Starting Your Teaching Journey? Here's Why Matwork Comes First
I often get asked why we insist on starting with Matwork in our teacher training program. "Can't we go straight to the Reformer?" is probably one of the most common questions I hear.
Today, I want to share why Matwork isn't just important - it's absolutely essential to your development as a Pilates teacher.
The Foundation of Everything
Think of Matwork as your teaching foundation. When you strip away the springs, straps, and equipment, you're left with the pure essence of Pilates - the body working against gravity. This is where you'll learn to:
Truly understand movement patterns
Develop your eye for normal human variation
Learn the art of communication and cueing
Build confidence in your teaching voice
Here's the thing: If you can teach someone to move well on the mat, you can teach them anywhere.
The Teacher's Secret Weapon
Teaching Matwork first gives you an invaluable skill: the ability to read bodies. Without equipment to assist (or mask) movement, you'll learn to:
Observe and understand natural movement variations
Recognise diverse ways bodies will move
Develop an eye for many different movement strategies
Notice when and how to offer supportive options that honour each body's unique needs
This knowledge becomes your superpower when you later move to equipment-based teaching.
Real Talk About Progression
Joseph Pilates developed his method on the Mat first. There's profound wisdom in this sequence. When you understand how to:
Move your body against gravity
Create resistance with bodyweight exercises
Breathe well
Build foundational strength
...adding springs and equipment becomes an enhancement rather than a crutch.
Your Teaching Journey
Starting with Matwork means you'll:
Develop razor-sharp observation skills
Learn essential communication and cueing techniques
Build YOUR teaching confidence naturally
Create a solid foundation for all future learning
Plus, you'll always have tools to help clients, whether they're in your studio or traveling across the world.
Looking Ahead
Remember: Great teachers aren't made on fancy equipment - they're made through deep understanding of movement principles. Matwork is where this understanding begins.