Something I’m frequently asked at the moment is whether Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is better. My short answer is that they both have strengths, but that if you’re looking for an accessible, convenient way to practice Pilates, Mat Pilates has the clear advantage.
There are good reasons to practice Reformer Pilates, which I’ll cover in this blog, and it’s certainly become much more popular in the last year or two, especially for people looking for an Instagram-friendly workout.
But Pilates is about much more than keeping up with the latest trends, so read on if you want to find out whether Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is better for you.
What is the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates?
Whether you choose Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates you’ll be focusing on exercises which build strength, help with flexibility and improve body awareness, but the main difference between the two is the equipment involved.
Reformer Pilates is named after the Reformer machine used during the exercises.
This is a bed-like machine with a sliding carriage, as well as springs and pulleys to vary the resistance with which each exercise is performed.
In contrast, Mat Pilates is undertaken on a mat on the floor, and instead of using a machine, your own body weight is used to add resistance to exercises.
Resistance bands, weights, Pilates rings and other small equipment can also be used to vary resistance levels in Mat Pilates.
The Reformer machine assists or challenges the participant – sometimes at the same time. In contrast, in Mat Pilates you utilise gravity in combination with your own body weight and levers (arms/legs), to vary the challenge of the exercises.
So, the main difference between the two is the equipment, or lack of equipment, used to offer resistance during exercises.
But what are the other areas of contrast as we look at whether you’re better suited to Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates?
Convenience and access to classes
It’s no secret that Reformer Pilates is the less convenient option.
The Reformer machines themselves take up a lot of space, whereas almost everyone has room for a Pilates mat at home.
This enables the option of online classes, practicing Pilates by yourself at home or taking your mat to the gym and beginning your exercises with minimal setup time.
The size and expense of Reformer machines means that it’s quite rare for people to have their own at home, but also that Reformer Pilates classes are usually much more expensive than Mat Pilates, which is an accessibility barrier for some.
Body awareness and core control
Any form of Pilates will help you to strengthen your core and control your muscles, leading to a better awareness of your body, and improving things like posture and balance.
However, the root of Mat Pilates is the ability to control your muscles without the involvement of a machine, using Pilates principles and your own body.
This helps to understand better alignment and grow your foundational core strength.
This is immediately transferrable to life outside of your Pilates class, by emphasising good posture and better control and awareness of muscles used to perform daily tasks.
What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?
I believe that all forms of Pilates are beneficial for building core strength and improving wellbeing, so Reformer Pilates is a good choice for some.
It is often the preferred choice of those who like to use equipment when undertaking exercise, which can provide additional resistance and support.
For beginners, having the Reformer machine can provide a feeling of safety or security whilst they get to grips with the exercises, although under good instruction this should be the case with any form of Pilates.
It is also very fashionable at the moment, with plenty of Instagram Pilates accounts showing off their fancy new Reformer machines and sleek studio interiors.
So, for those who want the benefits of the Reformer machine and enjoy following the aesthetic fitness trends within the Pilates world, Reformer Pilates can be a good choice.
What are the benefits of Mat Pilates?
There are lots of advantages of Mat Pilates which we’ve touched on; here’s my summary under three headings:
Building core strength through low-impact exercise
Because it relies on using your body weight rather than additional equipment, Mat Pilates can be much lower impact than using a Reformer to increase resistance.
This makes it a great choice for those who are recovering from an injury or who experience ongoing pain.
It also means that your body becomes used to improving posture and body awareness throughout life, without relying upon equipment.
You can do your workout almost anywhere
Perhaps the most obvious contrast when comparing Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is the equipment involved.
With Mat Pilates requiring nothing but the mat itself, you don’t need to travel to a particular place and can exercise at home – or anywhere you like, whether it’s a hotel room, a balcony or even at the beach.
This enables you to practice at home easily between attending classes to achieve the benefits of Pilates as and when needed.
Lower cost options are available
Given that Reformer Pilates requires the Reformer machine, Reformer classes are typically more expensive to cover these, and the designated studios accommodating them.
Mat Pilates classes are usually a more cost-effective option which makes them a good choice for those trying out Pilates for the first time, who are unsure whether they want to make a larger financial commitment.
Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates: which is more effective?
The great thing about deciding between Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is that both types of Pilates are effective in improving core strength, increasing flexibility and helping body awareness – so there’s no ‘wrong’ answer here.
But if you would like an effective workout, using muscle control and stability to train your body, Mat Pilates is a great choice.
It quickly builds core strength by training your body to hold positions without the assistance of equipment, growing your fitness level from the start.
Ready to start your Mat Pilates journey? Visit New Healthy Body!
I hope I’ve convinced you that Mat Pilates is just as good, if not better, than Reformer Pilates, offering just as many benefits without the high price tag.
If you’re still trying to decide, one of the best ways to work out whether Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is better for you is to simply give it a go – and we have lots of classes on offer for you to try, both online and at our Sheffield studio.
If you have any further questions about whether Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates would be better for you or anything else you’d like to discuss about our Pilates classes or any health conditions you may have, contact us to have a chat
We run a 21-day Pilates programme which is a great introduction to Mat Pilates, where for just £21 you gain access to 3 one-hour Pilates classes (either online or in person), unlimited access to over 40+ workouts and classes that you can access at any point, and a library of specific Pilates exercise videos that you can use in your own time between classes.
It’s a fantastic deal, and for less than the cost of one Reformer class at some studios.
It will help you to truly find out whether Mat Pilates or Reformer Pilates is the better choice for you.