You might not be imagining it if you think all of your friends started doing friends started doing Pilates last year. There’s no question that Pilates is getting more popular. According to the ClassPass 2024 Look Back Report, it was the most popular fitness class last year. And it won’t be losing its popularity any time soon. If you’re like me, you see it all the time on Instagram and TikTok.
Reformer pilates and mat pilates are the two main types of this kind of workout. “Mat pilates is done on a yoga mat, a specially raised pilates mat, or even a towel,” says Laura Scholz, a certified classical Pilates teacher. “It uses your own body weight as resistance.”
“A reformer is a piece of equipment that people use to do reformer pilates. The machine is basically a raised mat with springs that move it and straps for your hands and feet. Laura Scholz is a certified classical Pilates instructor who lives in Atlanta.
The National Pilates Association has certified Lindsay Matthews as a Pilates teacher in Los Angeles. Mat and reformer pilates can both help you get stronger more flexible, and better posture. But the one you pick should depend on what you want to achieve.
The good things about Pilates on a mat
It doesn’t hurt. Scholz says that mat pilates is easier on your joints than running or jumping, which are both high-impact workouts that put a lot of stress on your body. It’s actually easier on your body than reformer pilates because you don’t have to deal with the extra resistance that comes with a reformer.
That means that mat pilates is a great choice for people who have joint pain, are healing from an injury, or can’t move around easily. You can do it anywhere. Scholz says that you don’t need any equipment to do mat pilates.
Pilates props like a ball, ring, or sliders can help you get more out of your workout. They are also small enough to take with you if you want to. You don’t need any of these things to do a good mat pilates workout.
Problems that could come up with mat Pilates
You might need to be a little strong to start. Matthews says that mat pilates can be hard for beginners. For instance, the hundred or single-leg stretch requires you to hold your head neck and chest up without using your hands.
You could be using the wrong form without knowing it. Matthews says that many people who do mat pilates are either in a big group class or at home watching a video.
Matthews says that doing moves with the wrong form can hurt you or even kill you. “I suggest going to a private or small group class at least a couple of times if you can so you can really learn your body before you start,” she says.
The benefits of reformer Pilates
It could be harder and more intense than Pilates on a mat. Matthews says, “The best thing about the reformer is that it builds on the mat exercises by using springs to make them harder.”
According to Scholz, the straps and springs on a reformer make movements harder and work your deep core muscles more. This is why it’s harder on the reformer than on the mat.
Do leg circles, for instance. When you circle your legs on a mat, there is no resistance but when you use a reformer, your feet are in the straps, which makes it harder.
Reformer Pilates may have some problems
It’s very expensive. Scholz says that reformer Pilates classes cost a lot of money because the equipment is so expensive. Matthews says that your instructor probably spent a year or more studying everything from the exercises to anatomy.
It can be scary and even life threatening for beginners. The moving carriage, springs, and straps can all be scary, especially if you’re in a big class where the teacher might not see you.
The good things about both mat and reformer Pilates
Both of them can help you get stronger and build muscle. Mat pilates can still help you get stronger even though it doesn’t use extra resistance training. Bodyweight exercises still work.
Both of them can help you stand up straighter. Studies show that general Pilates can improve overall posture and pain caused by bad posture.
Both can help you get more flexible. Research shows that people who did pilates regularly found it easier to touch their toes during flexibility tests.
What is the best choice for you
Experts say that if you can, you should try both mat and reformer pilates classes to see which one you like best. There is no clear winner between the two types of workouts.
Goals Experts say that both kinds of Pilates can help you get in shape and reach your goals like getting stronger more flexible and better posture overall.
Cash Mat pilates classes usually cost less than reformer classes. You can either take mat classes at a studio or work out for free on YouTube.
Simple to use Mat pilates is more convenient because you can do it anywhere. As long as you have a floor and a device to stream the workout.
Things to think about if you get hurt before starting pilates. It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare team, especially if you’ve had an injury in the past.
