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 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.
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
Where: 15 Northumberland Street NE Lane, Edinburgh EH3 6LN
New to Luma? Start here
New to Pilates? Our intro offer gives you three Mat Pilates classes for £30. It's the best way to find your feet, meet your instructor, and discover what Luma is all about.
Prefer Reformer, Barre or Yoga? Three Barre or Yoga classes for £30, or £48 for Reformer.
No commitment required.
And if you’re new to Reformer PIlates read our blog article: The Complete Guide to Reformer Pilates in Edinburgh.
Mat Pilates FAQ
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Mat Pilates is the original form of the discipline, practised entirely on the floor without equipment. The Reformer adds springs and a sliding carriage that can both assist and resist your movements; the mat removes that support entirely. This makes mat work harder in some respects – your core and stabilising muscles have to work without assistance – but also means you can practise anywhere, any time, without equipment.
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Yes – Mat is one of the most accessible ways to start a Pilates practice. Classes at Luma are taught at a pace that works for all levels, with modifications offered throughout. If you're already attending Reformer Fundamentals, adding a Mat class is a great way to reinforce what you're learning on the equipment.
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Mat Pilates is frequently recommended by physiotherapists for back pain management and rehabilitation. The focus on core strength, spinal mobility and postural awareness addresses many of the underlying causes of back pain. As always, we recommend getting clearance from your physio or GP before starting if you have an existing condition, and letting your instructor know so they can offer appropriate modifications.
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Classes move through a flowing sequence of floor-based exercises covering the whole body – abdominal work, spinal articulation, hip and leg series, and upper body sequences. The emphasis throughout is on control, breath and precision of movement rather than speed or volume. Expect to finish feeling worked, lengthened and calm.
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No – mats are provided in the studio. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Grip socks are required for all classes; we sell them in the studio shop if you need a pair.
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Absolutely – in fact, combining mat and Reformer work is one of the most effective ways to develop your practice. The mat builds raw strength and body awareness that feeds directly into your Reformer work, and vice versa. Many of our regular clients attend both.
Ready to get started?
Book a class, check what's coming up on the schedule, or get in touch if you'd like a hand working out which level is right for you.