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30 Minute Full Body Pilates Workout [Lesley Logan]

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • September 18, 2023
Home  »  Blog   »   30 Minute Full Body Pilates Workout [Lesley Logan]
30 min full pilates exercises & order workout on the mat online pilates classes

30-minute Pilates Mat Workout

Hello, I’m Lesley Logan, co-founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com™ and today we’re doing a 30-minute Mat Workout based on Return to Life by Joseph Pilates, his order, and also the order that I included in my flashcards that Jay Grimes taught me and many other classical teachers use today. All right, so I first started studying Pilates as client in 2005, but as a teacher in 2008, and I was lucky enough to study with somebody trained by Romana. Romana was one of Joseph Pilates’ clients. And that order that they taught me was amazing. It made so much sense. I got super, super strong. And then in 2016, I did a training with Jay Grimes and the people that he teaches with like Sandy Shimoda and Karen Frischmann. And that Mat order was just so fun. It’s what we’re gonna learn a lot about today. I will also be calling out which exercises are from “Return to Life,” and which exercises have been added in by some of Joseph Pilates’ clients.

Classical Pilates is based on Joseph Pilates’s orders

If you’re wondering that there’s a classical Pilates? Yes, just like other fitness modalities there are different versions. Classical Pilates is based off of Joseph Pilates orders and his intentions, and is how I like to teach Pilates. Is there a better version of Pilates? No, the best version is the one that you enjoy for your body. And that is amazing. And that’s what I would love for you to explore. Because I think it’s important to not get in the nuances of which one is better, but instead which one is better for you.

Because I believe that everyone should have a personal practice, memorizing the order, from “Return to Life,” or from my deck can be really difficult. Like, have you ever tried to memorize anything recently? And so I find that by having a practice in your body and experience in the movements in your body, not just seen, but actually doing it makes it so much easier to memorize the order so you can have personal practice whether you have access to this video. Or if you’re somewhere where there’s no access to internet. It’s important that you can lay down on the ground and have a personal Pilates practice that makes you do your life better.

Leave your comments below

If you have any questions about the order or the exercises, how it works, please put them in the comments below. I love to answer those every single Sunday at our live Q&A at 9am Pacific Time, and make sure you subscribe to this channel so you never miss out any other tutorials, any of the informational Mythbusters we’d love to do and of course Pilates workouts on all types of equipment.

Welcome to OnlinePilatesClasses.com™. The most supportive Pilates loving community across the globe. Enjoy new weekly classes from our amazing teachers. Download the OnlinePilatesClasses.com™ app today.

Alright, with that. Let’s get started.

Here is the Mat Pilates exercise order:

Pilates can attract people who want to be perfect

My love, you just did it! You just did the full order. And whether or not you skipped some, or omitted some, replaced them with something that you’re more able to do right now, you did this. And it’s so important that you hear that from someone. Because too often, Pilates can attract people who want to be perfect, and have this control and do it right. And guess what, every day is a new day to be inside your body. So I want you to sit here and just take a moment and celebrate what you did do. And recognize that it’s brave and courageous to replace something with what you couldn’t do yet, with something that you could, right? If you weren’t able to do something yet, it is brave and courageous to replace it with something you can do right now. That’s what we like to say, at OnlinePilatesClasses.com™.

Check out the Pilates Mat exercise options

To our members, we drop a new class every single week for the mat, and the reformer, and every single month on the mat, reformer, tower and chair. If you only have access to the floor, then check out the mat exercise options, because this is what Joseph Pilates created first. This is what he wanted us all to do. But it’s a practice. And even if you’re a teacher, you still have to give yourself permission to be in practice, to be in process. And that’s what we like to do. We like to remind you through accountability, through the amazing community, and through also giving you feedback on your form. In fact, only OPC members can get a feedback on their form, in real time in our live class that we do every month together. And also you can send video and when you’re ready.

Continue to become your own teacher

It is important to me that you continue to become your own teacher. It’s one of the most amazing things you can get for yourself because how you talk to yourself here on this mat is how you are going to train yourself for obstacles and challenges in your life. That is what we believe in OnlinePilatesClasses.com™. And so if you would like to try out, what it’s like to be in community, to have accountability, to have someone use the exercise to teach you how to teach yourself. So if you want to try that out, check us out here. Thank you so much for letting me teach you today. Thank you so much for let me nerd out with you. This is my favorite thing to do. My favorite thing is to like really let people fall in love with the mat because that’s what I fell in love with first. And if you have questions, join us on Sundays at 9am Pacific Time where I answer your questions live. Have an amazing day.

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, a 2nd generation certified Pilates teacher, breathwork, habits and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of people to become teachers themselves and has taught thousands of students around the world. When not teaching from her studio in Las Vegas, Lesley she’s hosting her podcast Be It Till You See it or traveling the world leading Pilates retreats. Connect with Lesley on Instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

CRISS CROSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

There's some exercises that I still hear my teacher Jay's voice. One is Criss Cross. I used to (and I bet you do too) rush through it. Its the last exercise in the Series of 5 and by the time you get there you just want to get it done. BUT!!! then we'd be missing out on all the good stuff. Soo let's juice it out together. Why is it so important and what does it set us up for?

