Mat verses Equipment Pilates 2.0

In 2020 I wrote a blog called “Mat versus Equipment Pilates”. The blog aimed to explore the noticeable differences an

d similarities in the ways BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Pilates is practised on the mat and equipment.

In summary, the first blog talks about how neither the mat nor the equipment should be seen as superior to the other. The beauty of BASI Pilates work lies in the principles staying the same, the integrity of each movement being mindful, and acknowledging and embracing different bodies and minds from moment to moment making every session new, mindful and a forever evolving work in progress. The trainer of choice is more important than the apparatus or equipment of choice. Being aligned with the trainer, with your goals and the health of your body and mind is paramount. This will change the entirety of a class. For example, working with a male pro-athletes needs will be very different to a 6 months pregnant mom-to-be.

A year later, my thoughts have somewhat evolved to consider noticeable differences that have been evident in my client’s bodies. This inspired me to do a follow-up blog. My evidence is based largely on what I have seen and the feedback that my clients have expressed having worked on the mat for 1-2 years with very little equipment but rather making use of apparatus. In this short space of time, yet long enough to notice differences, there is a significant and positive difference in strength and endurance in my clients. This is especially evident in their core strength. Going back to the basics, working from the fundamentals and progressing slowly to the advanced work on the mat has allowed individuals to get stronger than ever. The mat work has a larger focus on core strength than the equipment. The Block System for the equipment incorporates the abdominal block but does not spend as much time in this block compared to the mat work.

BASI Pilates gives an individual a full-body workout - yet I feel this is easier done on the mat than on the equipment. Getting an overall picture of what is happening in a client’s body while they are standing (before getting them supine/lying on their backs) is a great place for the eye to catch any movement deviations. This can be paired wonderfully with visual feedback such as a mirror. Understanding the precise movement and origin of the movement is critical for progression. Each fundamental movement pattern builds onto the next movement pattern.

This layering makes for an exciting class that can move quite quickly if the movement is understood and executed from the intended initiated muscle group. This is not to say that this cannot be achieved on the equipment, but it does suggest that understanding movement in the body before adding the ‘bits and bobs’ and settings and springs can allow a client to feel and focus deeper within their own body. The equipment can undoubtedly add a challenge of distracting from the movement. Just doing the mat work is more simple in the mind-body connection. A client does not have to consider something else moving around or under them. Please note, I am not suggesting that the mat or the equipment is easier or more challenging, each Block System adds a different challenge for a client. Rather I am addressing what makes a client stronger quicker and gives a client a more solid mind-body base. When addressing the time, and set up of equipment, the spring changing and client moving up and down, on the equipment and back off it, time is lost and often the flow of the movement is too. The mat is also more convenient, accessible and cheaper to use, maintain and enjoy.

Address the whole client’s needs: body, mind and spirit is the aim of a Pilates session. Every client has a different need physically and mentally. Staying true to the BASI work and letting the client flow through the principles will allow the client to benefit best. The mat is a space that the client can create a harmonious environment to move and relish in. Every client is different as are their needs and desires, working correctly and safely can look and feel different from client to client. In general, for a healthy body, the mat is a great and affordable space to begin your Pilates journey and watch yourself get stronger and work deeply into the mind-body connection. It offers beautiful flow allowing the strength and the endurance of your muscles to improve noticeably.

In a response to blog 1 "Mat verses Equipment Pilates 1.0": https://manage.wix.com/dashboard/c177dc17-0556-42da-be52-a75c19627e3e/blog/5f6b1bee1b1f570018813214/edit