3 Class Intro to Mat Pilates with Lesley Logan

3 Class Intro to Mat Pilates with Lesley Logan

Welcome!

So, you’re curious about Pilates, huh? I’m happy to help you get started!

I’m Lesley Logan, and I’ve been teaching Pilates around the world for 11 years now. After completing my 600-hour mat training and two higher level masters programs (one with a man who studied directly with Joseph Pilates himself) I wanted to build something that you could take with you wherever you go, so I started offering these online classes. Whether you’re in the studio, at home or in your hotel room, I know you’ll love them.

This 3 class introduction to Mat Pilates course was designed for beginners who are still learning the exercises and how they should feel in your body. You won’t need any fancy equipment, and the classes are just under 15 minutes long.

DM me if you have any questions!

xx-LL

WHAT DOES CLASS LOOK LIKE?

Below is a 5 minute sample clip of one of Lesley’s weekly online mat classes. The 3 beginner classes will look like this.

3 QUICK CLASSES TO BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION

LEARN THE PILATES BASICS

Pilates might seem overwhelming if you were taking a class and they are just calling out the names of the exercises. Well, this course will bring you up to speed in just under 45 minutes.

CLASSES ARE SHORT

You won’t have to set aside too much time to begin building your Pilates foundation. These three classes are just under 15 minutes each.

TAKE CLASS ON ANY DEVICE

Tablet? Phone? Desktop? No problem. You can easily login and take class on any device at a time that fits your schedule.

IT’S ONLY $39 ON PURPOSE

My goal is for everybody to take Pilates, and I wanted to make sure that price wasn’t a reason not to sign up. (Yes, that’s a double negative.) That makes these only $13 per class!

GET STARTED

TAKE CLASS

CLASS 1

Welcome to your first Pilates Mat class! In this class we will focus on finding your center and your seat. Introducing a lot of the basic Pilates exercises and shapes and doing preps that you can incorporate in any Pilates class when you’re not ready for the next variation.

Here’s a list of the exercises we’ll be tackling, with links to videos and explanations for each in our free tutorials section. Note that some covered in the intro class are prep versions of the full exercise. Prep for the 100, 100 (legs down variation)1/2 Roll Back, Roll Up PrepSingle Leg CircleRolling Like a BallSingle Leg StretchDouble Leg Stretch (legs-in variation)Swan prepSide leg kickPlank, Forearm Plank or All Fours.

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CLASS 2

Now that you’ve done the first class, this class will repeat some of the exercises you learned already and will continue to add on. We will flow through the exercises you are repeating and take our time exploring new exercises – always giving you the opportunity to repeat an exercise that feels good to you in place of one you may not be ready for yet. These exercises will help strengthen you for our next class and for the classes you take beyond today.

In this second class we’re going to review all the exercises from the first class, but will also learn Elbow SlipCriss Cross PrepSpine Stretch Forward and Shoulder Bridge.

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CLASS 3

Here we go! This final intro class will continue to build on what you know, add in some more intermediate version of the exercises you’ve been practicing and allow you to make the choice to continue to practice the exercises you like or try the new versions. After this class you’ll be able to try out an all-levels Pilates class and feel confident that you can keep moving even if an exercise is not yet right for you!

This third class will incorporate everything from class 1 and class 2, but we will also be learning Single Straight Leg Stretch (with modifications)Double Straight Leg Stretch (with modifications)SawSide Kick SeriesTeaser PrepKneeling Side Kicks and Seal.

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Not sure if you’re ready for class?

OnlinePilatesClasses.com brought you the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise video tutorials, where Lesley breaks down individual exercises in 3 to 5 minute videos.

Still learning? Lesley has free Pilates exercise video tutorials at OnlinePilatesClasses.com

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.

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

WE GOT THE BEAT

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, while we don't often talk about Grasshopper on the Mat or Reformer it is something we can beat those heels together on. And, another great way to challenge our connections. This week we are going to focus on our midline. And we are going to find different ways to show that we got that beat!

On the Mat have a magic circle or ball nearby to find our midline connections. On the Reformer have a ball nearby for some warm ups.

