I already do Mat Pilates, why should I try the reformer?
Many of us in the UK, start our pilates journey on a mat, I certainly did; there were very few equipment studios back 20 odd years ago.
If you already practise mat Pilates, you’ll know just how good it can make you feel. You might notice better posture, improved flexibility, stronger core muscles and a greater awareness of how you move your body. Perhaps you even find that your regular class is the perfect opportunity to switch off, focus on yourself and leave the stresses of the day or that never ending to do list behind.
So, if mat Pilates is already working for you, why try reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates offers a different way to challenge your body, build strength and explore movement – while using the same Pilates principles you already know.
The reformer has a moving carriage, springs that provide adjustable resistance, straps and a footbar. These allow you to perform a wide variety of exercises in different positions, including lying down, sitting, kneeling and standing.
One of the biggest differences between mat and reformer Pilates is how resistance is created. On the mat you're often working against gravity and supporting the weight of your own body but on the reformer, the springs provide adjustable resistance, which can be increased or decreased depending on the exercise and your individual needs. So, you can challenge your muscles in different ways, working on strength, control and muscular endurance.
The springs don't simply make an exercise harder, either. They can also assist your movement, helping you explore exercises that might otherwise feel difficult.
Find the roll back a tricky exercise to wheel all those vertebrae down consecutively? The reformer supports you with the springs to enable you to do this correctly…..
Some exercises involve controlling the carriage while keeping your pelvis stable, while others challenge your balance, coordination or ability to move your arms and legs independently.
The springs provide feedback as you move, helping you notice when you are rushing, losing control or relying on one side of your body more than the other. With practice, this awareness can help you refine your movement and develop greater confidence in how you use your body.
One of the real benefits of working in a small pilates studio is the opportunity to receive more individual guidance. At the Garden Studio at Exe Valley Pilates we have just four people per class, this means I have more opportunity to observe how you move, offer corrections and adapt exercises to suit your ability.
You don’t need to choose!
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that mat Pilates and reformer Pilates complement one another beautifully. Both help you develop strength, control and an understanding of the Pilates principles using minimal equipment. Reformer Pilates just gives you another way to apply those principles, using adjustable resistance and the moving carriage to explore different challenges. Doing both can bring variety to your routine and give you more opportunities to develop your practice.
It's an opportunity to build strength in new ways, explore your body's capabilities, refine your technique and enjoy the benefits of practising in a small, supportive studio for a more personal approach.
Curious to find out more? Get in touch with Beth at the studio in Topsham to ask about our reformer and tower classes and take your first step towards trying something new.
