Welcome to March MATness

For the seventh year in a row, March MATness is underway.

“MarchMATness founder Benjamin Degenhardt kicked things off in March 2013 with daily posts to inspire conversations around the Mat work.” This little idea literally exploded into, as he says, a THING. Each year, Pilates instructors and lovers alike share stories, pictures, and get creative with ways they can inspire people to get onto their Pilates mat. It isn’t a contest. It isn’t a challenge. It is a positive and unifying sharing of something we all love! 

In Honour of Joseph Pilates

March MATness was inspired by the original photography in Joseph Pilates’ book “Return to Life Through Contrology.” In the book, Joseph Pilates documented his mat series with photos and descriptions of each exercise. 

By following the order of the exercises, you will prepare your mind and body for each subsequent exercise. Joseph Pilates wanted his movement method to be practiced daily, and believed that you would live a longer, happier, healthier life by doing so. I tend to agree!

When you first start with the mat work, some exercises may be nearly impossible to do. Trust me – I know! I still struggle with some, and I most certainly have my favourites.

My Five Favourite Mat Exercises: 

1. Roll Over. I have known for years that I love all of the inversion exercises. I thought it was because I could actually do them, while many others tend to have a tough time with them. I realized recently that what I actually love about the Roll Over is the amazing stretch that I get in my upper spine. It just feels so good in my tight muscles, after all of the driving, sitting, and “computering” that we all do. 
2. Stomach Series. I love this series because it burns. As a true fitness lover, I am drawn to a good challenge. Getting through the full series without having to rest between exercises feels like such a great accomplishment for me. And again, fitness lover here – I have always enjoyed feeling that ab burn.
3. Teaser.  I like the Teaser because it is hard. It still challenges me every time I do it; even more so if I take it onto the apparatus. It also looks great in pictures! 
4. Boomerang. Yes, there is an exercise called the Boomerang! I love that it incorporates multiple exercises that come before it in the Mat Series. It’s almost like I have reached the “next level” with this exercise. 
5. Push Ups. I have a love/hate relationship with Push Ups. I love that they make me feel strong when I practice them, but they also tell me when I need to practice them more often.  

How I Celebrate March MATness

The first time that I joined March Matness was in 2014. I posted timelapse clips of various Mat exercises. Another year, I involved clients and family members; we incorporated the uniforms of various sports and activities that we do, to show how Pilates can help us perform better. Then there was that one year that I drew stick people to make a flipbook-style video of the exercises. Annnd I won’t be doing that one again! 

This year, I am joining in the MATness on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Join me!