Join Michael for an Intermediate Pilates mat workout that will stick with you for his definitive cues and the intense workout they provide. Known for his charismatic teaching style and packed New York City group classes, you’ll quickly understand why it’s nearly impossible to score a session on Michael’s busy schedule. This class moves at a deliberate pace and will leave you with lasting power and control. Filmed at American Body Tech, Kathryn Ross-Nash’s Allendale, NJ studio.
Loved this video and method of instruction! I’ve never been comfortable doing side twists – always felt like I wasn’t flexible enough, but the way you approached it, I totally understood that I was just doing it wrong. This time, I REALLY felt the stretch in a good way without feeling a strain. Thank you. I’m going to make this one of my regular workouts!
When are we going to have Michael Johnson back on the MAT doing a Refresher?
Apparently his Pilates Mat Classes are some of the best attended in New York City.
This Gentleman is a wonderful Mat Instructor and outstanding Mat Practitioner.
Love your classes. the cues are on point particularly for me ( I am completely clueless about using my power house etc) Do you have any beginner mat classes?
Nice class
Michael,
Thank you for teaching as thorough as you do. I have become more aware of my body and have learned appropriate ways to do some of the movements. You are a gifted teacher. Thank you
Brittany
Hi Michael.. Your videos are great! I do not get bored, you have a lot of great verbal ques and information, I really like your style :). I was wondering how one could schedule an appointment with you? you can email me @ info@nancywallacepilates.com
I just did it, thank you! I’m doing my mat everyday while waiting for my equipment, just like we talked about it. It was nice meeting you in person in NYC!
Excellent first class in my trial. If all the classes/instructors are to this standard I might have to sign up! Some of the cues were excellent and lacking in other online classes I’ve taken elsewhere.
Hi Michael! I wish we lived in the same city….I LOVE pilates and LOVE your class/style.
Can you give me any insight as to where to purchase one of the mats you use in this lesson. Thank you for your skill and inspiration!
Kailie
Kailie, you can purchase these mats at Gratz. Just google Gratz Pilates and look on the mat section if there website and/or call the in New York. So glad you liked he video
Hi Michael. What happened to the advanced mat class!? It was one of my all time favorite Pilates workouts and such a great display of your unique interpretations and talent. I hope it’s just on some kind of temporary hiatus and coming back soon! 😉 Laura
Hi thanks for inquiring about the other mat video. In order to keep in genre “authentic Pilates ”
We decided to pull the video off the website because I used a yoga block instead of a magic circle. Pilatesology is a website keeping the original work consistent with Joe Pilates and since Joe never used yoga block, I decided to remove the video. We are planning to reshoot classes with classical Pilates original mat. However, with that being said, I am happy you liked that other video. There are so many good classes and talented teachers. I am sure you can find something there on the website. Take care and keep practicing!!
Not a flowing workout, but good detailed instruction. I really liked using the thumbs in back of the thighs as a way of slowly moving up into Teaser.
Thanks!
What a special treat! Excellent class. Absolutely love the explanations of the work. I am a BIG fan of the integration of the pilates work. Always explaining to clients that ‘this’ mat exercise is the same as ‘this’ exercise on the reformer…etc. The integration of the work is what makes pilates so exciting to me. That Joe created this work so long ago with a clear picture of his intentions. Truly amazing.
Hi Michael,
I’ve been doing this particular “class” almost daily for the last 2 weeks (or maybe longer). I learn something new each time. Your energy is inspirational. And even though I’m simply watching you on video, I have the feeling that you are pulling for me personally. THANK
YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
Hi Michael
I thanks you so much for your great energy. I have survived your class only by looking!!!!…You have gave to me new ideas and pictures of how to teach the typical Pilates exercises. The “hands on” moments are very helpfully. Just a question about your intensive breathing, In and out throught the nose? ..is that too a variation? thanks for your soon answer.
Saludos desde Basel-Switzerland.
Oh yes the breathing. Is very audible with my presentations. It is one of the principles in any physical fitness program. Breathing thru the nose is more efficient for the body and it moves more bones in the skeleton than breathing thru the mouth. I hope that helps.
SO jazzed about this! I like it better every time I watch it. And notice more juicy tidbits you share.
I also really appreciate how you show which exercises correspond to the same movement done elsewhere. e.g., Double Leg Lower Lift is like Elephant on Reformer.
Wow — he’s fantastic. So calm. No yelling. Made me feel incredibly relaxed while at the same time finding more precision than usual.
The breathing (which he audibly demonstrates) took me deeper than ever before.
As a whole, gives the entire intermediate level workout benefits in the same amount of time I usually teach it, at a pace that is not in the least racing or hurried.
I am going to try to emulate him and learn to teach this way. Starting with my evening Mat Class today.
My first attempt last week, although just beginning to work in your style, pointers and cues, transformed my class. The students LOVED it. Several actually contacted me during the week to tell me how great it was, how it motivated them to do the mat workout at home and how in love with Pilates they are!
