Thinking About Trying Mat Pilates? Here’s What You Need to Know
Have you been thinking about trying Mat Pilates but wondering whether it’s really for you?
Perhaps you’ve seen Pilates classes advertised but aren’t sure what actually happens in a class. Maybe you’re worried that you’re not flexible enough, not strong enough, or that everyone else will already know what they’re doing.
The good news is that you don’t need to be fit, flexible or experienced to start Mat Pilates.
Pilates is a form of exercise that can be adapted to suit different bodies, ages and abilities, making it a great option if you’re looking to improve your strength, mobility, balance and body awareness without high-impact exercise.
If you’re considering trying Pilates for the first time, here’s what you need to know.
What is Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates is a form of Pilates performed primarily on a mat, using your own body weight and, in some classes, small pieces of equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates balls or small weights.
The exercises are designed to develop strength, control and mobility, with particular emphasis on your core muscles, posture, alignment and movement quality.
Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates isn’t about moving as quickly or lifting as much as possible. The focus is on performing movements with control and awareness.
And while Pilates can certainly be challenging, it shouldn’t feel like you have to compete with the person next to you.
Is Mat Pilates suitable for beginners?
Absolutely.
One of the reasons Pilates has become so popular is that exercises can be adapted to different levels of experience and ability.
A good beginner Pilates class should give you options rather than expecting everyone to perform exactly the same movement in exactly the same way.
You might be surprised by how challenging some of the exercises feel, but that doesn’t mean you need to be “good at Pilates” before you start.
In fact, starting as a complete beginner is exactly what beginner Pilates classes are designed for.
Do I need to be flexible to do Pilates?
No!
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Pilates.
You don’t need to be naturally flexible to start Pilates. In fact, improving mobility and flexibility can be one of the benefits of practising Pilates regularly.
Your range of movement will be different from the person next to you – and that’s completely normal.
Rather than forcing your body into a particular position, Pilates encourages you to work within a range of movement that feels appropriate for you.
What can I expect from a Mat Pilates class?
Every Pilates teacher has their own style, but a typical Mat Pilates class will usually include a combination of exercises performed lying down, seated, kneeling or standing.
You might work on:
Core strength
Glute and leg strength
Spinal mobility
Hip mobility
Shoulder and upper-body strength
Balance and coordination
Posture and alignment
Flexibility and controlled movement
Some exercises may feel familiar, while others might be completely new to you.
And don't worry if you don't get everything right straight away.
Pilates involves learning how your body moves, and that takes practice.
What should I wear for Pilates?
You don't need specialist Pilates clothing.
Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely without being too loose. Leggings, comfortable joggers (not too thick - otherwise you will get too hot!), shorts or fitted exercise trousers are all suitable, with a T-shirt, vest top or sports top.
Most Mat Pilates classes are performed barefoot or in normal socks. Pilates socks with grips are an option if a lot of standing work is done.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can move easily.
Do I need to bring anything?
For most Mat Pilates classes, you'll need a mat and some water.
Some classes also use small equipment such as Pilates balls, resistance bands or small weights. Your teacher should let you know what you need to bring before your first class. For clients who sign up to a block of classes with me, I ask clients to bring their own Pilates ball and Pilates ring (we don’t use everything in every class) as my car is already full of other equipment!
Will everyone else be more experienced than me?
This is a very common worry when trying any new exercise class.
The reality is that Pilates classes often contain people with very different levels of experience.
Some people may have been practising Pilates for years, while others may be taking their very first class.
That's why a good Pilates teacher will offer different options and explain the exercises clearly rather than expecting everyone to work at exactly the same level.
You should never feel embarrassed about being a beginner - or about asking the teacher for help if there is an exercise that doesn’t feel right for you.
Everyone was a beginner once.
Is Pilates a good form of exercise for women over 40?
Pilates can be particularly appealing as we get older because it combines strength, mobility, balance and controlled movement without relying on high-impact exercise.
That doesn't mean Pilates is only for women over 40 – far from it – but many women find that their priorities around exercise change as they get older.
You may become more interested in maintaining strength, supporting your joints, improving mobility and feeling good in your body rather than simply exercising to burn calories.
Pilates can form part of a balanced exercise routine alongside walking, cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and other activities you enjoy.
Can Pilates help with strength?
Yes.
Although Pilates doesn't necessarily look like traditional strength training, many Pilates exercises require your muscles to work hard to stabilise and control your body.
You'll often work your abdominal muscles, glutes, legs, back and shoulders.
Small equipment can also be used to increase the challenge - or indeed to provide some support and make the exercise less challenging.
The key difference is that Pilates tends to place a strong emphasis on controlled movement, alignment and muscular endurance, rather than simply moving the heaviest weight possible.
What if I have an injury or health condition?
This is something you should always discuss with your Pilates teacher before taking part in a class.
Many Pilates exercises can be modified to accommodate individual needs, but that doesn't mean every exercise or class will be appropriate for every person.
A good teacher should be happy to discuss your circumstances and offer suitable alternatives where appropriate.
And remember: an exercise being challenging doesn't automatically mean it's the right challenge for your body.
Good Pilates teaching is about helping you understand your options and work safely within your own capabilities.
You don't have to be “a Pilates person” to try Pilates
Perhaps you've always thought Pilates was something other people did.
Maybe you don't consider yourself particularly sporty. Maybe you've tried gyms and hated them. Or perhaps you're simply looking for a different way to move your body.
You don't need to fit a particular type of person to enjoy Pilates.
You don't need to be young.
You don't need to be bendy.
You don't need a strong core.
And you certainly don't need to know what you're doing before you walk through the door.
You just need to be willing to give it a try.
Thinking about trying Mat Pilates in Derby?
If you're looking for Mat Pilates in Derby, my classes are designed to be friendly, welcoming and suitable for a range of abilities.
I teach Mat Pilates using small equipment, with plenty of options throughout the class so that you can choose the version of an exercise that feels right for your body.
There's no pressure to be the most flexible person in the room, no expectation that you'll get everything right first time, and no need to compare yourself with anyone else.
Pilates is your practice.
The aim isn't to perform every movement perfectly. It's to gradually become stronger, more mobile and more confident in the way you move.
So, if you've been thinking about trying Pilates but have been waiting until you feel “ready”…
Perhaps this is your sign to give it a go!
