In defence of Pilates matwork

When I started teaching Pilates years ago, no one really knew what it was, and anyone who had come across the equipment, would say things like “oh that’s the one with the contraptions - they look like something out of Fifty Shades of Grey!”

These days, I’m asked at least once a week if I teach Reformer or “normal” Pilates.

Over the last few years, Reformer has become the wellness trend, and sleek, boutique Reformer-specific studios are everywhere. But many people don’t realise that the Reformer is just one part of Joseph Pilates’ original system. Alongside the Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, and other apparatus, it was designed to support and refine your matwork, not replace it.

I’m trained across all the equipment but love the versatility of the Reformer and I have no issue with Reformer-specific classes.*

My concern is that the rise of Reformer as a trend, is framing matwork as the “basic” option. As less relevant, and less effective, which couldn’t be further from the truth. When Pilates created his equipment, his end goal wasn’t just to get people moving well when using it. He designed it to teach his students how to move more efficiently without it - on the mat, and in everyday life. Matwork is not the poor relation. It’s the heart of the method. It’s accessible, adaptable, and teaches you how to organise your body and breath with gravity, and the ground. Ropes, straps and springs can give you support and help you find connections, but without assistance, you have to use those connections to lift, lengthen and levitate all by yourself.

As a teacher, matwork is where I get creative and use language and imagery to help people really feel what’s going on in their bodies. And, as a human… when I can’t sleep at 2 a.m., find myself stuck at an airport, or travelling somewhere remote, it’s deeply comforting to remember that I already have everything I need to connect with my body and feel better. Whatever is going on, and wherever I am, I can just lie down, breathe, and move with intention. No bouji studio required.

Want to practice matwork with me?

• My online classes run on Tuesdays 6:45pm & Saturdays 8:15am (£9), 7 day recordings are sent to everyone booked on. Book.

• My classes at Oats & Honey, Monton run on Wednesdays & Fridays at 7am (£15.50) price includes post-class coffee. Book.

*I do have feelings on how this recent boom is packaging Pilates as an exclusive lifestyle signifier, when really it’s for everyone, but that’s a discussion for another day!