What’s the Difference Between Mat and Reformer Pilates?

Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are two popular ways to practice Pilates, but they differ in how they work your body. Mat Pilates uses just your body weight, while Reformer Pilates adds resistance through springs on a machine. Both forms of Pilates can help you build strong, lean muscles, especially in your core. But they each offer unique benefits, and you might find that one suits your fitness goals better than the other.

Mat Pilates Basics

Mat Pilates is the foundation of all Pilates exercises. It was first introduced by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s as a way to improve whole-body health by combining breath control with mindful movement. Mat Pilates exercises are done on the floor and include movements like The Hundred, Teaser, Roll-Up, and Single-Leg Circle. These exercises might look simple, but they are quite powerful, helping to tone your muscles, increase flexibility, and improve posture.

Without any extra equipment, you rely entirely on your body to perform Mat Pilates exercises. This means you have to carefully control your muscles, especially your core, as you move. Because of this, many instructors recommend starting with Mat Pilates to understand how your body should move before trying Reformer Pilates.

Reformer Pilates Basics

Reformer Pilates might seem a bit intimidating at first because it involves a machine with springs, straps, a foot bar, and a platform. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that the machine is designed to give you a very effective workout. The Reformer machine helps you strengthen, lengthen, and tone your muscles by adding resistance to your movements.

Many exercises in Reformer Pilates are similar to those in Mat Pilates, but the machine allows you to take them to a higher level. The springs and straps can be adjusted to make the exercises easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. Even though Reformer Pilates challenges your body more, it is still gentle on your joints and offers support that Mat Pilates does not.

Key Differences Between Mat and Reformer Pilates

The main difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates is the equipment. Mat Pilates is done on the floor using just your body weight, sometimes with props like a ring or ball. Reformer Pilates, on the other hand, uses a Reformer machine that adds resistance through springs. This added resistance can make the exercises more challenging, similar to lifting weights at the gym. But unlike free weights, the Reformer machine helps keep your body aligned, reducing the risk of injury.

Benefits of Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates offers more variety and control in your workout. You can adjust the springs to make the exercises easier or harder, depending on how you feel that day. The Reformer machine also provides support for your joints, which can be helpful if you have an injury or need extra stability.

In addition to these benefits, Reformer Pilates offers all the usual advantages of Pilates, such as building strength, improving flexibility, and connecting your breath with movement.

Choosing Between Mat and Reformer Pilates

Mat Pilates is versatile and great for building strength with just your body weight. However, it offers less support than Reformer Pilates, so you’ll need to rely more on your own strength and control.

If you have an injury, need to protect your joints, or want extra support for your core, Reformer Pilates might be the better choice. It can also provide a more intense workout, and with the addition of a jump board, you can even incorporate some cardio into your routine.