Continuing Education: Pilates MatWork

I recently attended a mat-work Pilates course in Sydney in order to gain more knowledge and progress into teaching here at Sport & Spinal. Pilates has been an interest of mine since I was introduced into yoga. I received so many benefits from yoga in my flexibility and strength that I became curious about what Pilates could offer.

I found that both yoga and Pilates focus on three main areas, core stability, balance and flexibility, but each provide emphasis on a different area. Yoga focuses more on flexibility and balance to promote core stability where Pilates focuses more on core stability to promote balance and flexibility.

During the course in Sydney, I learned that Pilates was one of the first to explain imbalance theories within the body.  It is believed that an imbalance in the body causes abnormal movement patterns, which ultimately leads to injury.

The Pilates exercises concentrate on precision and flow of movement, breath control and maintaining lumbo-pelvic stability in order to alter abnormal patterns of movement. Over time this will achieve a carry over effect into daily function decreasing the risk of injury.

The course was a great experience with an abundant amount of information. Not only did it improve my teaching skills for Pilates class but it gave me a better insight into treating injuries that present in the clinic. I have already seen a huge improvement in client outcomes using these principles, which makes me excited to further my Pilates education.