Mat Pilates Vs Reformer Pilates: What Should You Know About The Differences
by Liz Seyi Digital marketing managerThe notion of taking a Pilates class is something
that many of us will have considered down the years.
Perhaps in your case, you might have heard great
things about the benefits that Pilates can have for enhancing core strength,
mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle tone.
But Pilates can also seem to present many
intimidating decisions for the newcomer – not least the question of whether
they should be engaging in reformer or mat Pilates. So, how do these two
methods differ, and what should guide your own choice?
Mat Pilates
As its name suggests, mat Pilates centres on
mat-based exercises; when you take on a Pilates mat class, you can expect to be
tested through a series of body-weight exercises such as the swan-dive, teaser,
Hundred, roll-up, seal, crab, roll-over, and single-leg circle.
Such a range of routines can be great for working
your legs, stomach, upper and lower back muscles – in short, bringing you many
of the holistic benefits that are widely associated with Pilates.
In some ways, mat Pilates might seem to make great
sense for a beginner, and in other ways, less so. Although it can be highly
rewarding for novices due to how it requires the attendees of such classes to
learn to control their muscles during exercises, they will not be able to count
on springs and cables to support them.
In short, they really will be required to be in
complete control of their body, given that it is their body weight that will
provide resistance against gravity when they are on the mat.
But on the other hand, a great advantage of mat
Pilates is that it can be done anywhere, including by those who do not have
immediate access to specialised equipment.
Reformer Pilates
The reformer that is central to many people’s
perceptions of Pilates is a contraption consisting of springs, gears, straps,
and ropes. The sight of such a machine might intimidate an uninitiated
newcomer, but the reformer actually provides support for the body, and is
highly versatile, with the option to alter the resistance of the springs to
change the intention or focus of the exercise.
Reformer Pilates is naturally a different
experience to mat Pilates, there is added resistance and much more feedback
available than on a mat. Some exercises, are the same on the reformer and on
the mat, such as The Hundred. Each of these offer a different experience, but
one informs the other.
So, whatever your level of capability – including
if you are interested in Pilates due to how it could aid your recovery from
injury, or if you have limited range of movement – you could be pleasantly
surprised by the relevance and effectiveness of reformer Pilates.
A major benefit of this Pilates method is that the
resistance the reformer’s spring and pulley system offers, coupled with its
feedback can greatly expand the range of exercises you could try compared to
mat Pilates, thereby giving you a lot of variety.
You can argue that reformer Pilates gives
noticeable results sooner. I agree this to be the case, but the main reason for
this I believe is because the feedback the reformer gives your body allows you
to expand your Pilates vocabulary sooner because you are given more information
from the apparatus. What I mean by this is that a client could come to a mat
class and do the hundred and not quite understand the need to follow the cue
‘reach your arms’ until they are a little more experienced. One session on the
reformer, you understand the importance of reaching your arms because the reformer
gives your body the information back to reach your arms…if you don’t the
carriage bounces and it feels wrong. So yes, the reformer is harder, it gives
you more bang for your buck, but it is also easier than mat work in many
ways.
Which of these methods of Pilates should you
choose?
In many ways, it is best not to agonise over the
wisdom of practising one form of Pilates over another, given that both can
bring comparable benefits to most people.
While for certain groups – such as those recovering
from injury – reformer Pilates is likely to be more ideal, both forms will
enable you to build the strength in your body’s core that you will doubtless
aspire to when you take up Pilates.
The key thing is to ensure you maintain regular
practice, in addition to consistently adhering to the central principles of
Pilates, so that you can be sure of gaining the best possible results.
Do you have any further questions as someone who
may be seeking suitable reformer and/or matPilates classes in
Brighton or online? If so, please do not hesitate to
enquire today to Brighton Pilates, whether by phone or email.
Perhaps you could join up to Brighton Pilates On Demand where you can get a 7
day free trial.
Follow and chat with Ellie on Instagram @brighton_pilates or email
ellie@brightonpilates.co.uk
Sponsor Ads
Created on Jun 30th 2022 06:45. Viewed 144 times.