(MAT) BASING THAT SHINY OBJECT
Posted September 12, 2024 on Stone Sevyn dot com
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.”
This Pilates mantra echoes through studios worldwide, but forget the trendy reformer – when mastering the language of your own body, sustainable transformation doesn't mean being strapped down (unless that's your thing).
Sure, feet in straps feel amazing, and your core lights up as your glutes say hello. The six-classes-a-week mentality (because unlimited memberships mean more is better, right?) potentially gets results. But as both experienced student and now teacher, I began to suspect this shiny object, with its promises splashed everywhere in the Pilates world, was more marketing hype than reality and was leaving the full realization of practitioners' intended results behind.
Then, my lightbulb, game-changing, finding-the-missing-puzzle-piece moment.
After an intense private session of "easy" reformer footwork, I woke to find my legs were Jell-O, obviously, and my long-sought triceps were on fire. Confused but intrigued, I determined that shiny object taking center stage was merely a tool – not the practice itself. And the deeper aspects of Pilates I'd been missing: learning to breathe along with an introduction to all those smaller muscles, well, uncovering the magic of mat work became a crash course in body awareness. Not only that, now tuned in, my body beginning to realign, I was transformed. Actual results. In months. Clients, too.
But on the mat, where I'd roll myself off, drenched in sweat, questioning my sanity, yet eager for more, because of said transformation, I had to ask: why wasn't this version of Pilates more popular? Inspired, I delved deeper into movement, rediscovering Joseph Pilates' wisdom.
In our high-stress, tech-driven world, we desperately need mindful movement that integrates mind and body, builds functional strength, improves balance and posture, and enhances everyday mobility without taxing our nervous systems further. Pilates, when guided correctly, provides exactly that.
Whether classic "Contrology" or contemporary, sometimes right there in between, these fundamental movements on the mat – and translated onto that shiny object, too – with their subtle nuances, meticulous cues, and breath focus – build a solid foundation for incredible, life-changing results. Yet with very few exceptions, I wasn't finding them by watching various social platforms, following pre-recorded subscriptions, or attending a class.
As someone once known as "the girl who never worked out" (seriously, don't ask), I've experienced this practice's transformative power firsthand. Now, I'm bringing it to you.
From the comfort of your home to the middle of nowhere, an essential companion for the well-traveled or never-traveled, where you live doesn’t matter. Experience guided mat-based Pilates for yourself – anywhere you have a WiFi connection.
I look forward to flowing with you soon!
Xoxo
*Cover image of Kathryn photographed by Jenna Peffley, in the Natural State. She’s wearing Cali Dreaming, Stella McCartney, High Heel Jungle by Kathryn Eisman, practicing on a rug by HD Buttercup.
**Photo of Rhonda Castleberry experiencing one of Kathryn’s torturous but fun private sessions, on the mat.
***During a personal private session in the middle of nowhere (with great WiFi), practicing what she tortures, Kathryn moves on an Oko Living 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, herbal-dyed yoga mat, wearing Beyond Yoga.
****Please note that references to virtual classes and expired codes were removed Summer 2025.
