Pilates for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Mat Pilates Journey

Allow us to give you a warm welcome into the world of Pilates 🔥

This is a bold step towards enhancing your health and well-being that will leave you wondering why you didn’t pivot in this direction sooner.

Whether your goal is to improve flexibility, build core strength, or simply explore a new form of exercise, Mat Pilates in particular offers an empowering path forward. Let’s take a closer look at what Mat Pilates is exactly, the myriad benefits it provides, and how to confidently kickstart your Pilates journey. Roll out your mat—let’s get started!

Pilates for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Mat Pilates Journey

• What is Mat Pilates? 
• What Are the Benefits of Mat Pilates? 
• 10 Steps To Getting Started with Mat Pilates 
• Pilates in Calgary: Choose Edgemont Athletic 

What is Mat Pilates?

First things first—what is Pilates that uses a mat, anyway?

Mat Pilates is a dynamic, low-impact workout that energizes participants by focusing on strengthening, lengthening, and toning muscles while enhancing flexibility and body awareness. 

Much like yoga, it emphasizes alignment, breath control, and the mind-body connection. Designed to improve core strength, muscular endurance, and posture, Mat Pilates incorporates controlled movements that engage deep stabilizing muscles. The coolest thing about the world of Mat Pilates is that your body weight is the primary tool—perfect for all those minimalists out there. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add some variety to your routine every now and then. Various props such as Pilates balls, resistance bands, and weights may be used to enhance the workout and add variety.

In contrast, Reformer Pilates uses a specialized machine called a Pilates Reformer to provide resistance, while Wall Pilates incorporates the use of a wall for stability and support. Both offer unique benefits, but Mat Pilates remains a foundational practice that is highly accessible and versatile, perfect for those new to the world of Pilates.

What Are the Benefits of Mat Pilates?

Your mental and physical health are bound to get a real kick out of Mat Pilates workouts. Here’s what you can expect and why it’ll earn a well-deserved spot in your workout routine: 

• Core Strength: Mat Pilates exercises primarily target the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. This helps in building a strong foundation for your entire body.
  
• Flexibility: Regular practice increases flexibility, particularly in the spine, hips, and hamstrings, which can improve your overall mobility.
  
• Posture Improvement: Let’s be real—maintaining good posture can feel like such a chore sometimes. By focusing on alignment and balance, Mat Pilates helps correct posture and prevent issues related to poor posture.
  
• Enhanced Body Awareness: Pilates encourages mindfulness and concentration, leading to greater body awareness and control.
  
• Stress Reduction: The meditative aspect of focusing on breath and movement can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  
• Whole-Body Workout: The core may be the primary focus, but Mat Pilates also does a fantastic job of engaging the arms, legs, and back, offering a comprehensive workout.
  

Whether you’re attending a Pilates class in Calgary or practicing at home, these benefits bring you major strides closer to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Once you step into the world of Mat Pilates, it’s only a matter of time before you find that your workouts just aren’t complete without it. 

10 Steps To Getting Started with Mat Pilates

Oh, we see you gearing up for some serious Pilates mat action and searching for “pilates near me” on Google—but before you get that core fired up, here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your practice:

1. Find a Pilates Class Near Me: If you’re in Calgary, look no further than Edgemont Athletic for your Pilates practice. We offer Mat Pilates classes at Core Studio, led by our certified instructor, Rachael Wilkes. With four years of experience in the fitness world, her extensive travel to earn certifications reflects her commitment to learning and elevating her classes. With her expertise, you’ll grow at your own pace with kindness and care at the core of it all.
   
2. Invest in Quality Equipment: While Mat Pilates requires minimal equipment, having a high-quality mat and small props like resistance bands and Pilates rings can enhance your practice.
   
3. Dress Comfortably: Choose clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid overly loose garments to ensure they don’t inhibit your movements.
   
4. Start Slow: Focus on mastering the basics before progressing to more complex exercises. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion. There’s no need to rush whatsoever! You do you.
   
5. Focus on Form: Proper form is crucial in Pilates. The key here is to be present in the moment as you pay close attention to alignment & consistently engage your core to maximize benefits.
   
6. Consistent Practice: Incorporate Pilates exercises into your routine at least 2-3 times per week. Consistency is the key to achieving noticeable results. Who knows—you might even find that your body & soul love it so much that you’ll end up squeezing Mat Pilates into your schedule more often.
   
7. Seek Professional Guidance: Why play the guessing game when you can get instant access to next-level expertise? With Rachael Wilkes at Edgemont Athletic, you’ll receive professional guidance to ensure your technique is spot-on, helping you make the most of your Pilates workout. There’s no wasted time here.
   
8. Track Your Progress: Maintain a journal to record your improvements and challenges. Actively tracking progress can motivate you and help you set new, realistic goals. Plus, when you decide to read back on earlier entries, you’ll be so inspired to see how far you’ve come.
   
9. Stay Open to Other Styles: Once you’re comfortable with Mat Pilates in Calgary, explore other styles like Reformer Pilates or Wall Pilates to diversify your workout.
   
10. Enjoy the Journey: Why let workouts feel like a chore when you can have fun and savour the process? Pilates is an exciting lifelong practice that evolves as you do. Every motion brings you closer to your goals—and that’s something to be proud of and celebrate. 
    

Pilates in Calgary: Choose Edgemont Athletic 

Let your search for the finest “pilates studio near me” lead you to Edgemont Athletic. 

Edgemont Athletic is the go-to fitness destination in Calgary. With a variety of classes tailored to beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts alike, the perfect “Pilates classes near me” to suit your needs can be found right here. With a welcoming environment and expert instructors, you get instant access to the guidance, support, and inspiration needed to thrive in every workout. 

Become a member of Edgemont Athletic today—and book a Mat Pilates Class at our Core Fitness Studio to start experiencing its transformative power!

Looking for more expert insights? Check out our other blogs below:

• Boost Your Routine: The Benefits of Joining a Calgary Fitness Community 
• Tennis vs. Squash: Understanding the Differences and Finding the Right Program for You 
• The Health Benefits of Regular Sauna and Steam Room Use: Why Calgary Locals Swear by It
• The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Only Gyms: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Fitness Journey 
• The True Value of a Gym Membership: Investing in Your Health and Fitness Journey in Calgary

Edgemont Athletic

At Edgemont Athletic, we're passionate about helping Calgarians stay active, healthy, and inspired. With state-of-the-art court reserve systems for tennis and squash, top-notch swimming pools in Calgary, and relaxing amenities like our premium sauna in Calgary, we offer a full-spectrum fitness experience for all levels. Whether you're training hard or unwinding after a workout, Edgemont Athletic is your community hub for wellness and performance.

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