March is here, and that means it’s time for March MATness—a month-long celebration of the original Pilates mat exercises, inspired by Joseph Pilates’ Return to Life.
At Coreworks, we are a fully equipped Pilates studio, teaching the full repertoire of the method, but this month, we’re shining a light on the mat as the foundation of every movement in Pilates. If you’ve ever thought of mat Pilates as the “simpler” or “easier” version of equipment work, we’re here to change that perception. Mat work isn’t just an alternative—it’s part of the whole system and is connected to everything we do on the Reformer, Tower, chair, and beyond.
This March, we’re making it simple, educational, and inspiring. Each day, we’ll be featuring a different classical mat exercise on social media, breaking down its purpose, how it translates to the Pilates equipment, and why it matters in your movement practice. We will also showcase the connections that link the mat with the equipment. We invite you to watch the videos and see if you can spot the similarities of movements and concepts between the mat and the equipment variations.
Whether you're a dedicated Reformer-lover or someone who wants to deepen their understanding of Pilates, this is your chance to see the thread that ties it all together.
Mat vs. Equipment: Same Concepts, Different Applications
Each Pilates movement exists across the system in different forms, but if you look closely, the same movement principles remain intact. Here are a few examples of how mat work directly connects to the equipment:
???? The Roll-Up → Roll-Down (Tower & Reformer)
- On the mat, The Roll-Up teaches controlled spinal articulation, deep core engagement, and breath coordination.
- On the Tower, Roll-Downs using the roll-down bar provide support while reinforcing the same spinal movement.
- On the Reformer, round back rowing mirrors the Roll-Up, requiring full-body control with the added challenge of maintaining stability on a moving carriage.
✔ Concept: Spinal articulation & core control
???? One Leg Circle → Leg Circles (Reformer & Tower)
- On the mat, One Leg Circle builds pelvic stability while mobilizing the hip joint.
- On the Reformer, Leg Circles using the straps allow for greater feedback and assistance while reinforcing hip mobility and control.
- On the Tower, Leg Springs in Supine mimic the One Leg Circle, emphasizing stability in the pelvis while strengthening the hip flexors.
✔ Concept: Pelvic stability & hip mobility
???? Spine Twist → Twist Variations (Reformer & Chair)
- On the mat, Spine Twist teaches spinal rotation with core activation and breath control.
- On the Reformer, Seated Twist with the ropes builds rotational strength while adding spring resistance for greater feedback.
- On the Chair, Twist variations using the pedal challenge oblique engagement and dynamic stability.
✔ Concept: Spinal rotation & core integration
???? Side Kick → Side-Lying Leg Work (Reformer & Tower)
- On the mat, Side Kicks develop lateral hip strength, core control, and balance.
- On the Reformer, Side-Lying Leg Press with the footbar or straps offers resistance to further challenge the glutes and obliques.
- On the Tower, Side-Lying Leg Springs add a controlled resistance component, reinforcing hip stability and alignment.
✔ Concept: Lateral hip strength & stability
???? Teaser → Teaser (Reformer, Chair, Tower)
- On the mat, Teaser is the ultimate test of balance, control, and core engagement.
- On the Reformer, Teaser with straps can assist or challenge depending on resistance and orientation on the equipment.
- On the Tower, Teaser using the push-through bar provides guidance to refine spinal control and positioning.
- On the Chair, Teaser using the pedal increases difficulty by requiring more balance and stabilization.
✔ Concept: Core strength, balance, & coordination
???? Swan Dive → Back Extension (Tower & Chair)
- On the mat, Swan Dive strengthens the back, improves posture, and builds spinal extension.
- On the Tower, Swan with the push-through bar allows for greater support and control in back extension.
- On the Chair, Swan variations using the pedal require increased stability and upper-body control.
✔ Concept: Spinal extension & postural strength
Why Mat Pilates Makes You Stronger on the Equipment
Think of mat work as the foundation for Pilates principles. Without springs, straps, or external support, your body must stabilize itself, relying only on your muscles, breath, and control. When you master these exercises on the mat, you bring that same awareness, strength, and control to the equipment, making your movements more intentional and effective.
✔ Deeper core engagement → Stronger Reformer & Tower work
✔ Better spinal articulation → Smoother roll-downs & inversions
✔ Increased body awareness → More precise movement patterns across all equipment
✔ Improved control and endurance → Better execution of full-body exercises
Challenge Yourself to See the Connections
If you’re a Pilates student, we challenge you this March to look for the similarities between what you do on the mat and on the Reformer, Tower, Chair, and Tower.
Where do you feel the same muscles working? Where do you notice a familiar movement pattern?
Understanding these connections will help you move more efficiently, refine your technique, and deepen your practice.
Join Us for March MATness!
This month, let's rediscover the power of the mat together. Whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned pro, this is your opportunity to see how mat work strengthens, refines, and enhances everything you do on the equipment.
???? Follow along on social media for daily videos.
???? Bring a Friend to a Free Mat, Intro, or Foundation Class Throughout March (for New Students)
???? Deepen your understanding of Pilates by recognizing the patterns that link mat work to the full system.
Who’s ready to explore the method of Pilates in a whole new way? Drop a ????♀️ in the comments on our social media and tell us what mat exercise you’re excited to revisit!