Reviewing your video again to prep for tomorrow’s class.
Michael, really enjoyed this class! I feel like I learned a lot about control and felt more ‘in tune’ with my body during this workout because of your cues and advice. Thank you! Great workout!!
Amazing class. Brilliant. I usually shy away from deliberate paced classes as they tend to be overly chatty with interrupted flow, but this was different. You still kept us moving and stuck to business without too much extraneous commentary. Not many instructors can strike that balance but you did. Please teach more classes.
Mr Johnson – a pleasure to meet you! This is the first class I have ever done with a male Teacher participating throughout. I really appreciated your emphasis on detail and how to use your “power” in each exercise. This is the “stuff” of the mat practitioner which I strive to be daily. Can you do more mat classes!
Thank you very much for sharing your skills and knowledge.
Been using the piece of video since it came online. In the Side Kick – Front and Back – I believe you held the leg out in front for three or four seconds to emphasise getting the work into your “core box” as you describe it. Is this something you take from Romana’s teaching?
The no frills, descriptive practice teaching is of the highest standard to my mind, as home practice person.
Fantastic.
I did not learn that version of the sidekick from Romana. I don’t recall how I learned that version that is on the video. I think I just did it one day and I liked it. So it
became part of my teaching. Thank you, I am glad you like it and are using the video.
MJ
What Others Are Saying
54 Comments
You are my ABSOLUTE fav! Thanks for being thorough and clear and going at a pace that allows for proper form. The BEST!
I took pilate class with Michael in NYC for a year, but moved out of state after that … I am so glad to have Michael’s video online. This is great!
Loved this video and method of instruction! I’ve never been comfortable doing side twists – always felt like I wasn’t flexible enough, but the way you approached it, I totally understood that I was just doing it wrong. This time, I REALLY felt the stretch in a good way without feeling a strain. Thank you. I’m going to make this one of my regular workouts!
Thanks for taking the time to find me and watch
Mj
When are we going to have Michael Johnson back on the MAT doing a Refresher?
Apparently his Pilates Mat Classes are some of the best attended in New York City.
This Gentleman is a wonderful Mat Instructor and outstanding Mat Practitioner.
Come back soon Michael Johnson!
Hi Michael
Great class! I love it. Thank you
Love your classes. the cues are on point particularly for me ( I am completely clueless about using my power house etc) Do you have any beginner mat classes?
Nice class
Hi Josephine, Michael does have a beginner class, check it out here: https://pilatesology.com/classes/levitate-off-your-mat/#.VG5P8ZPF_SI
Thanks
Michael,
Thank you for teaching as thorough as you do. I have become more aware of my body and have learned appropriate ways to do some of the movements. You are a gifted teacher. Thank you
Brittany
Britney thanks for taking the time to watch my video. With practice anything is possible. Keep up the good work.
Mj
Hi Michael.. Your videos are great! I do not get bored, you have a lot of great verbal ques and information, I really like your style :). I was wondering how one could schedule an appointment with you? you can email me @ info@nancywallacepilates.com
Thanks 🙂
Nancy
Nancy, thanks for your comments, if you are ever in NYC we will make it happen.
Mj
I just did it, thank you! I’m doing my mat everyday while waiting for my equipment, just like we talked about it. It was nice meeting you in person in NYC!
Alexandra, That’s awesome! Thanks for writing and telling me about your experience. It will so nice when you finally get your equipment. Best of luck!
Mj
Excellent cues and class! Love everything about it. Joseph Pilates would certainly be proud.
Thanks so much! We can only hope that Joe would be proud of our work. That’s a huge compliment. Thanks again.
MJ
Excellent first class in my trial. If all the classes/instructors are to this standard I might have to sign up! Some of the cues were excellent and lacking in other online classes I’ve taken elsewhere.
Thanks for your comment! I hope you sign up and take all the great classes that this website has to offer.
Mj
Hi Michael! I wish we lived in the same city….I LOVE pilates and LOVE your class/style.
Can you give me any insight as to where to purchase one of the mats you use in this lesson. Thank you for your skill and inspiration!
Kailie
Kailie, you can purchase these mats at Gratz. Just google Gratz Pilates and look on the mat section if there website and/or call the in New York. So glad you liked he video
Mj
Hi Michael. What happened to the advanced mat class!? It was one of my all time favorite Pilates workouts and such a great display of your unique interpretations and talent. I hope it’s just on some kind of temporary hiatus and coming back soon! 😉 Laura
Hi thanks for inquiring about the other mat video. In order to keep in genre “authentic Pilates ”
We decided to pull the video off the website because I used a yoga block instead of a magic circle. Pilatesology is a website keeping the original work consistent with Joe Pilates and since Joe never used yoga block, I decided to remove the video. We are planning to reshoot classes with classical Pilates original mat. However, with that being said, I am happy you liked that other video. There are so many good classes and talented teachers. I am sure you can find something there on the website. Take care and keep practicing!!
