Greg Roskopf’s MAT® is a non-invasive and systematic approach to assessing and correcting muscular imbalances and weaknesses in the body. This therapeutic approach can:
Over time, stress, trauma, or overuse and the resultant inflammation on the body, result in a less efficient muscular system.
MAT® aims to reactivate inhibited muscles restoring optimal joint function leaving you able to handle the demands of sport, exercise and day to day activities.
MAT® is designed to re-establish the communication pathways between the nervous system and the muscular system and to restore muscular contractile capabilities.
MAT® differentiates itself from other techniques because it never attempts to directly lengthen or change the muscle by stretching, heating, or foam rolling. MAT® is not trying to “relax” muscle, but instead tries to “activate” the muscle, so that your body is better prepared to handle the forces that come from exercise and everyday movements.
Conventional therapy will typically treat the symptom, which can leave the cause of the problem unaddressed.
MAT® is suitable for everyone. It helps to maintain strength and mobility so that you can go about your daily life, it can accelerate recovery if you are injured and can be used to help improve athletic performance. MAT® is often used to treat the following:
MAT® can be of great benefit to professional athletes or people who play sport. It prepares the body to be more efficient in training and athletic performance.
The effects of MAT® are immediate, and you will walk out stronger than when you came in. Muscles will be firing more effectively and often; any pain symptoms go away.
From a neurological standpoint, the weaker the muscles are the less they can tolerate. This means that the body’s tolerance levels need to be raised so that the MAT® process can hold better. Each time the muscles are switched on, their tolerance levels are increased. With this in mind, it is recommended to initially have a course of 4 to 6 treatments in order to build up the levels and address any other imbalances which may be occurring. After the initial period, most clients come in for maintenance sessions to help prevent any future injuries or any old problems re-occurring.
Classical Pilates is a complete system of movement developed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago. It is not a workout trend or a fitness class – it is a carefully designed method, retraining the body to move with stength, control and efficiency.
Joseph Pilates originally called his method 'Contrology' – the art of controlling the body through precise, purposeful movement. The focus is not on how many repetitions you do, or how hard you push, but on how well you move.
Classical Pilates is taught using the full traditional system of equipment, including:
Reformer
Cadillac
Wunda Chair
Baby Chair
Barrels
Mat and small apparatus
Each piece has a specific purpose and challenges the body in different ways. This allows sessions to be tailored precisely to the individual, whether the goal is to improve posture, address weaknesses, or support other forms of exercise.
This is very different from many modern 'reformer studios'.
At the heart of Classical Pilates is the idea of moving from a strong, well-organised centre – often referred to as the 'powerhouse'. This includes the deep abdominal muscles, back, hips and pelvic stabilisers.
When the centre is working properly, the arms and legs can move with far greater efficiency and control. This leads to:
better posture
improved stability
reduced strain on joints
and more confident, fluid movement
This is not about chasing a burn.
It is not about copying the person next to you.
And it is not about forcing your body into shapes.
It is about: learning how your body is meant to move - and then teaching it to do so with control, strength and precision.
In the studio we offer 1-1 and 2-1 private lessons and small group classes.
Most movement problems come from the body not working as it should.
Muscles switch off. Other muscles overwork to compensate and become tight. Movement patterns become inefficient, and over time, the body adapts around dysfunction.
This is where many people get stuck.
They stretch, they strengthen, they exercise more or have to stop. But the underlying imbalance remains.
That’s why I use Muscle Activation Techniques and Classical Pilates together.
Muscle Activation Techniques identifies muscles that are not firing up properly and reactivates them. It helps to restore the communication between the brain, the central nervous system and the muscle.
Once the right muscles are working, the body needs to learn how to use them correctly. This is where Classical Pilates is invaluable.
In your Pilates session, if i can see that your body is unable to move into a certain postion, for example, you are able to straighten your right leg to the ceiling but not your left leg, when you are lying down on the mat. I am able to use the skills I have learned with MAT® to help resolve this issue, if it is a muscular problem. I can strength test all the muscles that are invloved in straightening the knee and all the muscles that are involved in flexing the hip, addressing any weakness and helping to resolve the imbalance.
Both modalities are powerful on their own, but together you can expect accelerated results through improved muscle function, balanced strength and more efficient movement.
Initial consultation - £65
1-1 Pilates/MAT® - £55 or 4 lessons for £200
Duet lesson - £65 [£32.50pp] or 4 lessons for £240
Group apparatus class - £25 or 4 for £80 [you must book at least two 1-1 lessons before you can join this class]
Pilates matwork class [incl online] - £12 or 4 classes for £40
I am a fully comprehensively trained Pilates teacher with over 12 years of teaching experience.
I initially trained with Body Control Pilates completing their mat work certification but it was practising Classical Pilates that changed my body. I became stronger, I felt taller and my posture and body shape changed. It was from then that I retrained and learned the original work of Joseph Pilates.
I completed a year long apprenticeship learning the Classical Pilates method at Cool Pilates Studio under the supervision of Andy Adamson. I also completed a fully comprehensive training program with world renowned Pilates teacher, Kirk Smith. I take regular lessons with teachers from around the world and attend seminars and workshops to deepen my knowledge of the classical Pilates method.
In my teaching, I see the benefits the original work of Joseph Pilates has on my clients and this is also why I practise this work everyday.
I discovered MAT® through my teacher and mentor, Kirk Smith. I had an on-going shoulder problem which stopped me exercising and going to the gym. It felt tight, the movement was restricted and it was painful. I had seen numerous Physio’s, Osteopaths and Massage Therapists but the same problem kept coming back. I saw Kirk a handful of times for MAT® and he was able to restore full range of movement in my shoulder and the pain had gone.
Seeing what a powerful tool MAT® was and how I could use it to help my clients, I enrolled in the Specialist programme, learning how to use MAT® on the entire body.
MAT® has helped so many of my clients to move better, recover from injuries much faster and become pain free from longstanding problems, enabling them to keep doing the things they love. It never ceases to amaze me.
498 Pye Green Road, Hednesford, Cannock, Staffs, WS12 4LP
T: 07525 185 483
GET DIRECTIONSCool Pilates Studio, 16-17 Newhall Hill, Birmingham, B1 3JH
T: 07525 185 483
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