Pilates Matwork Card Deck: 52 Cards With Video Demos

Greetings, I’m George Watts, a Pilates/Yoga teacher, and the creator of the Pilates Matwork Card Deck. 

I’m also the creator of the Online Pilates Lesson Planner, and the Joseph Pilates Mat Card Deck.

This deck complements the Joseph Pilates Mat Card Deck, so I highly recommend getting that as well. 

The Pilates Matwork Card Deck is a comprehensive and user-friendly tool designed by a Pilates teacher for Pilates enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation, an intermediate practitioner aiming to refine your skills, or a seasoned expert seeking to master advanced techniques, this deck is your perfect companion on the mat.

A few years ago I created an epic blog post called Free Downloadable Joseph Pilates Lesson Plan With All 34 Exercises. It was so popular that I decided to create the Joseph Pilates Mat Card Deck. That became really popular and I began getting requests for more Pilates matwork cards. These cards took months to create, was a labour of love, so I hope they inject a bit of fun into your Pilates practice.

8 Reasons To Get My Pilates Matwork Card Deck 

Reason 1.
Artistically Crafted

Designed by a pilates teaching artist (me), ensuring anatomical accuracy and ease of understanding. 

Reason 2.
Versatile & User-Friendly

Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Use them for a quick stretch between calls if you’re in the office or a full-length session.

Reason 3.
A Comprehensive Guide

Each card includes detailed instructions, cues, benefits, illustration, affirmation, category, number (1 to 52), a QR code (access a video, tips, and modifications), and I’ve even snuck in a one-minute timer for you. 

Reason 4.
Engaging & Educational

Learn to create your own pilates routines by mixing up the cards.

Reason 5.
Teachers & Students

Perfect for personal use or as a teaching aid in pilates classes.

Reason 6.
Flexibility In Practice

Whether you have just a minute or an extended break, choose cards that fit your schedule.

Reason 7.
Printable & Portable

Download in PDF, JPG, and PNG formats. Print in various sizes for convenience. 

Reason 8.
Disconnect to Reconnect

Free yourself from digital distractions. Immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of the present moment.

Pilates Matwork Card Layout

Each card has the following 9 features:

Each card in the Pilates Matwork Card Deck is designed to maximise your practice with the following nine features:

Feature 1.
Exercise Name & Number 

Clear identification for quick reference.

Feature 2.
Colour-coded 

The three categories are colour-coded for clear identification: foundation, intermediate and mastery. 

Feature 3.
Sub-category

Helps you identify the type of exercise. The 6 sub-categories are: balance, kneel, prone, side, sit or stand, supine. 

Feature 4.
Benefits

Explains the primary advantages of the exercise, so you know what to expect.

Feature 5.
Cues 

Key points to remember for proper form and technique.

Feature 6.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-step instructions to guide you through each movement.

Feature 7.
Modifications

Suggestions to adjust the exercise to your level or needs. 

Feature 8.
One Minute Timer 

The timer icon keeps you focused on the main goal, which is to practice the exercise for one minute. 

Feature 9.
QR Code

Scan for access to video demonstrations, additional tips, and modifications.

Explore The 52 Pilates Matwork Exercises Included In The Deck

Explore the full range of 52 exercises from the Pilates Matwork Card Deck:

Foundation (Blue Border)

1. Alligator
2. Ankle Circles
3. Arm Float
4. Arm Float One Inch
5. Back Rotation
6. Bridge
7. Bridge Arm Raises
8. Bridge Leg Up
9. Bridge Legs Up Wall
10. Cervical Nod
11. Clam
12. Curl Up I
13. Curl Up II
14. Curl Up III
15. Dumb Waiter
16. Finding Neutral
17. Fire Hydrant I
18. Fire Hydrant II
19. Four Point Kneeling
20. Half Heel Slide
21. Isometric Lateral Flexion
22. Isometric Neck Extension
23. Isometric Neck Flexion
24. Knee Stirs

Intermediate (Green Border)

25. Arm Float Crunch
26. Back Extension I
27. Cat Camel
28. Chalk Circles
29. Chest Lift
30. Dart
31. Dead Bug I
32. Dead Bug II
33. Diamond Press
34. Extended Child
35. Extended Child Twist
36. Hip Flexor Stretch
37. Hip Hinge Flow
38. Kneeling Lead Back

Mastery (Red Border)

39. Back Extension II
40. Breast Stroke
41. Changements
42. Chest Lift Rotations
43. Criss Cross
44. Elbow Supported Leg Lift
45. Frog
46. Half Pigeon
47. Half Rollbacks
48. Hundred Knees Bent
49. Inner Thigh Bridge
50. Inner Thigh Circles
51. Kneeling Crab
52. Kneeling Lean Back Twist

There Are 3 Categories In The Pilates Matwork Card Deck 

The Pilates Matwork Card Deck includes 52 Pilates exercises organised into three progressive categories:

Category 1.
Foundation (Blue Border)

Ideal for beginners to establish essential skills.

