Many wonder what the ultimate difference is between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates, or which one is best, and which one to start with if you’re new to the practice. Here’s my take on the two:
Mat Pilates can be done anywhere, with or without a mat, with or without props. It’s convenient and is the cheaper option. Original mat exercises, created by Joseph Pilates, involved solely the use of your own body weight – no props. Along with most Pilates instructors nowadays, I often like to include hand weights, bands, and other small props to either make exercises more challenging or to help you connect to a move in a deeper way.
For Reformer Pilates you, obviously, need a reformer. Thankfully, there are now more product options out there to meet your budget and available space. This Pilates machine works with spring resistance and straps to offer you an amazing workout, and it’s also a wonderful tool for rehabilitating muscles and joints. Joe Pilates invented the first form of the reformer by modifying hospital beds (using the bed’s springs!) so that patients who couldn’t get up were able to work out and rehab. As many of you know, there’s a lot you can do on a reformer just lying down!
The main difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates is that on the reformer you are working with resistance and a moving platform. A heavier weight can challenge your muscle strength and help you stretch in deeper ways, and a lighter weight can challenge your balance. You can perform some mat exercises on the reformer and some reformer exercises on the mat as well (using elastic bands).
Which should you start with? There’s really no right and wrong here. My beginner Reformer classes and Mat Classes always include important cues and are at a slower pace so that students who haven’t taken Mat or Reformer Pilates before will understand. The reformer may feel overwhelming if you’ve never been on one before, but people quickly get accustomed to it…and LOVE it! If you feel like you need to focus your attention on what your body is suppose to do instead of worrying about what the machine is doing, then start with Mat Pilates. Students are always surprised, though, by how quickly their bodies respond to Pilates. This is true for both natural movers and for people who struggle a bit more with body connection and coordination.
In conclusion, if you can practice both Mat and Reformer Pilates, that’s ideal! If space and budget has you left with a mat instead of a reformer, that’s ok as you’ll still be able to make your body stronger and more flexible in ways you never thought possible! What Pilates is all about, for me, whether it’s on a mat or on a reformer, is to be able to feel great now and as your body continues to age. It strengthens your core and back, lubricates your joints, helps fix your posture and alignment, and improves your balance. Pilates is for everyone. That’s true too if you’re 65 and just starting now. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
If you’re ready to kick start your Pilates journey, sign up for a 7 day free trial on my website
I offer both Mat and Reformer Pilates workouts, you can browse the workouts here.
Here are a few links to Reformers and Mats I recommend:
The Allegro 2 Reformer is the one I use in my videos. It’s user friendly, and has a smooth design. I suggest adding on the legs.
The Allegro Reformer is the original Allegro design. I suggest adding on the legs.
The Metro IQ Reformer is a great option if space is limited.
This Pilates Mat is the best! It’s more padded than a yoga mat, which feels better on the back!
