Why I Wish I Started With Mat Training (And Why You Should Too)

Nearly 30 years ago, when I first stepped into the world of Pilates teacher training, there was really only one path I knew of: a full comprehensive program.
In my case, it was the Classical Pilates program with Romana. And honestly? I’m forever grateful for that experience. It shaped me, challenged me, and ultimately became the foundation of everything I teach today.

But let me tell you the part most people don’t know.

It was a lot.

I’m talking years of training.
Hours of prerequisites.
Thirteen pieces of equipment to learn - each with its own technique, sequencing, safety points, cueing, and don’t get me started about the test outs.
It was exhilarating… and completely overwhelming.

And looking back now, with almost three decades between that girl and the version of me writing this today, I can say something I couldn’t see then:

I would’ve loved to start with just the mat.

No bells.
No whistles.
No towers, chairs, reformers, barrels, straps, springs, or moving parts.

Just the work.
Just the body.
Just the foundation of the entire method.

Because here’s the thing nobody told me 30 years ago (and honestly, people still don’t talk about enough today):

Mat work is the method.

It’s the heart and soul of everything Joseph Pilates created.

Equipment is incredible - don’t get me wrong. I adore it. But if you don’t understand the mat?
If you can’t feel it in your own body?
If you can’t teach those foundational exercises with clarity and flow?

Then adding equipment is like building a second story before pouring the foundation.

And that’s why I’m such a huge advocate for starting with mat training first.

Why Mat First Just Makes Sense

1. You build a strong foundation.
Your cueing, flow, voice, sequencing, pacing, breath—all of it gets tighter. Cleaner. More instinctive.

2. You learn to rely on yourself, not equipment.
Mat teaches you how to see bodies, correct bodies, and work with what’s right in front of you.

3. You get to test the waters before making a giant commitment.
Comprehensive training is incredible. But it’s also expensive, time-intensive, and—let’s be honest—intense.
Mat lets you explore teaching without jumping into the deep end on day one.

4. It gives you clarity.
Do you love teaching?
Do you feel lit up by this work?
Do you want to take it further?
Mat answers those questions fast.

And in today’s world? You have options.

Unlike when I trained, the Pilates world is so much more accessible.
You don’t have to quit your job, move cities, or spend years in a studio just to learn this method.

You can start with the mat.
Build confidence.
Build strength.
Build your teaching voice.

And then decide - on your terms - if you want to dive into equipment next.

Here’s why this matters to you

If you’re curious about Pilates…
If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher…
If you want to deepen your practice…
If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, wondering where to begin…

Starting with the mat isn’t “settling.”

It’s strategic.
It’s smart.
And it honors the heart of the work.

Joseph Pilates created the mat sequence for a reason. It was meant to live in your body, not just in a studio with equipment.

And once you master the mat?

Everything else becomes easier.
Clearer.
More grounded.
More joyful.

Want to take the next step?

If you're ready to strengthen your practice, build a rock-solid foundation, or simply see what this work feels like in your own body, start with mat. Always.

✨ To learn more about our Mat Training, click here:
https://www.mind2body.net/pilates-mat-training

✨ To explore our Mat Teacher Training, click here:
https://www.mind2body.net/pilates-mat-teacher-training