What is March Matness? A Return to Pilates Roots
If you haven't yet embraced the vibrant world of March MATness, get ready to dive into a month-long celebration of Pilates. Pilates aficionados worldwide are unfurling their mats in unison, immersing themselves in the classical exercises devised by the visionary Joseph Pilates. It's an annual tradition, a global phenomenon, and by the end of March, you'll know who your Pilates-loving friends are.
How did March MATness Begin?
In 2012, a Pilates teacher, Benjamin Degenhardt, armed with his first smartphone, stumbled upon a captivating idea during his vacation. Fueled by the original exercises outlined in Joseph Pilates' book, "Return to Life," Benjamin initiated what we now know as March MATness. He ingeniously combined "March madness" with Pilates, birthing a movement that unites enthusiasts in a shared exploration of Pilates' foundational movements.
Curious about the full origin story? Read it here.
My March Matness Journey
Confession time – as a Pilates instructor, completing an entire March MATness challenge wasn't on my radar until the unforgettable year 2020, a.k.a. the lockdown year.
After a year of lockdown and not having had access to a full studio, I had developed a newfound love and appreciation for my own Pilates mat practice. After having it as my main method of sharing my love for health and wellness with my clients virtually for nearly 365 days I realized I undervalued and underappreciated what Mat Pilates had to offer.
March Matness: A Return to Pilates Roots
March MATness calls us back to the classical roots of Pilates, encapsulated in Joseph Pilates' book "Return to Life." The challenge? Complete all 34 original exercises in 31 days. So, in March 2020, I committed to "The Matness," practicing the original mat sequence every morning, making it a sacred part of my daily ritual.
Birth of the 30-Day Mat Pilates Program
To infuse an extra dose of accountability and foster a sense of community, I created a Facebook group. Each day, I posted a new exercise, challenging the group to embrace that day's Pilates endeavor. What began as a simple challenge morphed into a comprehensive curriculum to learn and deepen the Pilates practice.
Since 2020, the program has evolved into a rich resource. Now, daily video tutorials don't just break down exercises; they incorporate multiple variations, catering to all levels. They also delve into how these Pilates exercises seamlessly weave into your running or day-to-day activities.
Why a 30-Day Pilates Journey? The Transformative Benefits
Beyond the invigorating challenge, what awaits you?
Total Body Transformation: In 30 days, witness a remarkable shift. Pilates isn't just about exercises; it's about sculpting strength, enhancing flexibility, and fostering holistic well-being.
Mind-Body Harmony: Experience the profound connection between mind and body. Pilates isn't a mere physical exercise; it's a mindful practice that transcends the mat, influencing your daily life.
Daily Ritual, Lasting Impact: Embedding Pilates into your daily routine for 30 days creates a habit with enduring benefits. Feel the positive ripple effect in your posture, energy levels, and overall vitality.
Personalized Progress: A structured program allows you to track your progress systematically. From day one to day thirty, witness the evolution—physical, mental, and perhaps even spiritual.
Better Than Metrics: Move beyond fluctuating scale numbers. Pilates is about how you feel, how you move, and how you embrace a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself.
Your Pilates Journey
Pick Up a Copy of “Return to Life”
Photo of Joseph Pilates “Return to Life” book.
Aside from my 30 Day Mat Pilates Program, you can also grab your own copy of Return to Life and work your way through the original 34 Pilates exercises just as Benjamin did or connect to a local Pilates studio that holds mat classes and join in on what your studio has planned. There are so many ways for you to join in on the fun!
Many of the exercises are not easy and if you are unsure of your body’s limitations it is best to work with a certified Pilates instructor. Working alongside a certified professional will ensure that you have options and variations of the exercises to help keep your body safe and also achieve the maximum benefit of the movement. If you join in on the challenge and find it difficult, I encourage you to stick with it. It might be that working alongside a certified Pilates trainer in a one on one setting might be more appropriate for your body’s needs.
Stay Connected: March MATness on Social Media
For a broader perspective, explore the #Marchmatness hashtag on Instagram to see what others in the Pilates community are contributing.
Documenting Your Progress
Joseph Pilates once said:
“You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.”
Documenting your body's evolution throughout the month becomes a tangible testament to your progress, beyond scale metrics.
I recommend starting with a movement screen, capturing specific movements in videos and a "before" photo. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a discovery call.
You can keep a movement diary as well to document how your strength, mobility, and posture changes throughout the month as you incorporate this new Pilates Mat ritual.
How does incorporating 30 days of Pilates help you feel?
How does it impact your runs and what differences do you notice in low back tightness & pain?
How is your sleep improving?
Those are just a handful of examples of prompts for your movement diary throughout the 30 days.
Ready to Start Your Pilates Journey?
As we unravel the March MATness, I invite you to explore the transformative power of Pilates beyond this month. Dive deeper into a 30-day Pilates program, meticulously crafted to elevate your well-being. Discover more here. It's more than a program; it's an invitation to embrace lasting change.
Are you ready to transform? Sign up for the 30-day Pilates program now.
Let March MATness be the prelude to a journey of lasting health, flexibility, and strength.
