I’m so fond of the Pilates Mat exercises.
I’ve (obsessed) written about most of them over the past decade of writing my blog.
They are the gifts from Joe Pilates that keep on giving.
There’s room in my heart for even the nastiest ones that I struggle to achieve. I appreciate a challenge with beneficial results.
When it comes to the Pilates Mat exercises, even when I fail, flail, or lose control, I win!
I gussy up, grab my handbag do jour, and prance out into life with joy, zest, and pleasure.
2-Way Stretch Fanatic
In my time studying The Work at Vintage Pilates, the Double Leg Pull – the quintessential Pilates exercise – was my Pilates BFF.
I could use it to make even the most unpleasant exercise feel like old familiar.
It’s true. You can find your Pilates happy place all in one exercise, the Double Leg Pull.
Build it and they (harder exercises) will come!
Even more help is on your way in the Pilates method. Sometimes you have to make your peace with just a portion of the dreaded exercise, for now.
Where is this basic skill taking you in your Pilates future?
And where will you go with this one, or this one?
Good things come to those who persevere.
Start out Strong
One of the best things about March MATness in my household is the unprompted workouts it gives to my beloved, JoJo. Even if there’s been nary a Mat exercise in his life for 6 months or more, the beginning of March every year reminds him to make time for self-care.
Or at least for the Hundred LOL
Breaking News! Your Pilates Workout is Good for You.
A Perfect MATch
Sometimes the fruits of March last all year long and bring a very special Valentine’s Day.
Meanwhile, back to today’s Mat exercise…
I’m writing this post on March 2, Roll Up Day!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know of my deep hatred love, and history with this exercise.
Well, 20 years later and I’m still obsessed.
Jay Grimes’ advice again proves ridiculously true:
Back in the day, when I could barely accomplish a respectable Roll Up, I was assigned to teach an Intermediate Mat Class while working at Excel Pilates in Washington, DC.
This class included the Neck Pull, which – I’m sure you can figure out since I could barely Roll Up – I could not do at all.
I was terrified, folx.
Sure, I could tell you what to do, make suggestions, and fake it till I make it, but ooof was it gonna be rough if I had to actually do the Neck Pull in the class…
Could I really bring myself to say this is how to do it?
(insert vomit emoji)
Read all about it in my Neck Pull Horror Story.
Swan Song
I’ve really taken Jay Grimes’ advice literally and I enjoy (?) applying each new connection in my Roll Up to other more problematic exercises in completely different shapes and relationships to gravity.
Don’t get me started on the Swan LOL
Today I visited my Roll Up on the Wunda Chair in the form of the Pull Up.
What if I did the Pull Up the same way I approached the Roll Up.
What would that be like?
It was fricking awesome is what it was!
Now even tho Joe Pilates did not decree “Above all, Learn. To do. The Roll Up,” it does seem like an essential Pilates commandment, no?
Think about it this way: when the Roll Up is also the Roll Over and also the Pull Up…it surely can’t be far from being the Flying Squirrel.
A Fine Finish
A wonderful place to end your Pilates Mat workout is on the Wall.
The Wall exercises can be basic or super challenging depending on who you are and what you’re looking for that day.
They’re a great place to visit if you need to calm yourself from daily stresses but you can also give yourself a sweaty workout with them as well.
Don’t miss the video at the end of this post that highlights all the wicked things you can do to yourself at the Wall.
It’s a goodie!
It’s Pilates Party time!
Are you all set on sunny San Diego this September?
September in San Diego is Pilates Party time!
Join me for lessons, the return of my Teacher Lab class, and my favorite workshop all happening the weekend of September 8-10, 2023.
If you’re enjoying my posts on the Up Stretch on the Reformer, don’t miss my new Pilates Project workshop.
I can’t wait to see you in the studio.
Book today in-person and online.
Have a great workout!
