Confused San Diego? MAT Pilates vs. M.A.T.
Posted by Judy Alden on Sun, Feb 05, 2012 @ 05:24 PM
Often the Instructors of Marshall Eklund Fitness and Pilates use M.A.T. while teaching all forms of Pilates.
Definition of M.A.T.
Biomechanically based evaluation and treatment systems tests for muscular imbalances. MAT was created by Greg Roskpf. Greg Roskpf was a strength coach for Fresno State from ’85-’88 and has his Masters in Exercise Physiology.
The formal definition of Muscle Activation Techniques sounds like complicated terminology for Pilates. However, it is a more technical philosophy to helping determine whether muscles surrounding a joint have proper neurological input or rather muscle tightness or weakness. Is this something that will take off? Is it just a more technical take on Pilates? The philosophy of MAT or muscle activation therapies is the concept that directly relates to the Law of Reciprocal Inhibition. This Law states that when a muscle contracts it sends an inhibition response to the antagonist muscle (a muscle that opposes the action of another; "the biceps and triceps are antagonistic muscles") in order to allow for normal motion. Many places use it but how does it differ? It differs by viewing muscle tightness as secondary to muscle inhibition and weakness. The concept is if a contracting muscle does not have feedback from the nervous system then the opposing muscle will become hyperactive and its resting length will be altered. The ultimate goal: Provide proper balance between agonist (A contracting muscle that is resisted or counteracted by another muscle, the antagonist. and antagonist muscle.) So why with all these technical terms and new age muscle therapy? Pilates does these things without the extra use of you already weary brains. So stretch, relax and let us worry about how to balance your agonist and antagonist. MAT is interesting and definitely worth taking another look into since it seems to be a more in depth process of therapy; a bridge between Pilates and actual physical therapy. The good news is that Pilates works on correcting your posture and strengthening, lengthening the muscles that need it from your core out.