The Happy Mat Pilates and Yoga is a welcoming and transformative studio located in South Perth, Australia. Situated in the light, spacious, and newly renovated Uniting Church Hall on the corner of Angelo Street and Sandgate Street, The Happy Mat offers a variety of mat-based Pilates and Vinyasa Slow Flow Yoga classes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there is something for everyone at The Happy Mat.
Led by experienced instructor Christie Otto, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town, The Happy Mat prioritises holistic wellbeing. Christie initially qualified in Mat Pilates in South Africa in 2006. In 2012, she completed her Iyengar yoga 200-hour course and further pursued a Vinyasa yoga 200-hour course in 2021 in Perth, WA. With her extensive knowledge and passion for Pilates and yoga, Christie creates a safe and inclusive environment for all clients.
The Happy Mat offers two main classes: Mat Pilates and Vinyasa Slow Flow Yoga. Mat Pilates is a style of body weight training done mostly on the floor, utilising the body's weight as resistance. The core principles of Pilates, including relaxation, concentration, alignment, breathing, centering, control, stamina, integration, and flow, are incorporated into each class. Vinyasa Slow Flow Yoga, on the other hand, is a flowing style of yoga with a focus on movement with the breath.
This practise improves joint mobility, strengthens the core and all muscle groups, and leaves you feeling balanced and relaxed.
The studio is equipped with small resistance equipment such as resistance bands, the Magic circle, hand weights, rollers, and small stability balls to create additional resistance for the muscles. These tools, combined with the expert guidance from Christie, help tone and stretch the entire body, with a special focus on the core muscles and spinal mobilisation. Pilates is a safe and adaptable form of exercise suitable for all individuals, including those with injuries, chronic conditions, and even pregnant women. The instructor ensures that each client works at their own level to provide a challenging and rewarding experience.
Classes at The Happy Mat are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, with Mat Pilates offered from 9:10 am to 10 am exclusively on Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is also recommended to book a session in advance to secure your spot. The studio is conveniently located at the Uniting Church Hall, 2 Sandgate Street South Perth, with the entrance on the Angelo Street side. For more information or to book a session, visit their website or contact them directly via phone or email.
By creating a space in the local South Perth community focused on self-care and wellbeing, The Happy Mat aims to help individuals prioritise their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Come join them on the mat and experience the joy and transformation that Pilates and yoga can bring to your life.