Pilates, that’s supposed to be done at a gym right? In a Pilates studio with all the equipment? And, you need to have a teacher to tell you what to do? Nope! Sure, you can take Pilates classes in a gym or studio nearby. You can also take private sessions from an instructor. But, back when Joseph Pilates created his method and wrote his book “Return to Life” he hoped that everyone everywhere would be doing his work. So, that means you can do it on your own, wherever you are! The only question we have to answer is “how?”
How do you do the Mat Pilates work without a teacher or a class?
I know it sounds crazy but you have probably gone to a gym or fitness center and given yourself a workout. Picked up some weights, did some lunges or push-ups. Which means, with a little guidance, help from some videos you can do your Pilates wherever you are!
First, if you haven’t already I highly recommend you take a look at “Return to Life.” It’s a great book with pictures and descriptions of the original work to help you get an idea of where all of the Pilates came from. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be perfect and you don’t need to do every exercise.
Second, enjoy the free tutorials we have here! Every single Mat exercise has a “how-to” dedicated to helping you get into the position and out of it. Including tips and transitions. You can check out the whole playlist here.
Next, familiarize yourself with the order. Even if you are skipping exercises that are more advanced or not good for your body it’s always good to know the work. And, this way when you have no internet access or maybe your battery died (story of my life) you can still work yourself out! Just like if you were to do a series of lunges you can do the Pilates exercises you know.
- 100
- Roll Up
- Roll Over
- Single Leg Circle
- Rolling Like a Ball
- Single Leg Stretch
- Double Leg Stretch
- Single Straight Leg Stretch
- Double Straight Leg Stretch
- Criss Cross
- Spine Stretch Forward
- Open Leg Rocker
- Corkscrew
- Saw
- Swan
- Single Leg Kick
- Double Leg Kick
- Thigh Stretch
- Neck Pull
- High Scissors
- High Bicycle
- Shoulder Bridge
- Spine Twist
- Jackknife
- Side Leg Kicks
- Teaser
- Hip Circles
- Swimming
- Leg Pull
- Leg Pull Front
- Kneeling Side Kicks
- Side Bend
- Boomerang
- Seal
- Crab
- Rocking
- Control Balance
- Push Ups
Lastly, join us for our weekly classes. Yep, if you are looking for accountability, guidance, inspiration, ideas, and support then each week a new class drops for you to hit your mat, press play and get your Pilates on.
Whichever way you choose, on your own or through our classes know that Pilates will meet you where you are. And, as you get stronger and more versed it will take you less time to get the same quality strength training you need.
xx~LL
