Get the most from your Pilates mat class.

Anytime is the right time for Mat Class!Sounds like an old fashioned advertising slogan, yes?Mat work is hard, it builds strength and concentration, but it is not the same as a Pilates session on the reformer or any of the other Pilates machines. Why? The machines offer the student the ability to work in an extreme range with varied effort and maximum attention to flow and breath and smooth movement. The unique combination of spring resistance and assistance seems to stimulate the nervous system in a way that is hard to describe. The proliferation of mat classes in gyms and Y's, and Yoga and Pilates studios is a conundrum. Mat work is inherently limited and rarely offers the same pleasures of a machine session. Mat classes seem to offer a compromise for the problems of cost, and convenience. It would be spectacular if we could get the same long feeling from mat work as the pilates machines. Here are some ideas that may help you in a mat class:
Concentrate on form, get the moves right.Make it look smooth and easy, like you've been doing Pilates your whole life.Use the breath, even if you are are making sounds. Try not to scare anyone.If you have any issues or injuries tell the teacher and ask for alternative versions of exercises if necessary. Props can help find a nice flow as well as adding challenge, I especially like the use of the Physio-Ball. Also, the foam roller, Thera-bands, yoga blocks, all can be used to heighten the mat class experience. But...Be careful of the use of weights or weighted bars in a mat class. A mat teacher should be able to find a challenge without resorting to weight lifting techniques. The control aspect of Pilates mat is a direct connection to your own body weight, and the resistance  should be on a human scale, not artificially enhanced. Also, beware a teacher who pushes too many reps or works muscles to failure, ideas not associated with the attention to form and control that are essential to well-performed Pilates. Most importantly remember: Whether or not the class is popular and crowded, and the teacher too distracted to impart personal attention much, the class is for your benefit not the ego gratification of the instructor or anyone else in the class. Take care of yourself and your body. 
Here's a link to The School at the MMDC where you can find some excellent Pilates Mat classes, enjoy and maybe I'll see you there!http://reservations.mmdg.org/welcome.aspx