See you in class,

xx-LL 💋

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

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

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

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

WANNA BE A BALLER?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week's workout is 30 minute reformer and mat with the small Pilates ball! Get ready to work! The ball adds a stability challenge on the reformer and spices up the classic, essential exercises. You'll also get extra outer hip recruitment, inner thigh work and more glute activation by adding in the ball. I hope you have a great time with this fun workout and feel like a baller afterwards!

If you do not have a small Pilates ball you can use a rolled up bath towel.

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a Pilates ball or rolled up bath towel and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a Pilates ball or rolled up bath towel and a reformer!

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

ROW WITH ME NOW

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Rowing exercises are quite challenging on the Reformer. They can be done on the mat as well. But if you're missing the connections they can be all choreography and no core. So, this week we'll be focusing on the Mat how the Mat exercises prep us for a fabulous Rowing. And on the Reformer how they warm us up but then reveal themselves throughout the session.

Basically, you're rowing even when you're not!

On the Mat, you'll want 1 or 2 lb weights. Over the Reformer if you're new to rowing have them on the side.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1 or 2 lb weights and a mat!

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

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, 1 or 2 lb weights and a reformer!

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

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

While I never saw that movie growing up I was thinking about back bends. And how to build up to them. Now, if you're like LL I'm off back extension. Do not worry. This class will still have tall backs, side bends, twists and flexion of course. So skip what you can't do.

Whatever level of extension you can do we are going to take it and make it longer! And for some of my super flexy people, it might feel like you're not gumby anymore. However, we will create the strongest back bends ever! Always.

Props needed on the mat a bolster or a small barrel. On the Reformer we won't need a prop but we will be using our shortbox to focus on extension.

See ya in class!

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a bolster or a small barrel and a mat!

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

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

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

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby 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.

STUDIO 54!

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

Tami is turning 54 this month! And we are going to bring the best that Studio 54 had to offer to all of our month-long classes. The only rules for that iconic club were:

1. Be Your Grandest Self
2. Have Fun
3. No polyester Shirts!

Doesn’t that sound just like just like OPC?

*Note: I’m thinking the focus is on being grand…finding ways to expand our range of movement throughout the exercises, on all the equipment and the Mat.

Let’s be our grandest as we expand our range of motion on the Wunda! We’ll be using variations of the Pull Up (a very centering exercise) to power us up & out to a special full range exercise at the end! To all the October babies A Happy Birthday Indeed!

Wunda Chair prop: Please bring a pair of light weights (1-3lbs) to class!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

DE-RANGED

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

We spend a lot of time in life looking ahead to what’s next and/or working towards something instead of celebrating where we are in the current moment. We forget to look back and see how far we’ve come.

It got the OPC crew thinking about how we tend to do this with our Pilates practice, too. We are always working towards something…the nemesis exercise, a higher lift in an exercise, a longer reach, a stronger connection, etc.

How about we spend some time this month celebrating where we are each day? And maybe we even take ourselves back a touch and become a bit De-RANGED from our current practice?

“De-Ranged” meaning we reduce our range of motion and observe what happens. Reducing our range may help us gain some insights about ourselves we can use to take our practice farther this month and into the beyond.

This month, we are challenging ourselves and YOU to take a look at where you are while you decrease your range and see if you learn something about yourself - without ANY judgment!

Try asking yourself some of the questions below throughout your practice:

  • Is this making the exercise more or less challenging?
  • Is this making things more or less stable?
  • Am I finding a connection a bit more easily or is it harder?
  • Am I finding a muscle that is trying to take over the exercise?
  • Am I finding I have to focus more to get a muscle to engage/connect?
  • Am I finding an area that is a bit tight and needs a little more stretch?

Feel free to share your reflections and ask us questions this month if you are wondering what any of this means in your body!

Props needed:
For the Cadillac, have a 2x4 (Kuna board) and the long box (from the reformer)

For the Reformer: small ball, resistance band, and small weights. Resistance band will be optional and is only for 1 exercise.

For the Chair, just you and your Wunda chair.

For the Mat, thera band and weights.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