Interestingly, a lot of people get confused with what Reformer Pilates actually is. I think that’s because Pilates of all kinds is an excellent way to reform your body, and both can help correct posture and aid recovery from injury. But there is an official difference and here it is…
Reformer Pilates uses mechanical equipment
And it should be obvious that with Mat Pilates you basically use a mat and your body weight for resistance, although we do occasionally add in a few ‘toys’ such as trigger point balls, Pilates balls and rings.
With Reformer Pilates, you are not lying on a mat, but in fact placing your body on a machine in various ways, usually with straps and pulleys too.
And while Mat Pilates offers excellent low intensity, and low impact strength training, Reformer Pilates can increase that intensity by adding greater resistance.
Look at the difference in a simple move such as a lunge…
Reformer Pilates requires a dedicated space
As you can see from the photos above, the Reformer machine takes up about as much room as a running or rowing machine, but you’re unlikely to find one in the local gym or leisure centre, unless it’s in a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio.
In contrast a mat can be unrolled between your tv and sofa and put away easily after your workout. It also makes it incredibly convenient to join a local Mat Pilates class in the community centre – I’ve yet to see anyone lugging around a reformer machine!
Mat Pilates just seems less daunting
It can be intimidating joining a new class and trying something for the first time, but when you have to contend with new equipment that includes pulleys and moving parts, that can be enough to put someone off altogether… Mat Pilates just seems less formal, less serious and less daunting in general. And my Mat Pilates classes, as any of my members will tell you is always warm and welcoming, and we rarely take ourselves too seriously.
Choosing between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates
When it comes to choosing which form of Pilates will suit you better, think about these things:
Your fitness goals: Are you looking to add more resistance and weight to your workouts? Reformer might suit you better. If your preference is for low impact strength and resistance training, then Mat Pilates offers a simpler more accessible choice.
Proximity to a Reformer studio: You will likely need to travel to either class and that might be further away for a dedicated Reformer studio, whereas with Mat Pilates you can opt to work out at home (but it is nice to be together).
Cost: Reformer Pilates may be more expensive, simply because of the equipment and overhead costs of the studio. All Pilates instructors go through rigorous training, and some choose to specialise, which can be reflected in the price of their classes too…
Both forms of Pilates are great for your posture and building strength in a way that works WITH your body’s natural movement and function, so if you want to give it a try, I say go for it. Ad Astra offers free trial classes for Mat Pilates, but you’ll have to look for a Reformer studio yourself to find out more about that!
Have fun and enjoy moving – Jayne.