Class
Dynamic Mat Pilates
Minimal equipment, maximum control.
Dynamic Mat Pilates strips things back to the essentials – your body, a mat, and a well-sequenced class that makes both work harder than you’d expect.
Curated by our physios and instructors, our version of mat Pilates is dynamic, specific, and bold. We target key muscle groups — core, glutes, arms, and legs – challenge key movements and postures, and add our own interesting twists along the way.
The integration of bodyweight resistance and props will leave you feeling long, lean, and strong. At Sum of Us, every session is cued with precision, progressed intelligently, and designed to leave you feeling worked.
Curious how mat pilates compares with reformer or clinical? Read the guide to our different class styles for a side-by-side comparison.
Who Mat Pilates is For
Dynamic Mat is one of the most accessible classes on our timetable – and one of the most underestimated.
- Beginners: a great starting point if you’re new to Pilates and want to build foundations before adding equipment
- Reformer regulars: an excellent complement to your existing practice, challenging the body in different ways
- People returning from injury: the low-impact, controlled nature of mat work suits those building back gradually
- Those looking for a consistent, portable practice: ideal if you travel frequently or want something you can carry into your life beyond the studio
- Anyone who wants to move better: improved posture, core control, and body awareness are useful, whether you’re an athlete or sit at a desk all day
What to Expect in Class
A Dynamic Mat Pilates class at Sum of Us runs for 45 minutes. In this time, you’ll move through a sequenced full-body workout – beginning with activation and breath work, building through core and stability exercises, and finishing with a lengthening flow to close.
Sessions incorporate light equipment including dumbbells, wrist and ankle weights, and resistance bands to add load and variety where it’s most effective. Mats and all equipment are provided – just bring yourself.
What You’ll Notice
After a few sessions, the benefits of mat pilates will quickly become apparent
- Stronger core, and a better understanding of how to actually use it
- Improved posture and spinal mobility
- Better body awareness and movement control
- Increased flexibility without sacrificing strength
- A session that complements your other training, rather than competing with it
Meet the Team
Sophie Cabanes
Pilates Instructor
Chloe Schaefer
Loft Manager and Pilates Instructor
Dynamic Mat Pilates Pricing
Dynamic Mat is part of our Loft Classes – a collection of movement styles including Reformer Pilates, Yoga, Circuit Pilates, and Breathwork. One membership, multiple ways to move.
What Our Community is Saying
I attend small group classes. The instructors are highly trained, understand my abilities and limitations and always tailor the class to my specific needs. I thoroughly enjoy coming each time and my fitness level has improved enormously.
Norah B - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sum of Us studio is just a lovely, friendly and professional community. I love the range and quality of services they offer from clinical pilates, physio and remedial massage, to reformer, mat and yoga. They have really helped me at every stage of my health and wellbeing journey and I feel so welcome every time I go to the studio. And it’s such a beautiful space to just hang out. Big shout outs to Tiegen, Renee, Sophie and Lisa who have all been so helpful as I navigate my various injuries
Sarah B - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The mat pilates with Sophie was a real workout and Sophie is obviously a very experienced instructor. Definitely will return to more classes at Sum of Us.
Jude K - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently Asked Questions About Mat Pilates
Do I need any Pilates experience to join?
No, Dynamic Mat is suitable for beginners. Our instructors cue clearly and offer modifications throughout, so you'll be supported regardless of where you're starting from.
How does Dynamic Mat differ from Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded machine to add resistance and support. Mat Pilates is primarily bodyweight-based - with light equipment added to increase load and variety. The two complement each other well, and many of our members do both.
Is it a hard class?
More challenging than it looks. Controlled, precise movement under fatigue is genuinely demanding - but the intensity scales with you. Our instructors offer progressions for those who want more and modifications for those who need them.
Is mat Pilates easier than reformer?
Not necessarily - and our Dynamic Mat classes are a good example of why. Without the support of the reformer's spring system, your stabilising muscles have to work harder to control movement. Many reformer regulars find mat classes a genuine challenge in a completely different way. The two are better thought of as complementary than as easy and hard versions of the same thing.
Which days does Dynamic Mat Pilates run?
We currently run Dynamic Mat on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - however we're always adding new classes, so be sure to check our live timetable for current class days and times - it's the best place to see up-to-date availability and book your spot.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. Comfortable, form-fitting clothing you can move freely in is ideal. We provide mats and all equipment used in class, including weights and resistance bands.
How often should I do Dynamic Mat?
Two sessions per week is a solid starting point for most people. Combine it with Reformer or another class style if you want more variety across the week.
Can I do Dynamic Mat if I have an injury?
This depends on the injury - but often yes, with appropriate modifications. Let your instructor know before class and they'll guide you through what's suitable. For more complex or recent injuries, we'd recommend starting with a physiotherapy assessment first.