Category 2.
Intermediate (Green Border)

Perfect for those ready to take their practice to the next level.

Category 3.
Mastery (Red Border)

Challenging exercises for advanced practitioners aiming for mastery.

How To Create A Workout Routine With The Pilates Matwork Cards

The Pilates Matwork Card Deck comes with three pilates workout routine cards.

Each of the routine cards have five Pilates exercises. I call them micro-routines. If you do each exercise for one minute, you’ll have a 5-minute workout. Want to go longer? Do each exercise for five minutes for a 25-minute workout. 

You can be flexible with the 52 cards. If you only have one minute spare, pick one card. If you have 5 minutes spare, pick 5 cards.

Each card has a “one-minute timer” on the top right to remind you that one minute is your goal. If after one minute, you want to do more, go for it. 

How To Print The Cards: Video Tutorial

Maybe it’s just me, but my printer is a wild beast with a mind of its own.

So, just in case you’re as wary of your printer as I am of mine, I created a short, 4-minute video tutorial on how to print the cards using your printer. I also show you how to get your local printer to do the printing for you. I suggest printing 4 cards per page which means you’ll only need to print 12 pages (so, will be cheap to print). But heck, if you prefer larger cards, go wild and opt for the 2 cards per page!

Explore Pilates Matwork Cards on Your Phone, iPad, Or Tablet

Unlock the versatility of my cards by accessing the PDF on your phone, iPad or Tablet. Seamlessly integrate them into your digital routine – just download the PDF, take a seat and effortlessly swipe through each card for a convenient and accessible Pilates matwork exercise experience.

What You’ll Receive

You’ll receive:

1. A link to download high-quality, printable versions of the 52 cards as JPGs
2. A link to download high-quality, printable versions of the 52 cards as PNGs
3. A link to download a high-quality, printable version of the 52 cards as a PDF
4. Three pilates workout routine cards
5. A guide on how to use the cards for effective workouts
6. A 4-minute video showing how to print at home (or use a local printer)

Digital Download

This is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.

No physical product will be mailed to you. After your purchase is confirmed you will receive an email from PilatesLessonPlans.co.uk with a link that will direct you to your downloadable, high-quality, PDF file. You’ll also receive a file to download the cards in JPG and PNG formats. It could take a few minutes to show up in your inbox. Be sure to check your spam/junk folders if it does not arrive within a few minutes.

Printing

You can print the digital cards from your printer, at home or send them to a local or online printer to print.

Please Note

The PDF, JPG and PNG files will be made immediately available to download by links sent to your email address.

Terms Of Use

The files are for personal use only. If you’re a Pilates teacher, you can use them in your classes. They cannot be used commercially, resold or redistributed. 

FAQs

“Why did you spend 50+ hours creating the Pilates Matwork Cards?”

I created an epic blog post on this site called FREE DOWNLOADABLE JOSEPH PILATES LESSON PLAN WITH ALL 34 EXERCISES. The blog post is so popular that I felt duty-bound to create a card deck called Joseph Pilates Mat Card Deck. It became popular, and I got requests to create another Pilates Matwork Card Deck. So, that’s what I did. 

“Is this an instant download?”

Yes. You can download the cards as PDF, JPG and PNG files to your device.

“Where can I find my digital purchases in my account?”

To access your digital files from your account:

You’ll be directed to PilatesLessonPlans.co.uk and the “Your Account” page. Next to the order, select Download Files. There are no limits on when or how many times you can download a file. You can access your files anytime on the “Your Account” page.

“Who created the cards?

George Watts, a yoga/pilates teacher and creator of the Online Pilates Lesson Planner. He’s also spent the past 10+ years writing pilates blog posts on this site.

“What size are the cards?”

You can print these out in multiple sizes (A4, A5, or A6). I recommend using the A6 size to fit four cards on one A4 sheet.

“Can I use the cards as teaching aids in my Pilates classes?”

Yes. Though, please don’t give the cards away to your students. If you think they’d benefit from these Pilates Matwork Cards, please direct them to this web page.

“Are the cards useful for Pilates teachers and trainees?”

Yes. The cards are useful for pilates teachers and trainees. The cards can inspire class themes, simplify the class planning process, offer visual aids for easy sequence memorisation, provide guidance on pose cueing, and give you the extra confidence by using the QR codes (where you can access a video, teaching tips and modifications). The cards also work nicely as free “refresher teacher training”.

“Can you print the cards and post them to me?”

The printed decks are coming soon. If you’re interested in getting a printed deck, please email me. I will send you the printed cards in an eco-friendly burlap bag with drawstrings. The printed cards cost £35 + £5 postage (UK/Europe postage only). Please allow five days for delivery.

“Hey George, I love your Pilates Matwork Card Deck, and can’t wait to download, print, and enjoy learning from them.”

P.S.  I love chatting with my fellow Pilates teachers, so if you have any questions please contact me.