Mat Pilates
Classes in Edinburgh
No springs, no carriage, no equipment. Just you, a mat, and the original form of Pilates – exactly as Joseph Pilates intended it. Luma Pilates offers Mat Pilates classes in Edinburgh’s New Town, led by expert instructors who bring the same standard of teaching to the mat as they do to the Reformer.
Back to basics, in the best possible way.
Mat Pilates
Mat classes are a wonderful complement to Reformer work, and a brilliant entry point if you've never tried Pilates before. Without the Reformer's assistance, your body has to do more of the work itself – which makes mat deceptively challenging and deeply rewarding in equal measure. You'll build core strength, improve your posture, increase flexibility and develop the kind of quiet body awareness that carries into everything you do off the mat.
Classes move through a flowing sequence of exercises on the floor, working the whole body with an emphasis on control, breath and precision. Your instructor will offer modifications so you can work at your own level, and progressions when you're ready to go further.
One of the things our clients love most about Mat is how portable it is. The strength and body knowledge you build here goes everywhere with you – no Reformer required.
Suitable for all levels. If you're brand new to Pilates, Mat is a great place to start alongside our Fundamentals classes.
Our Mat Instructors
Luma's Mat instructors bring precision, warmth and a deep personal connection to the practice. Every class is taught by someone who has lived with Pilates for years.
Catrin came to Pilates through injury and has practised consistently ever since. That personal experience shapes everything about how she teaches.
Alex is STOTT trained and brings an athletic, dynamic energy to every class. A former attorney, she found Pilates as a way to manage a high-stress career and never looked back.
Julia is STOTT trained on both the Reformer and Mat, and brings the same quiet precision to every class she teaches.
Between them, they bring something you simply can't fake: a genuine, embodied knowledge of movement that you'll feel from your very first class.
What to expect in class
Class duration: 50 minutes
Class size: Small groups – never more than 12 per session
Equipment: Mats and props
What to wear: Comfortable, form-fitting clothing and grip socks – available in our shop if you need them
New to Luma?
Your first three Mat classes start from £30. No prior experience needed, no fitness level required, just come as you are.
No commitment required. New clients only.
Ready to get started?
Book a class, check what's coming up on the timetable, or get in touch if you'd like a hand working out which level is right for you.
Mat Pilates FAQ
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Mat Pilates is the original form of Pilates. No springs, no carriage, no equipment. Just you, a mat, and a flowing sequence of exercises working the whole body with an emphasis on control, breath and precision. The Reformer's springs provide resistance and support that the mat doesn't, which means some exercises are actually more demanding on the mat. Both disciplines complement each other, and many of our clients do both.
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Yes. Mat is a great entry point if you've never tried Pilates before. Your instructor will offer modifications so you can work at your own level, and progressions when you're ready to go further. If you're brand new, Mat works well alongside our Reformer Fundamentals classes.
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For many people, yes. Mat Pilates builds core strength and improves postural habits, both of which are commonly recommended as part of managing back pain. Your instructor can offer modifications to work around any specific limitations. If you're managing a diagnosed condition or recovering from injury, let your GP or physio know before starting and share any guidance they've given with your instructor.
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Classes run for 50 minutes and move through a flowing sequence of floor exercises working the whole body. Your instructor will cue movement, breath and alignment throughout. Class sizes are kept small, never more than 12, so you get real attention rather than being left to follow along
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No. Mats and any props used in class are provided. You just need comfortable, form-fitting clothing and grip socks. Grip socks are available to purchase in the studio if you don't have a pair.
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Absolutely. Mat is a wonderful complement to Reformer work. Without the Reformer's assistance your body has to do more of the work itself, which adds a different kind of challenge and deepens your practice. Many of our regular Reformer clients attend Mat classes alongside their Reformer sessions.