In mat work, your main resistance is the weight of your own body and supporting that weight while performing a wide variety of movements. The equipment challenges you and supports your body through the movements.
When working with equipment you will work with and against the weight of springs for resistance and stability. The equipment is beneficial for everyone, but especially for those that need the extra support due to chronic pain, physical limitations, muscle imbalances, lack of flexibility, balance. The equipment also allows the body to experience deep stretching and opening movements that we just cannot experience with mat based work. I find that people gain core strength faster when working on the equipment. To learn more about the Pilates equipment I have in my home based studio, check out About The Studio on my website.
Initially, many people find that mat work is much more challenging. Working on the equipment and getting the support it offers, will allow you to focus on correct movement patterns while gaining the core strength to do the mat work.
I’m often asked by my clients, how often they should they practice a Pilates workout. I will default to Joseph Pilates book Return to Life through Contrology, where he states “If you will faithfully perform your Contrology (Pilates) exercises regularly only 4 times a week for just three months…you will find your body development approaching ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement.”
I often advise my clients that the ideal situation would be to attend a mat and equipment class weekly and then supplement with a short routine at home twice a week.
For more information on the types of classes I offer at the studio, please check out Sessions on my website.