Pilates Reformer vs Pilates Mat

Pilates is pretty popular right now, most big box gyms offer Pilates mat classes and some have reformers too. There are also more boutique-style studios popping up all over because we just cannot get enough of this wonderful form of movement!

Where did all the fuss begin?

Joseph Pilates was a small and sickly child and as he grew, he taught himself how to get stronger physically and was able to overcome asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, which he was afflicted with in his youth. He was influenced by gymnastics which he practised (his father was a prize-winning gymnast!) along with boxing, skiing, diving, yoga, martial arts and bodybuilding. You’ll see the influence of gymnastics and martial arts in a lot of the traditional repertoire.

You may have noticed though, that a lot of traditional Pilates movements have changed either a lot or a little either due to instructor creativity, modifications given to individual bodies or just a whole lot of creativity. The Pilates method was designed to help correct muscle imbalances, build strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, breathing capacity and improve organ function. Joe continued to develop his method and create new gadgets and inventions until he passed away in 1967. 

Matwork Pilates vs Reformer Pilates

So what is the difference between Matwork Pilates and Reformer Pilates? Traditionally, mat classes are a dynamic and challenging routine of set exercises created by Joe. Mat classes are performed on the floor, starting standing (transition to the hundred) and finishing standing (the push up); and sometimes combine small props as an aid or to intensify the work. Depending on where and who you are practising with, a mat class can have a slow, controlled pace with more focus on stretching or it could be more aerobic with high repetitions. Mat classes are designed to build strength using your own body weight and require a lot of body awareness, strength and flexibility to perform movements ‘by the book’. Reformer Pilates classes can also include props but are usually in a smaller group setting. In a clinical setting, one on one or small group sessions usually combine the use of reformer, mat and other Pilates apparatus to suit the individual.

What is Pilates Reformer?

There is a boom at the moment in athletic reformer Pilates which is more fitness based, but just like mat, there is everything in between. Larger reformer classes of 6 - 20 reformers is becoming the new normal for Pilates. This bigger class size has made reformer sessions a little more affordable and accessible to Pilates enthusiasts from all ages and backgrounds. This style of class is so popular because, let's face it, practising on the reformer is pretty damn fun! There’s something about the sliding carriage and springs that deliver a lovely gliding movement that feels amazing; can be incredibly challenging sometimes and very therapeutic at other times. Reformer apparatus styles all vary slightly however they all have:

1. springs

2. pulleys, ropes and straps

3. moving carriage

4. footbar

Movements created on the mat can also be performed on the reformer however, the feeling can be very different in the body as spring tension and a sliding carriage can challenge stability substantially, placing a different spin on the movement. Personally, I found that once I developed a good practice on the reformer, I felt more confident on the mat and enjoyed the repertoire there much more than I did initially. Did you know that Joe Pilates designed the reformer to get bodies strong enough to be able to tackle the mat repertoire? I’m going to be honest - matwork done correctly can be so hard! I’ve found that sentiment repeated through my clients' reactions to their first experience on the reformer. Every week, I hear how surprised they are at how enjoyable the reformer is to use. We have many clients who DO NOT love exercise, but they do love practising Pilates on the reformer. That says a lot to me - if you enjoy the movement, no matter what it is, you will do it consistently and that is what is important. So the moral of the story is if you love matwork and/or reformer Pilates - do more of it! They were both created by the same cool guy who was passionate about living life to the full and improving body and mind to be all you can be.