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Mat Pilates is a series of exercises designed specifically to be performed on a mat. Joseph Pilates, developed mat exercises that were quite similar to the work done on Pilates machines (the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Chair & the Barrel). The idea behind this was to challenge your muscles in a variety of ways. The benefit of Pilates matwork is that it can be done anywhere and with just a mat. 
It is easy to teach in a group environment, making it more affordable. 
Small equipment such as flexibands, foam rollers, toning balls and mini stability balls can also be incorporated to make matwork more varied. However, what many people don't realize is that Pilatesmatwork is often harder than the work on the machines and initial tightness and muscle imbalance can make it challenging to access your core muscles during a Pilates mat workout. Pilatesmatwork is best done in compliment with private Pilates sessions on the reformer.