What is the difference between matwork classes and equipment classes?
Matwork classes only involve you and an exercise mat (plus some small equipment sometimes) and they are therefore a more convenient and cost-effective way to learn Pilates. You also benefit from the social element of exercising with others, and you can easily practise the exercises at home. Equipment classes take place on large pieces of special apparatus involving springs and pulleys, so that the teacher can control the amount of resistance you are working against. This means that it is much easier to feel the correct muscles working, and because classes are much smaller the teacher can closely monitor your progress. Although the teacher will try to give you some individual attention in a group mat class, you need to take more responsibility for your own progress in group classes. Private classes enable the teacher to tailor the exercises to your specific needs, giving you a personalised exercise program that will help you to progress much more quickly. Joseph Pilates initially taught
Matwork classes only involve you and an exercise mat (plus some small equipment sometimes) and they are therefore a more convenient and cost-effective way to learn Pilates. You also benefit from the social element of exercising with others, and you can easily practise the exercises at home. Equipment classes take place on large pieces of special apparatus involving springs and pulleys, so that the teacher can control the amount of resistance you are working against. This means that it is much easier to feel the correct muscles working, and because classes are much smaller the teacher can closely monitor your progress, so you are likely to improve much more quickly. Although the teacher will try to give you some individual attention in a group mat class, you need to take more responsibility for your own progress in group classes. Private classes enable the teacher to tailor the exercises to your specific needs, giving you a personalised exercise program that will help you to progress mu