MJ
Not a flowing workout, but good detailed instruction. I really liked using the thumbs in back of the thighs as a way of slowly moving up into Teaser.
Thanks!
Your welcome. Thanks for watching
Mj
What a special treat! Excellent class. Absolutely love the explanations of the work. I am a BIG fan of the integration of the pilates work. Always explaining to clients that ‘this’ mat exercise is the same as ‘this’ exercise on the reformer…etc. The integration of the work is what makes pilates so exciting to me. That Joe created this work so long ago with a clear picture of his intentions. Truly amazing.
I couldn’t agree more with your comments about Joseph Pilates and his system. Thank you for your feedback it helps me tremendously.
Mj
Hi Michael,
I’ve been doing this particular “class” almost daily for the last 2 weeks (or maybe longer). I learn something new each time. Your energy is inspirational. And even though I’m simply watching you on video, I have the feeling that you are pulling for me personally. THANK
YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
Wow I am touched by your words. Thanks for watching !!
Mj
Hi Michael
I thanks you so much for your great energy. I have survived your class only by looking!!!!…You have gave to me new ideas and pictures of how to teach the typical Pilates exercises. The “hands on” moments are very helpfully. Just a question about your intensive breathing, In and out throught the nose? ..is that too a variation? thanks for your soon answer.
Saludos desde Basel-Switzerland.
Oh yes the breathing. Is very audible with my presentations. It is one of the principles in any physical fitness program. Breathing thru the nose is more efficient for the body and it moves more bones in the skeleton than breathing thru the mouth. I hope that helps.
Mj
SO jazzed about this! I like it better every time I watch it. And notice more juicy tidbits you share.
I also really appreciate how you show which exercises correspond to the same movement done elsewhere. e.g., Double Leg Lower Lift is like Elephant on Reformer.
Sophia thanks for following thru with your experiences. Keep practicing
and all will come in time.
Mj
Wow — he’s fantastic. So calm. No yelling. Made me feel incredibly relaxed while at the same time finding more precision than usual.
The breathing (which he audibly demonstrates) took me deeper than ever before.
As a whole, gives the entire intermediate level workout benefits in the same amount of time I usually teach it, at a pace that is not in the least racing or hurried.
I am going to try to emulate him and learn to teach this way. Starting with my evening Mat Class today.
Thanks so much for your comments, let me know how it goes and if I can be of any help. MJ
Thanks, Michael.
My first attempt last week, although just beginning to work in your style, pointers and cues, transformed my class. The students LOVED it. Several actually contacted me during the week to tell me how great it was, how it motivated them to do the mat workout at home and how in love with Pilates they are!
Reviewing your video again to prep for tomorrow’s class.
Yep! really solid detailed Mat work…great! The teachers on this site are truely of the highest quality!
Thanks for your support. I agree the teacher are awesome
😉
I invite you to take the other mat class I have done. And there will
be more coming soon
Mj
Just noticed your comment that you will be doing more Mat classes very soon. Really looking forward to that.Thank you.
Coming soon.
Michael, really enjoyed this class! I feel like I learned a lot about control and felt more ‘in tune’ with my body during this workout because of your cues and advice. Thank you! Great workout!!
your so welcome! its all in the basic… keep up the good work MJ
Wow! Love it! Great class, thank you!
Your welcome. I am humble to hear from all who participated in my workouts. MJ
Thank you Michael and thank you Pilatesology. Another great class – so many fantastic ideas to steal and use in my own classes.
What can I say speechless!
Amazing class. Brilliant. I usually shy away from deliberate paced classes as they tend to be overly chatty with interrupted flow, but this was different. You still kept us moving and stuck to business without too much extraneous commentary. Not many instructors can strike that balance but you did. Please teach more classes.
Thank you so much! I do try to accommodate everyone’s needs and I appreciate the feedback. There is more on the way! MJ
Mr Johnson – a pleasure to meet you! This is the first class I have ever done with a male Teacher participating throughout. I really appreciated your emphasis on detail and how to use your “power” in each exercise. This is the “stuff” of the mat practitioner which I strive to be daily. Can you do more mat classes!
Thank you very much for sharing your skills and knowledge.
Joesmat thank you for your comments. There is more to come soon. MJ
Been using the piece of video since it came online. In the Side Kick – Front and Back – I believe you held the leg out in front for three or four seconds to emphasise getting the work into your “core box” as you describe it. Is this something you take from Romana’s teaching?
The no frills, descriptive practice teaching is of the highest standard to my mind, as home practice person.
Fantastic.
I did not learn that version of the sidekick from Romana. I don’t recall how I learned that version that is on the video. I think I just did it one day and I liked it. So it
became part of my teaching. Thank you, I am glad you like it and are using the video.
MJ