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Pilates Mat Exercises and Order

  • Author: lesley.logan
  • May 8, 2020
Home  »  Blog   »   Pilates Mat Exercises and Order
30 min full pilates exercises & order workout on the mat online pilates classes

30-minute Pilates Mat Workout

The original mat order in Joseph Pilates book ‘Return to Life‘ is a great one to memorize and enjoy no matter where you are. But, it can be hard to learn from pictures or you might just want to be able to get a quick reminder on how to do an exercise. Below is the order that I use based on the order in Joseph Pilates book and also the classical mat order that Jay Grimes and many other classical Pilates teachers use.

Classical Pilates is based on Joseph Pilates’ 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.

Mat Pilates exercise order list:

Click on each exercise to watch a tutorial and read more specifics on how to do it.

  1. 1. 100
  2. 2. Roll Up
  3. 3. Roll Over
  4. 4. Single Leg Circle
  5. 5. Rolling Like a Ball
  6. 6. Single Leg Stretch
  7. 7. Double Leg Stretch
  8. 8. Single Straight Leg Stretch
  9. 9. Double Straight Leg Stretch
  10. 10. Criss Cross
  11. 11. Spine Stretch Forward
  12. 12. Open Leg Rocker
  13. 13. Corkscrew
  14. 14. Saw
  15. 15. Swan
  16. 16. Single Leg Kick
  17. 17. Double Leg Kick
  18. 18. Thigh Stretch
  19. 19. Neck Pull
  20. 20. High Scissors
  21. 21. High Bicycle
  22. 22. Shoulder Bridge
  23. 23. Spine Twist
  24. 24. Jackknife
  25. 25. Side Leg Kicks
  26. 26. Teaser
  27. 27. Hip Circles
  28. 28. Swimming
  29. 29. Leg Pull
  30. 30. Leg Pull Front
  31. 31. Kneeling Side Kicks
  32. 32. Side Bend
  33. 33. Boomerang
  34. 34. Seal
  35. 35. Crab
  36. 36. Rocking
  37. 37. Control Balance
  38. 38. Push Ups

Pilates is a Practice, Not a 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.

xx-LL

By lesley.logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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Loving this Pilates exercise tutorial? Take weekly online Pilates mat classes with OPC Teachers.
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Enjoying Lesley's teaching style? Willing to travel? Explore the world while maintaining your practice by joining Lesley on a Pilates retreat.

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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.

AROUND THE WORLD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are going to have a little fun with how we flow through our workout using a movement style referred to as “around the world”. We’ll stay as true as possible to the original order while we take an exercise from the center-side-back-side or side-center-side and each time we do that we’ll have traveled around the world. Have fun and see if you can challenge your stamina to go “around the world” as many time as I teach. It’s going to be ambitious but super fun!

See you in class,
Megan

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, box, rod and a reformer!

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


LEAN ON ME

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

A while back people got really into wall Pilates. And, while most of the exercises weren't Pilates, Joe Pilates did give us some Wall exercises to help us understand our bodies more. Leaning on a wall or in our case using a wall to feel how our spine naturally lifts or rounds, is key for helping us be curious in our practice. We'll be using a wall in the beginning of our workouts. But, don't underestimate the power of your Mat and Carriage being a wall.

No props needed as our walls and equipment will be our tools.

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

BUILD IT UP

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

We are extra excited for this month’s theme: Build It Up! It’s the perfect theme to meet you where you are in your practice.

We’ll start each exercise by doing a few reps of a basic version of the exercise, then we’ll gradually build into the full expression by adding more pieces. We are giving you options to work on any version you feel confident with, so you can find the best version for your body this month. How cool is that?

Props needed:
Mat: No props needed
Reformer: Reformer box and pole
Tower: No props needed
Chair: Reformer box, foam roller is optional

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

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

Feeling strong enough to run up a hill is a great feeling…whether you have any intention of ever doing that or not! But it’s not just the legs that have to be strong for hill climbing. This month we’ll focus on how our core and upper body help our legs to power through any challenge!

Props needed:
Mat: Pole
Reformer: Weight & Ball
Tower/Cadillac: No props
Wunda Chair: Non-slipping pad, 1 yoga block, Mat (not necessary if the Wunda Chair stands on a carpet)

See ya in class,
xx-LL ????

TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute

See you in class,
Tami

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.


TWIST AND SHOUT-LIFT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we get to twist in Pilates it's important to anchor the opposite side so that we can actually twist! Exercises like Saw, Spine Twist and Stomach Massage Twist - it's easy for a hip to go forward as you twist. This causes you to turn.

In Corkscrew and Single Leg Circles, it's easy to let the ribs or shoulders go with the legs which is less a turn and closer to a roll over on your side.

This week, we'll focus on the anchors and how to use them to get more out of the twist. And, when possible, think about where to lift in a twist so you're truly wringing yourself out. After all, Pilates is an internal shower - words from the Joe Pilates.

No props needed.

See ya in class,
xx-LL

TWIST AND SHOUT-LIFT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

When we get to twist in Pilates it's important to anchor the opposite side so that we can actually twist! Exercises like Saw, Spine Twist and Stomach Massage Twist - it's easy for a hip to go forward as you twist. This causes you to turn.

In Corkscrew and Single Leg Circles, it's easy to let the ribs or shoulders go with the legs which is less a turn and closer to a roll over on your side.

This week we'll focus on the anchors and how to use them to get more out of the twist. And, when possible, think about where to lift in a twist so you're truly wringing yourself out. After all, Pilates is an internal shower - words from the Joe Pilates.

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.


AROUND THE WORLD

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

We are going to have a little fun with how we flow through our workout using a movement style referred to as “around the world”. We’ll stay as true as possible to the original order while we take an exercise from the center-side-back-side or side-center-side and each time we do that we’ll have traveled around the world. Have fun and see if you can challenge your stamina to go “around the world” as many time as I teach. It’s going to be ambitious but super fun!

Mat: No props
Reformer: Box and Rod

See you in class,
Megan

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Wondering when to breathe in an exercise? If you're new to Pilates I don't love to overwhelm you with instructions on how to do an exercise, what to focus on AND when to breathe. So, if you're brand new please don't let the breath cues overwhelm you. Please just keep breathing. If you've been doing Pilates for a while, this week focus on your breath. Does it help you get more out of an exercise?

Also, if possible, breathe in and out through your nose.

No props needed.

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.


TREE HUGGERS UNITE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Tree & Hug a Tree are 2 of my favorite Pilates exercises! They both have fun variations, promote amazing posture, and help us feel more powerful every time we do them. Let’s increase our connections to these 2 faves!

You’ll need a Magic Circle. A ball or a pillow can be used as a substitute.

See you in class,
Tami

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