Discover the Benefits of Mat Pilates in Our New Weekly Class Schedule

Union Yoga Co. has added Mat Pilates to our Weekly Class Schedule this Fall! Explore and fall in love with this dynamic new class style every Monday at 8pm with Nicole and every Thursday at 12pm with Taylor.

Mat Pilates is a body-mind exercise that uses your yoga mat to perform a series of exercises focused on strengthening the core, arms, and legs. It improves flexibility, balance, posture, coordination, and body awareness while reducing stress. The practice emphasizes the six principles of Pilates: concentration, control, centering, precision, flow, and breathing. Mat Pilates is a low-impact, adaptable, and full-body conditioning class for vall fitness levels.

Mat Pilates follows six core principles to guide the mind-body connection during movements:

1. Centering: All movement begins from your "powerhouse"—the deep core muscles spanning from your sternum to your kneecaps.

2. Concentration: Focusing on each movement with intention and mindfulness is key to connecting with your body.

3. Control: Exercises are performed with precision and a deliberate, steady pace.

4. Precision: Every movement has a specific placement and purpose to ensure it is effective.

5. Breath: A specific breathing pattern is used to help engage the deep abdominal muscles and promote focus.

6. Flow: Movements are performed with a continuous, fluid rhythm, rather than in a static, jerky manner.

The key distinction of Mat Pilates is that it relies solely on your body weight for resistance, whereas other methods use specialized equipment.

Mat Pilates:

Uses your own body weight as resistance.

Builds foundational strength and technique.

Is highly affordable and can be done anywhere.

VS.

Reformer Pilates:

Uses a bed-like machine with springs, pulleys, and straps to provide adjustable resistance and support.

Allows for more targeted muscle engagement and a wider range of motion.

Generally more expensive and done in specialized studios.

Mat Pilates practice offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits:

~Improves core strength: It targets the deep abdominal muscles, which stabilizes and supports the spine.

~Enhances posture: By strengthening your core, Mat Pilates helps to properly align and lengthen the spine.

~Increases flexibility and mobility: The controlled movements stretch and lengthen muscles throughout the body.

~Provides full-body toning: Exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to balanced muscle development.

~Is low-impact: The exercises are gentle on the joints, making it a safe option for nearly all fitness levels, including those recovering from injury.

~Boosts mind-body awareness: The focus on precision and breath helps increase your connection to how your body moves.

~Reduces pain: Studies have shown that Pilates can be significantly effective in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Round out your practice. Add Mat Pilates to your yoga routine. Your practice will thank you.

Mat Pilates is On the Schedule:

Mondays at 8pm with Nicole

Thursdays at 12pm with Taylor