No props needed. But if curling up is hard grab a bolster

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


I LOVE ROCK-'N'-ROLL!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

One of the many draws of Pilates for me are the rocking and rolling exercises: rolling like a ball, open leg rocker, swan dive, boomerang, seal, crab, and rocking. That massage for your back while working your strong center. Genius! And when you're rocking and rolling on the front side of your body - the opening across the chest and shoulders is so nice!

Some of these exercises will have some variations that we’ll play with much like a rock band has a jam session to try, experiment, and see what comes out of it. At the very least, we’ll have a lot of fun, and smile while practicing together!

Prop for the Mat and Reformer: Magic Circle

See you in class,
Christine

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, TOWER/CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

In Pilates you’ll often find that exercises are grouped together or placed in a particular order so that we can move in opposite directions…and work opposing muscles. Think Roll Up & Roll Over on the Mat, the Rowing Series on the Reformer, Swan & Teaser on the Wunda Chair, or Push Through on the Cadillac/Tower. Let’s explore how those opposites help keep our muscles flexible while helping us get stronger.

Props needed:
Mat: dowel
Reformer: pole
Tower: None
Chair: Reformer Box (not absolutely necessary, can be done without), Mat, Wall for support and if applicable Yoga Block or 2 x 4 (for petite people and for building up some exercises

See ya in class,
xx-LL

BALANCING IT ALL

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are a little more than halfway through the year. It’s time to check in with yourself!

Pilates is all about uniform development; equalling out both sides of the body by building strength and creating flexibility. It’s why we love this practice so much!

It also helps us with stability and balance, physically and mentally, so let’s make this month about you! Focus on yourself all month long and check in with yourself, and your body, during each workout.

We’ll be giving you some great variations to help you explore the asymmetrical aspects of different exercises. And, of course, we’ll give you some tips on how to balance it all out!

Props needed:
Mat - dish towel
Reformer - 1 Arm Weight (1-2 pounds), Box, Non-slipping pad, Pole
Tower - no props - just the tower pieces
Chair - gondola pole, box and mat

See ya in class,
xx-LL

OPEN YOUR HEART

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Raise your hand if you also tend to push out your ribs, bring the shoulders down or go into an arched back instead of opening the chest from a strong middle. You're not alone! This week, we're focusing on a strong arm-back connection to open up our chest, shoulders and neck and to get true length in our spine.

See you in class,
Yasmin

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Theraband (old leggings), Foam Roller (or Ball, Bolster, Small Barrel, Blanket), Wall or pillow, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Pole, Non-slippy pad, Box and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


TO POINT OR TO FLEX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

To Point or To Flex - That is the question! Recently on a call with some new OPC members, one person asked when should we point? When to flex? Does it make a difference?

And the truth is if you're new I'm super thrilled you showed up and you did what you could. If you flexed when you should point it's gonna be ok. However, yes there is a method behind the point and flex madness, and this week we are going to focus on our feet! When should we flex, when should we point and how much is too much?!?!

Whether you start on the Mat or the Reformer we'll start with a Thera-Band!

See ya in class,
xx-LL

TO POINT OR TO FLEX

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

To Point or To Flex - That is the question! Recently on a call with some new OPC members, one person asked when should we point? When to flex? Does it make a difference?

And the truth is if you're new I'm super thrilled you showed up and you did what you could. If you flexed when you should point it's gonna be ok. However, yes there is a method behind the point and flex madness, and this week we are going to focus on our feet! When should we flex, when should we point and how much is too much?!?!

Whether you start on the Mat or the Reformer we'll start with a Thera-Band!

See ya in class,
xx-LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Thera-Band and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Thera-Band and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


BIG CIRCLES, LITTLE CIRCLES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are quite a few circles within the exercises of Pilates. We will do most of them and then add some in where we can! Most of these circles are working from your center and also working the hips, glutes and inner thighs. The Magic Circle will also be added into the workout to add a bit of challenge. Lets have a little fun with some big circles and little circles!

See you in class,
Mindi

I LOVE ROCK-'N'-ROLL!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

One of the many draws of Pilates for me are the rocking and rolling exercises: rolling like a ball, open leg rocker, swan dive, boomerang, seal, crab, and rocking. That massage for your back while working your strong center. Genius! And when you're rocking and rolling on the front side of your body - the opening across the chest and shoulders is so nice!

Some of these exercises will have some variations that we’ll play with much like a rock band has a jam session to try, experiment, and see what comes out of it. At the very least, we’ll have a lot of fun, and smile while practicing together!

See you in class,
Christine

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, Magic Circle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.


OPEN YOUR HEART

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Raise your hand if you also tend to push out your ribs, bring the shoulders down or go into an arched back instead of opening the chest from a strong middle. You're not alone! This week, we're focusing on a strong arm-back connection to open up our chest, shoulders and neck and to get true length in our spine.

Props needed:
Mat: Theraband (old leggings), Foam Roller (or Ball, Bolster, Small Barrel, Blanket,...), Wall
Reformer: Pole, Non-slippy-pad, Box

See you in class,
Yasmin

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL