Matt, Reformer and Mat Pilates Instructor at Pilates Academy ArjanWritten by Matt, Reformer and Mat Pilates Instructor, Pilates Academy Arjan

Prepare for your first Mat class at Pilates Academy Arjan by focusing on breathing basics. In classical Pilates, breath initiates every movement, helping you engage your core and maintain form. Start with diaphragmatic breathing: inhale through your nose to expand your rib cage laterally, then exhale fully to draw your navel towards your spine. Practice this daily for five minutes before your session to feel more confident. New clients receive three classes for AED 300 including 5% VAT.

Mat classes at the studio use bodyweight exercises following the classical sequence. Unlike reformer-only studios nearby, Pilates Academy Arjan offers full apparatus, but Mat is ideal for beginners building foundational control. Sessions run Monday to Friday 7 AM to 10 PM, and weekends 9 AM to 5 PM, serving areas like Arjan, Al Barsha South, Dubai Hills, Motor City, Dubai Sports City, JVC and JVT. Booking occurs through Glofox.

What is the correct breathing pattern for Mat Pilates?

In Mat Pilates, you inhale to prepare and expand, then exhale to exert and stabilise. For most exercises, breathe in through your nose as you open or lengthen, and out through your mouth as you curl or lift. This pattern supports your abdominal engagement without strain.

Practice lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Inhale to lift your belly slightly against your hand while keeping your chest still, then exhale to hollow your abdomen. Repeat 10 times before class.

During the class, instructors cue breath to match the movement order. This builds awareness of how breath affects your posture. Once comfortable, it flows naturally into exercises like the Hundred.

How does diaphragmatic breathing benefit beginners?

Diaphragmatic breathing teaches you to use your diaphragm fully, promoting deeper oxygen intake. It activates your deep core muscles, which you need for Mat exercises. You notice better stability as your breath supports your spine.

Steps to practise at home

Sit or lie comfortably. Inhale for four counts, feeling your lower ribs expand sideways. Exhale for six counts, gently pulling your belly button in. Do this for two minutes twice daily.

This technique reduces shallow chest breathing common under stress. In your first Mat class, it helps you stay calm and focused amid new movements.

Why pair breath with core engagement?

Exhaling fully scoops your abdominal wall inward, mimicking the action in curl-ups and roll-ups. Without it, you may tense your neck or shoulders instead. Breath creates space for precise control.

Try a simple test: exhale while lifting your head and shoulders off the mat, arms forward. Hold the scoop for three breaths. This preps you for Mat Roll Back form, where curvature relies on breath-led engagement.

Instructors at Arjan emphasise this to prevent compensation. Small classes allow personal feedback on your rhythm.

Need clarification on breath cues? Call the Arjan studio on +971 56 216 8166 or message us on WhatsApp.

What common breathing errors should you avoid?

Many beginners hold their breath during effort, leading to tension. Others breathe only into the chest, missing core activation. Screen breath shallowly through the mouth on inhale.

Instead, commit to nasal inhales and pursed-lip exhales. If you forget, pause and reset. In a capped class, gentle reminders keep you on track.

Avoid forcing the breath; let it deepen gradually. This sets you up for smooth transitions in the Mat sequence.

How to time breath with basic Mat movements?

For the Hundred, inhale for five counts, exhale for five as you pump arms. In Single Leg Stretch, inhale to change legs, exhale to pull the knee in. Breath matches the rhythm.

Practice off the mat: stand and roll your spine down on exhale, up on inhale. This mirrors roll-up timing. Link to Cadillac breathing drills for expansion cues if progressing.

Daily drill for rhythm

Lie supine, knees bent. Inhale to tilt pelvis neutral, exhale to imprint. Add arm pumps matching counts. Builds endurance for class.

When should you practise breathing before class?

Arrive 10 minutes early to settle with breathwork. Dubai traffic from JVC or Motor City can rush you, so use it to centre. Weekends from 9 AM suit relaxed prep.

Combine with a morning warm-up routine at home. Five minutes suffices for beginners. Consistency improves your first session experience.

Post-practice, note how your ribs move. This awareness carries into Mat flow.

Common questions

Can I breathe through my mouth in class?

Yes, for exhales if nasal feels restricted, but aim for nose inhales. Mouth breathing can dry airways, so sip water. Instructors adjust cues to your comfort in small groups.

How long until breathing feels natural?

Most notice improvement after two to three classes. Daily practice accelerates it. Focus on consistency over perfection from your Arjan intro package.

Does breath change across Mat exercises?

Slightly, but the inhale-prepare, exhale-effort rule holds. Instructors explain variations, like lateral breathing in side series. Listen and mimic.

Is breathing different on apparatus?

Core pattern remains, but apparatus like Reformer adds resistance timing. Mat builds the base. See first Reformer previews after Mat comfort.

What if I feel dizzy from new breathing?

Pause and breathe normally; it passes as you adapt. Hydrate well. Inform your instructor for modifications in the next class.