If you’re thinking of trying pilates for the first time, you’re probably considering whether mat or reformer pilates is best for you. Although both forms of pilates are an excellent choice for improving your core strength, balance, flexibility and muscle tone, it’s important to weigh the reformer pilates vs mat pilates question to explore which style suits your goals and abilities best.
Both types of pilates have unique exercises which are suitable for beginners and pilates veterans alike. And remember, there’s no need to limit yourself to one variety of pilates or the other – try both and enjoy both. In saying that, if you’re unsure which one to opt for first, read on for the lowdown on reformer vs mat pilates with Vaura.
What is reformer pilates?
Reformer pilates involves consistent, controlled movement on a piece of equipment known as a reformer. Reformers can vary in appearance and functionality, but for the most part involve a sliding base and a stable platform with straps, pulleys, and springs.
The way in which you add resistance is a key difference when comparing reformer pilates vs mat pilates. On a reformer, adding or decreasing resistance involves placing springs onto a gear bar at the end of a machine. In this way, the resistance you’re exercising with can be quickly adjusted mid workout.
With the support of the reformer, you’re also able to perform new movements and ranges of motion. By engaging muscles you haven’t worked before, reformer pilates workouts are especially effective for toning and strengthening.
Using a reformer may seem intimidating, so it’s worth remembering that reformers were originally developed by Joseph Pilates to help rehabilitate immobilized soldiers. On the reformer, exercises can be easily modified, allowing you to perform movements without placing too much weight on injured muscles or aching joints. Because of this, reformer pilates can improve your sleep quality, as it reduces back pain and discomfort.
Benefits of reformer pilates
Reformer pilates involves a range of empowering exercises that strengthen, tone, and align your body. Specialist trainers will always make sure you’re comfortable in each class, and if you want some extra comfort, consider the benefits of exercising with a friend. To help you choose between reformer vs mat pilates, keep reading for a few quickfire benefits of using a reformer. Because reformer pilates isn’t just versatile and fun to learn. It:
- Delivers deep full body conditioning
- Increases mobility
- Enables greater flexibility and range of motion
- Helps you prevent and recover from injury
- Makes it quick and easy to toggle the resistance level
- Provides extra cushioning and comfort
What is mat pilates?
Mat pilates involves using body weight as resistance while performing consistent and controlled movements on a mat. For this reason, it is often thought of as the foundation of pilates. It’s stripped down to the basics and will likely include some movements you’re familiar with – even if you’re a beginner.
Varying from mindful and slow stretching to fast and dynamic movement, the difficulty of a mat pilates workout is easy to change. For full body conditioning, you can expect to perform exercises standing, sitting and lying down. One difference between using a pilates reformer vs pilates mat is the extent to which they support and facilitate injured muscles. If you have an injury or joint pain, for example, mat exercises – which mostly involve lying down on your back or side – can be better for you than reformer pilates.
Plus, mat pilates is great for developing your muscle tone, with a particular focus on core, back and glute strength. To add extra resistance to mat pilates (for intermediate or advanced levels), try a range of light equipment such as:
- Dumbbells
- Resistance bands
- Exercise balls
- Pilates rings
- Pilates poles
Benefits of mat pilates
Most people start their pilates journey with mat exercises. The familiarity of exercises like squats and planks make mat pilates a great entry point.
Mat pilates is suitable for all levels – and in the reformer pilates vs mat pilates debate, the former isn’t any better than the latter simply because it requires more equipment. In fact, pilates of any intensity is effective. Engaging in slow, measured mat movements shouldn’t be underestimated – and it’s a key part of our prenatal pilates and postpartum pilates offerings here at Vaura.
Mat pilates offers a wide range of benefits. It:
- Requires no equipment – not even a mat – to get started
- Adapts easily to different pilates skill levels
- Provides full body conditioning
- Improves posture
- Enhances flexibility
- Develops coordination
- Contains familiar, easy-to-learn exercises
Which type of pilates is best for you?
Still weighing up the pilates reformer vs pilates mat conundrum? While both offer similar benefits in terms of their mobility- and strength-boosting capabilities, we recommend learning reformer pilates.
Being adjustable for both strength training and recovery, reformer pilates has that extra layer of versatility. Reformers allows for lots of variety – and by setting goals and learning new ways to work out on them, you’ll be able to keep fit and stay motivated. Whether you’re new to pilates, looking to return to exercise or are ready for advanced classes, reformer workouts offer something for everyone.
Here at Vaura, we offer different types of classes on the reformer, giving you the freedom to tailor your fitness plan. If you’re new and ready to dip your toes, try our intro class. Our friendly trainers will take you through the basics and answer any questions. If you want a clean and effective reformer workout, try our Total class. Or, if you’re looking for something altogether different, our Circuit or Fusion classes incorporate HIIT and cardio exercises as well.
Our trainers are experienced with both mat and reformer pilates, and they can always adjust a class to accommodate your individual needs. So stop grappling with the reformer pilates vs mat pilates debate, and instead ask a different question: why not come down to your local Vaura studio and get a taste of both?
That’s all on reformer pilates vs mat pilates. Now, discover how many times a week you should do pilates to optimize your exercise routine.