Pilates matwork is not just a core workout

The majority of people who have heard of Pilates associate Pilates with “core” exercises, exercises done on the floor on a mat.  Many of us have bought a DVD or video, lying on the floor in front of the TV enthusiastically following the exercises presented by Mari Winsor, one of the many Stott dvds or the Pilates for Dummies instructor.   Perhaps you’ve taken the weekly office Pilates mat class, or gone to the local community center every Tuesday night to lie on the floor doing Pilates.  However, you started Pilates, it was probably Pilates matwork that you first tried.  It was great at the beginning – feeling more energized, slimmer, more toned, pants and dresses fitting better. In time though, you probably noticed you either reached a plateau, things weren’t getting any trimmer, your ‘core’ was stronger but what about your arms, and legs? The same challenge you felt when you started, wasn’t there anymore.  There is more to Pilates mat work than just “core” exercises on the mat.  There are so many props and toys that can be used to keep that initial challenge there but more importantly, to get other areas of your body, arms and legs in particular, working.  Props such as the Swiss balls, foam rollers, band, rings, toning balls and more.  The props and toys are a good way to help further challenge the deeper stabilizing muscles thus challenging balance such as the Swiss ball, foam roller, stability cushions.  The resistance used during Pilates is never very large however holding a couple of toning balls throughout an entire Pilates class even just a few pounds in each hand, will help work on the deltoids, triceps and biceps giving a more toned arm over time and stronger upper body. Exercises in Pilates aren’t just done lying down.  There are exercises that work all planes of movements of the body including rotation.  Flexibility is also developed during Pilates, flex bands, foam rollers, Swiss balls and more can all be used to stretch out the legs, upper body, back and more. Posture and articulation of the spine is a large part of Pilates.  The body can be benefited in so many ways through Pilates.  Pilates matwork is not just “core” exercises, it is so much more!