Mat Pilates is a strengthening and lengthening form of exercise that focuses on your core (trunk) muscles while also training your arms and legs. Mat Pilates is based on the original exercises Joseph Pilates developed to strengthen his own body as a very young man and then began teaching others. The Mat work came before any of the Pilates Apparatus (equipment) he developed. It includes over 500 exercises and can be practiced anywhere. Mat Pilates can be modified for any age, body, or fitness level. It is even possible to practice the modifications of the Mat work in a chair.