Mat Pilates VS Reformer

 

Comparing MAT PILATES VS REFORMER …

Are you looking to kickstart your pilates journey at New Dawn Pilates and Yoga Cleveland - but unsure what form is the best fit for you? 

Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are both fantastic low impact workouts with many incredible benefits, and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Here's a guide to help you understand the major differences between Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates. 

Mat Pilates 

Mat Pilates involves performing body-weight exercises and movements low to the ground. These movements may include roll-ups, single-leg circles, double leg and spine stretches, to help develop and strengthen the muscles in your legs, stomach, lower back and upper back.

This form of Pilates is highly accessible as it simply requires a mat and a soft surface. Pilates movements performed on a mat will strengthen your core as well as improving your balance, posture and stability.

When you come along to one of our mat pilates sessions, your instructor will guide you so that you will learn the correct techniques to ensure maximum benefits.

Reformer Pilates

The most popular machine used in Pilates is the reformer, which was invented by Joseph Pilates nearly a hundred years ago.

This exercise machine is like a 'bedframe', using different weighted spring combinations to create resistance when you move back and forth on the carriage. As a result, Reformer Pilates is much more intense and dynamic than mat based Pilates and gives your entire body a workout!

Fans of Reformer Pilates enjoy the variety, as exercises may be performed on your back, side, stomach, while seated, standing or on all fours.

If you’ve never tried pilates before, it is generally advised to try a few mat sessions first before trying the reformer classes.

What is best for me? 

Both forms of Pilates provide fantastic benefits when it comes to developing and toning your body’s core; plus they’re lots of fun (especially with the great bunch at our Redlands Pilates studio!).

However, to decide which form is the best fit for you, it is important that you consider the following. 

 Mat Pilates Classes are ideal if:

  • You’re looking for a lower impact class that involves stretch and strengthening work.  

  • You want to work at your own fitness level.

  • You want to work on your core strength, to improve balance, posture, and stability. 

  • You are a beginner, as the exercises are suitable for all ages and fitness levels - even if you’ve never done Pilates before. 

  • You suffer with pain (eg back pain) or are recovering from injury.

Reformer Pilates Classes are best suited to those wanting: 

  • To improve and maintain overall fitness levels.

  • More immediate results - Reformer Pilates provides a variety of challenging exercises, which can help you achieve results much sooner. 

  • A bit of a challenge! The reformer is extraordinarily versatile and therefore you are able to increase the difficulty of exercises. 

  • To lose weight, as Reformer Pilates helps to develop more muscle tone and burn more calories. 

  • Build their muscle strength. 

Still unsure? That’s okay, we understand what it’s like, which is why at New Dawn Pilates and Yoga Cleveland we offer your FIRST SESSION FREE.

To find out more, call 0429 460 733 or reserve your spot using our online booking system.