If you are considering venturing out into the world of Pilates, one of the easiest and most economical ways to begin your training is with a Pilates mat class. Pilates mat classes are mainly conducted on the floor, using your own body as the resistance for the exercises. Sometimes resistance bands may be included to intensify the workout, but the exercises are primarily done on a mat without other equipment.

The instructor will focus on the mind/body connection, while using precise, controlled movements to work the core muscles of the body. Class duration of Pilates mat classes usually run about an hour and include 10 to 15 students, so that the instructor can give personalized attention to form and position during exercises. This is one of the reasons a Pilates mat class is such a popular choice for beginners.

A Brief Overview of Pilates

Pilates incorporates over 500 exercises that can either be done during a Pilates mat class or with the help of various types of Pilates equipment. Sometimes the two will be combined – for example, the resistance bands can add intensity to a mat workout, or the Pilates ball can be included to work on balance and deepen the abdominal workout. The movements for all of the exercises should be slow and controlled.

Since the focus of the exercises is on quality instead of quantity, someone who completes a Pilates mat class may feel invigorated instead of exhausted. This result, coupled with the overall conditioning and toning that your body receives from a Pilates mat class can be one of the biggest reasons that Pilates has gained so much popularity over the past few years even though the beginnings of Pilates can date all the way back to the 1920’s, when a man named Joseph Pilates developed the exercise regimen.

Pilates at Home

If you would like to try out a Pilates mat class from the privacy of your home first, there are many videos and DVD’s that can provide you with the Pilates principles and enough instruction that you can begin your own workout sessions. If you decide to continue with Pilates however, it is a good idea to attend a Pilates mat class at some point to ensure that your positioning during the exercises is correct to maximize your benefits and reduce the chance of injury. It is also fun to get the opportunity to meet others during Pilates mat classes that enjoy the workouts as much as you do.

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