By Sally Hunwick
Before you book a Pilates class, you need to decide whether you want to go for mat or studio (machine) Pilates – or maybe a combination of the two. Daily Pilates in Melbourne have both mat and studio Pilates so we asked one of their Pilates instructors, Kasia Lynch, to give us the pros and cons.
“When trying to decide between mat Pilates verses studio Pilates always check the credentials of the studio and instructor taking the session to ensure you will be guided by a professional with specialised Pilates training,” says Kasia. “As long as you are in safe hands, mat or machine method will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.”
Here’s what Kasia says you should think about:
Mat Pilates
Pros:
- Costs less per session.
- It can be incorporated in a home-based exercise regime or holiday workouts.
- Mat Pilates is good for all levels of experience and can be turned into specialised classes, such as prenatal.
- It’s a great introduction to Pilates. It teaches you how to build strength using the resistance of your own body weight.
Cons:
- Some modifications can be made for individuals, but classes do not cater specifically to each individual.
- Mat Pilates usually caters to more people per class. A gym based mat class may take up to 50 participants to one instructor. While a specialised studio like Daily Pilates will limit the number of mat participants to far less.
- Mat Pilates may not be suitable for people with injuries or medical conditions.
Studio Pilates
Pros:
- Studio Pilates uses specialised Pilates apparatus, such as reformer, cadillac, wunda chair, ladder barrel and spine corrector.
- It can also add extra challenges to your workout with a range of smaller Pilates apparatus, such as foam rollers, magic circles and therabands.
- You can go solo, workout with a mate in a duo class, or join a class (which is usually limited to five or less).
- Caters to individual client needs, such as injuries, medical conditions and fitness levels, and is much more personalised.
Con:
- Studio Pilates will cost more per session than a mat-based class.
Daily Pilates has two Melbourne-based studios in South Melbourne and Fitzroy. For more information go to www.dailyPilates.com Or email info@dailyPilates.com .