Joseph H.Pilates first published his 34 matwork exercises in 1945 and called his method 'Contrology'.
''Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.''
- Joseph H. Pilates 1945
You can learn Pilates exercises either on a mat or on Pilates equipment. Breathing, concentration, centering, control, precision & flow are the key elements in Pilates that encourage a holistic approach to exercise our mind and body, creating harmony and enhancing our sense of well-being.
Before you start looking for a Pilates class, you may want to know the two different types of Pilates classes you can attend. Please read on...
Pilates Matwork
Pilates matwork is more widely known to people due to its accessibility - all you need is a quality mat to provide good joint support and maybe a small cushion to use as a prop. Small apparatus such as exercise bands or foam rollers may also be used to provide more resistance or facilitate more precise body movement to target specific muscles. Pilates' 34 original exercises require balanced musculature to perform each one correctly. In a Pilates matwork class, you will learn many pre-Pilates exercises to provide warm-ups for the joints and help strengthen the deeper postural muscles as well as learning some of his original exercises. Stretching exercises are also incorporated to encourage optimum muscular length. Pilates matwork is taught as a group, or in a private/semi-private session.
Pilates Studio Equipment
Pilates has invented several pieces of equipment and each has a name, such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, or the Wundachair. You will also see some auxiliary equipment in a Pilates studio to cater for the different needs of individuals. Using the spring resistance, the Pilates equipment provides greater joint support and offers numerous exercises to reach the deeper muscles which we have nearly forgotten how to use properly. These muscles are often so underused, that people are unable to feel them, let alone try to move them in a matwork class! Pilates studio classes are taught as a small group, or in a private/semi-private session.
Which class is for me?
Our busy lifestyle often dictates when and where we can exercise but it is important you choose the right class to suit your body and the level of your experience in Pilates.
One thing to consider is that anyone can join a Pilates studio class, but not everyone is suited to a matwork class. This is because you will need to have a certain amount of joint stability and muscular strength in order to use your own body weight as resistance during exercise. The people who have been recommended to do Pilates by a healthcare professional often suffer from back or neck pain, or have some joint instability problems. They will benefit greatly from starting with Pilates studio classes to learn the method to achieve the best results.
Where can I attend a class?
Follow the links on the right hand tab for the current matwork & studio classes offered by ChoosePILATES.
