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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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LET'S DANCE - Transitions Are Exercises Too!

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Have you ever wondered why there is an order for the mat and reformer? Our Pilates practice can have an element of cardio, stamina, and endurance. How? By dancing with our mat and reformer. Knowing the order will turn our mat and reformer into our dance partners, so that our practice today can be more engaging and help you get more out of the session.

This will also be good for our cognitive function by memorizing the order. Knowing what comes next can help prepare the mind and body to connect the exercises so you can see how one exercise builds to the next exercise, as well as see repeating shapes so you can always return to a previous, fundamental exercise so you can continue dancing through today’s workout.

Ready to dance through your workout today?

See you in class,
Christine

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.


SWAN LAKE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Swan is hard! Let's be real, its so easy to over do it in the neck or lower back. And, its also an important exercise as it helps us understand all extension exercises in Pilates, opens are heart and importantly trains our muscles to help our posture! 

This week lets open our hearts, pull your shoulders wide and feel good doing it! 

See you in class,
-xxLL

LET'S KICK IT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Let's Kick it!  

Think of the Beastie Boys when you do class this week!  In this class we will kick off the new year exploring all of the exercises that involve some kind of kick!  Single leg kick, double leg kick, side lying kicks and kneeling side kicks.  Lets look at where in our body we kick from and what are we getting from these kicks.  The reformer will get a bit creative!  So lets have some fun!!

See you in class,
Mindi

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.


12 DAYS OF PILATES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

It's that time of year loves! The time when things feel a little chaotic and honestly we should have a bit more fun. SOOO here we go! The 12 days of Pilates is when we let Joe Pilates give us a new exercise at a time. We layer the exercises and rinse and repeat until we get to 12!

This workout is meant to be fun, playful and to allow you to revisit an exercise over and over and see what happens!

Plus, bonus I try to sing!

    No props needed

    See you in class,
    xx~LL

    SWAN LAKE

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    Swan is hard! Let's be real, its so easy to over do it in the neck or lower back. And, its also an important exercise as it helps us understand all extension exercises in Pilates, opens are heart and importantly trains our muscles to help our posture! 

    This week lets open our hearts, pull your shoulders wide and feel good doing it! 

    See you in class,
    xxLL

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

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

    REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a dowel and a Reformer!

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


    LET'S KICK IT

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    Let's Kick it!  

    Think of the Beastie Boys when you do class this week!  In this class we will kick off the new year exploring all of the exercises that involve some kind of kick!  Single leg kick, double leg kick, side lying kicks and kneeling side kicks.  Lets look at where in our body we kick from and what are we getting from these kicks.  The reformer will get a bit creative!  So lets have some fun!!

    No props needed.

    See ya in class,
    Mindi

    SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST

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

    In Pilates, we always focus on quality over quantity. That means paying attention to form, shape, control, and connection in every rep. It is not only about how we set up and start strong, it is also about how we finish.

    This month, let’s bring awareness to finishing strong. Make your last rep just as strong as your first, maybe even saving the very best for last. Do not throw away those final moments of work. On equipment, the springs will tell you if you are in control. How quietly can you close them? When moving without springs, notice if there is a drop, plop, or lean. That feedback shows you how strong and connected you really are.

    Start strong. Finish strong. You are strong.

    Let’s save the best for last to wrap up 2025!

    Props needed:
    Mat: no props
    Reformer: balance pad, pole, and squishy ball for some of the exercises
    Tower/Cadillac: no props
    Wunda Chair: for 1 exercise (or go closer to the wall): reformer long box or a physio ball

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL

    BREATHIN

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

    Joseph Pilates was big on breathing!

    However the topic is from Ariana Grande song "Breathin" - a love song to her breathing: "Some days, things just take way too much of my energy, I look up and the whole room's spinning - You take my cares away!"

    A lot of exercises do not have an instruction around breath. In this month´s workouts, we’ll focus on using our breath to find strength, connection and flow. Enjoy and remember to have fun!

    Props needed:
    Mat: none
    Reformer: none (just Box, Non-slipperly pad & Pole)
    Tower: none
    Chair: none

    See ya in class,
    xx-LL

    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.

    TUCK IT?

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    Is Neutral pelvis a thing? If you've never heard that YAY! If you have, this weeks class will hopefully expand your mind and your practice. This weeks class we are going to explore what our pelvis is doing in each exercise. And, for some bodies in some exercises it might even feel tucked!

    No props needed just you and your hips!

    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.


    LET'S DANCE - TRANSITIONS ARE EXERCISES TOO!

    Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

    Have you ever wondered why there is an order for the mat and reformer? Our Pilates practice can have an element of cardio, stamina, and endurance. How? By dancing with our mat and reformer. Knowing the order will turn our mat and reformer into our dance partners, so that our practice today can be more engaging and help you get more out of the session.

    This will also be good for our cognitive function by memorizing the order. Knowing what comes next can help prepare the mind and body to connect the exercises so you can see how one exercise builds to the next exercise, as well as see repeating shapes so you can always return to a previous, fundamental exercise so you can continue dancing through today’s workout.

    Ready to dance through your workout today?

    See you in class,
    Christine

    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