles for all the moves and coordination needed for the exercises, this is the class for you.

Every studio does a great job of creating their own unique atmosphere. Take time to explore which ones feel most like home to you.