Reformer Pilates vs. Mat Pilates: Which One Should You Start With?

It was estimated recently that in the financial year 2023, over 1 million adults participated in Pilates in Australia, including around 316,000 people over the age of 55 (Source: Statista). Post-COVID has seen a surge in popularity in this nearly century-old form of exercise, and it’s not hard to see why. Pilates is a completely low-impact workout that focused on improving mobility, core strength, balance and posture. The nature of Pilates routines makes them highly accessible for beginners, while still delivering a serious challenge for more advanced trainers. Through controlled movements and focused breathwork, Pilates targets deep muscles and promotes a greater body awareness. If you’ve already decided that Pilates is the right workout for you, then you’ve got a choice: simple mat pilates or using a reformer machine. Today, we’re breaking down these two types of Pilates and exploring which one might be the right fit for you.

Types of Pilates

Mat Pilates

This form of Pilates is as simple as it gets. Simply lay down your exercise mat and you’re good to go. This workout focuses on controlled movements using your own body weight for resistance, similar to calisthenics. It’s a great starting point for beginners and allows you to build a strong foundation of Pilates techniques without the need to invest in specialised equipment.

Mat Pilates exercises target core strength, flexibility and body alignment. While it can be a little basic and repetitive, it gets you familiar with Pilates principles such as breath control, postural awareness and muscle engagement.

Reformer Pilates

Taking things a step up, Reformer Pilates is performed on a dedicated Pilates machine, called a Reformer. It uses adjustable springs to provide resistance. This is designed to assist with controlled movements and enhance the intensity of your workout. The Reformer gives you a much greater variety and difficulty range than mat Pilates due to its adjustable settings. With this machine, you can progress gradually and challenge yourself further as your fitness improves.

The Reformer machine enables a broader range of exercises that target all major muscle groups. By adding resistance to movements, Reformer Pilates helps to build strength, increase flexibility and improve muscle tone more effectively. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a more personalised or intense Pilates workout.

Benefits of Mat Pilates

Portability

Since all you need is a mat, it’s easy to practice mat Pilates anywhere. You can do it at home, in the gym or while travelling. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for those who want to get started with Pilates.

Beginner Friendly

A mat Pilates routine is usually simple, effective and can be easily modified to suit your fitness level. It’s also more budget-friendly since all you need is the mat, and many studios offer group classes or even online sessions. This makes it a great option for those just starting their fitness journey.

Physiotherapy Benefits

Mat Pilates is often recommended by physiotherapists for rehabilitation. The low-impact nature of the workout helps strengthen the muscles and joints without causing additional strain or injury. It’s particularly beneficial for people recovering from injuries or those with postural issues, as it can improve flexibility and core strength in a controlled environment.

Benefits of Reformer Pilates

Adjustable tension

With Reformer Pilates, you have the ability to adjust the tension using the springs. This allows you to modify the intensity of your workout based on your fitness level and goals. This benefits both beginners looking for a gentle workout or advanced users looking for a challenge. The adjustable resistance offers a more customizable and effective workout.

Great for Rehabilitation

Reformer Pilates is an excellent choice if you have specific rehabilitation needs. The machine offers great support and allows for more controlled movements, making it easier to improve posture, restore muscle balance and strengthen joints. It's also a great option for people with back pain or who are recovering from surgery, as it targets the deep stabilising muscles and helps with alignment and joint mobility.

Greater Range of Workouts

With the versatility of the machine, there are many more exercises available to target different muscle groups. The springs provide variable resistance, allowing for more challenging movements that can be progressed over time. As you advance, you can increase the resistance to continue challenging your muscles and building strength.

Mat vs. Machine

• Beginner-Friendly: If you're a beginner Pilates practitioner or new to exercise in general, mat Pilates is an excellent place to start. It’s affordable, easy to do at home and helps build a strong foundation in Pilates principles.
• Adjustability: If you’re looking for a more advanced workout or want to target specific areas of your body with added resistance, Reformer Pilates is a great choice. The machine’s adjustable springs offer a wide range of exercises and allow for more challenging movements.
• Accessibility: If you have space at home and want to invest in equipment, a Reformer Pilates machine can be a valuable addition. However, if you’re limited on space or prefer a workout you can take anywhere, Mat Pilates is the better option.
• Classes: Mat Pilates is more commonly available in gyms and fitness studios, while Reformer Pilates might require specialised classes or access to a Pilates studio with the right equipment.

Conclusion

There are unique benefits to both Reformer and mat Pilates. If you’re a beginner or looking for a low-cost, portable option, mat Pilates is a fantastic place to start. It’s easy to learn, accessible and great for building core strength and flexibility. If you're looking for a more intense, customisable workout with advanced resistance training, Reformer Pilates may be the better choice.

Ready to join the Pilates revolution? Whichever path you choose, Pilates offers a wealth of benefits for improving strength, posture and wellness.

If you have any more questions or want to learn more about our range of Reformer machines, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to help you out.